ADHD Medication Names
Medications ease symptoms of ADHD in about 70 percent to 80% of adults and children. They can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and aid in focusing. The health care team will assess the effectiveness of the medication effective and may alter your child's dose or frequency of use.
Stimulants work by helping neurons transmit signals. Examples include methylphenidate, sold under the brand names Ritalin or Concerta, and dexamfetamine available under the brand name Vyvanse. Atomoxetine and long-acting guanfacine -- both called alpha agonists are also used to help treat ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants, the most widely used ADHD medication can help people of any age control their symptoms. These drugs increase dopamine levels in the brain, which help improve focus and concentration while reducing impulsivity and hyperactivity. Amphetamines and methylphenidate as well as other stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Common brand names include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexadrine. Illicit stimulants are methamphetamine and crystal meth (meth) cocaine, as well as bath salts made from synthetic cathinones.
Side effects of stimulant medication include stomach upset, a decrease in appetite, and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. People who take stimulants for long periods can also suffer from an "rebound effect," which means they become more hyperactive after the drug has a chance to wear off. They may also experience mood changes, such as anxiety and depression. These side effects usually decrease in time as the body adjusts to the medication.
The majority of doctors recommend mixing psychiatric medication with behavioral therapy to help improve the management of symptoms. Behavioral therapy can teach children and adults strategies to manage their symptoms. It can also reduce stress and encourage healthier choices for lifestyle.
ADHD medications aren't a cure, however, they can greatly enhance a person's quality of life. Numerous studies have proven that stimulants can be utilized in conjunction with other treatment strategies like parent education and counseling to help improve the management of symptoms.
The medications for adults suffering from ADHD differ from those used for kids and the dosages are higher. It can take a long time to find the right dosage and medication to reduce symptoms with the lowest amount of adverse effects. Doctors usually prescribe a variety of medicines in the initial few weeks to determine which is best for each patient.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to work and doesn't last as much as stimulants. However, they can be helpful for some people. These drugs help by increasing the quantity of a substance in the brain that is known as norepinephrine. Norepinephrine helps improve concentration and control impulses. The medications that boost norepinephrine are the atomoxetine (Strattera) and the beta agonists that have a long-lasting effect such as clonidine chloride (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv). adhd anxiety medication are not controlled substances and therefore are less likely for misuse.
If ADHD medication doesn't work or has serious side effects, psychiatric medications may be prescribed. Your doctor might prescribe a tricyclic drug, like Tofranil (Imipramine) or Nortriptyline(Aventyl or Pamelor), to treat depression and anxiety which can occur with ADHD. These medications reduce the brain's natural chemical activity however they don't have same effect on blood pressure or heart rate as stimulants. These medications are often used with stimulants in the treatment of ADHD as they help improve focus and concentration.