Add ADHD Medications to Your Treatment Plan
Stimulants can lessen ADHD symptoms for 70 to 80% children and adults. They can't cure ADHD and the negative effects can be unpleasant.
Your doctor will recommend the most effective medication for you along with the right dose and schedule. You may also need to stop taking certain medications, such as antidepressants or tricyclic antidepressants, prior to beginning stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase activity in parts of the brain that aid in controlling attention and behaviour. They are the most frequently used medications to treat ADHD. They are available as tablets with immediate release or extended-release capsules, or as chewable tablets for children who are having difficulty swallowing. These medicines can be prescribed to children, teens or an adult. adhd medication who are taking these medications have side effects. They can be minor or severe. If they become a problem, the medication or dosage may need to be changed.
The most commonly used stimulant medication for ADHD is methylphenidate. Ritalin is also the brand name. Methylphenidate increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, by preventing their reuptake. It also helps improve concentration and attention. It is available in tablets or extended-release tablet that is taken every day in the morning. Children who are having difficulty swallowing pills or liquids may take the chewable version of this medication, which is composed of beads that are easy to chew.
You can also get it in the form of patch that releases the medication slowly throughout the day. The initial dose of the medication is typically small, and the dose can be increased gradually over time. Most people who are taking these medications will visit their doctor or GP regularly to monitor how they're doing and look for any signs of problems.
Amphetamines have been the most well-known stimulant drug until recently. They were used by truck drivers, students and athletes to stay awake and to boost energy. They were also abused by those suffering from eating disorders to aid in losing weight. Amphetamines can be highly addictive and can cause psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delirium. In contrast to other add ADHD drugs, amphetamines are classified as Schedule II drugs by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means they are prone for abuse. These medications are often combined with alcohol or illegal drugs such as cocaine by people who abuse them. This increases the risk of addiction.
There are many options available for those who have to take additional ADHD medication. In addition to stimulants, there are a variety of non-stimulant drugs that have been approved for ADHD treatment for children and adults. These medications work differently from stimulants, however they can be effective in reducing ADHD symptoms. These medications do not cause the same levels of energy and arousal as some stimulant medication.
These include the guanfacine (brand name Toleranse) and Atomoxetine (brand name Strattera), and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). These drugs act on different brain receptors unlike stimulants and have less impact on a child's blood pressure or heart rate. These medications are not yet fully understood, but they work by stimulating neurons in the prefrontal cortices. They are likely to prevent excessive stimulation of the noradrenergic a2-adrenoceptors and dopamine D1 receptors within this region, which may interfere with spatial working memory function. This is an area of ongoing research. Research suggests that these medications may be more effective than stimulants when it comes to improving ADHD symptoms, particularly in children.