Add ADHD Medications to Your Treatment Plan
Stimulants decrease ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80% of adults and children who use them. However, they aren't able to cure the condition and the side effects can be bothersome.
adhd medication list will recommend the best medicine for you along with the right dose and schedule. You may need to stop certain medicines like antidepressants and tricyclic antidepressants prior introducing stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase activity in parts of the brain that control attention and behavior. They are the most frequently used medications to treat ADHD. They are available as tablets with immediate release or extended-release capsules, as well as chewable tablets for children who are having difficulty swallowing. These medications can be prescribed to a child, teen or adult. Some people who are taking this medication experience side effects. They can be either severe or mild. If they cause problems then the medication or dose could need to be adjusted.
The most well-known stimulant medication for ADHD is methylphenidate. It's also referred to by the brand name Ritalin. Methylphenidate works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain increasing their levels, and enhancing focus and attention. It is available as a tablet or an extended-release tablet that is taken every day in the morning. Children who have difficulty swallowing liquids or pills can take the chewable version of this medication, which is made of beads that are easy to chew.
It's also available as a skin patch that releases medicine slowly over the course of a single day. The first dose of medication is usually small, and then the dose can be gradually increased over time. The majority of patients who use these drugs will see their physician or doctor regularly to check how they're doing and check for any signs of problems.
Amphetamines were the most popular stimulant drugs until recently. They were often used by truck drivers, athletes and students to stay awake and increase energy. They were also taken by people who had eating disorders to aid in losing weight. Amphetamines are highly addictive and can trigger psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations. Unlike most add ADHD medications, amphetamines are classified as Schedule II drugs by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means that they are susceptible for abuse. People who misuse these medications frequently combine them with other drugs such as alcohol or illegal drugs such as cocaine, which increase the chance of becoming addicted.
There are a lot of options available to those who need to take addition ADHD medications. In addition to stimulants, there are a variety of non-stimulant drugs that have been approved for ADHD treatment in children and adults. These medications perform differently than stimulants, but they can still significantly improve ADHD symptoms. These medications do not produce the same highs and lows as some stimulant medication.
These medications include guanfacine, atomoxetine, and viloxazine. These medications affect different receptors in the brain unlike stimulants, and they have less effect on the blood pressure of a child or heart rate. These medications are not yet fully understood, but they work by increasing the activity of neurons in the prefrontal cortex. They could hinder excessive stimulation of the noradrenergic D1 receptors and dopamine a2-adrenoceptors within this area, which may affect spatial working memory function. This is a research area that is ongoing. These drugs could be more effective in treating ADHD symptoms in children than stimulants, based on research.