Add ADHD Medications to Your Treatment Plan
Stimulants can lessen ADHD symptoms for 70% - 80% children and adults. They don't cure ADHD, and the side effects can be annoying.
Your doctor will prescribe the medicine that's right for you, and the ideal dose and schedule. You may have to stop certain medicines like tricyclic antidepressants before starting stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost activity in the parts of the brain that aid in controlling the behavior and attention. They are the most common medications used to treat ADHD. adhd medications for adults are available in immediate-release or extended-release capsules as well as chewable tablets. They may be prescribed for children, teens or adult. Some people who are taking these medications suffer from adverse effects. They can be severe or mild. If they are a problem the medication or dose may need to be changed.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant medication used to treat ADHD. Ritalin is also the brand name. Methylphenidate increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine 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 daily in the morning. Children who have trouble swallowing pills or liquids may use the chewable version of this medication, which is made of small pieces that are easy to chew.
It is also available in patches that release the medicine slowly throughout the day. The majority of medications are given in the form of small doses at first and then gradually increased in time. Most patients who take these drugs will see their physician or doctor regularly to assess how they're doing and check for any indications of issues.
Amphetamines have been the most well-known stimulant drug until recently. Students, truck drivers, and athletes took them to stay alert and increase their energy levels. People suffering from eating disorders used them to lose weight. Amphetamines can be extremely addictive and can trigger psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations. Unlike most add ADHD drugs, amphetamines are classified as Schedule II drugs by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means they are prone for abuse. People who abuse these drugs frequently combine them with other substances such as alcohol or illegal drugs such as cocaine, which increase the risk of addiction.
There are a variety of options for those who must take additional ADHD medications. In addition to stimulants, there are many non-stimulant medicines that have been approved for ADHD treatment in children and adults. These medications perform differently than stimulants, however they can still significantly improve ADHD symptoms. These medications don't produce the same highs and lows as stimulant medications.
These include Guanfacine (brand name Toleranse), Atomoxetine (brand name Strattera), and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). These medications work on different brain receptors than stimulants, and have a less dramatic impact on a child's blood pressure or heart rate. These medications aren't completely understood, but they function by stimulating the activity of neurons in the prefrontal cortices. They could prevent excessive stimulation of the dopamine D1 receptors within this region, which could interfere with spatial working memory function. This is a subject of ongoing research. Research suggests that these medicines could be more effective than stimulants in improving ADHD symptoms, especially for children.