Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They ease symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity by stimulating brain chemicals. They can also help reduce the tics and help with tasks.
They can be purchased in a short-acting or long-acting version. Doctors can prescribe them alone or together.
Adderall
Adderall (the combination of dextroamphetamine with amphetamine) is a stimulant drug that improves the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD). It assists in reducing impulsive behaviors like interrupting others, while increasing concentration and reducing restlessness. It also enhances the ability to follow and listen. It is a good choice for children as young as three years old, teenagers or adults. It is also used to treat narcolepsy an illness of sleep that can cause sudden attacks of sleepiness during the daytime.
The way Adderall operates is by altering certain naturally occurring chemical substances in your brain. It increases the amount dopamine and norrepinephrine, which are neurotransmitters found in nature. This allows your brain to function more efficiently and enhances your capabilities in areas afflicted by ADHD, such as concentration, memory, and motivation. It also reduces restlessness and boosts alertness in those suffering from narcolepsy.
The effects of stimulants can increase heart rate which is dangerous for those with certain medical conditions or who are taking other medications. The use of stimulants is not recommended by people with high blood pressure, a history or stroke, heart disease or seizures. Additionally, those with kidney or liver disease or glaucoma should consult their doctor prior to taking these. They can be abused and can cause adverse side effects like addiction or overdose.
Studies have proven that long-term use of stimulants like Adderall can increase a slightly higher risk of heart problems for women, those who have a preexisting heart condition, and those younger than 18 years old. However the benefits of this medication far outweigh the risks.
Adderall begins to work when you notice a change in the way you follow directions and pay attention. You can tell if your organization skills improve. If you are having difficulty sleeping, avoid caffeine and screen time (such as television or video games) during the hours leading up to the time of bed.
Adderall and other stimulants will remain in your system for between two and four days. If you are required to take a drug test for school or work, it is best to inform them.
Evekeo
Evekeo (amphetamine sulfate) is an ADHD medication that was approved by the FDA in 2014. It helps by increasing levels of two neurotransmitters that are important in the brain, norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals are involved in the reward and pleasure pathways as well as concentration and attention. Evekeo can help improve ADHD symptoms however, there are negative side negative effects.
Stimulants such as Evekeo can raise blood pressure and heart rate. These changes could be extreme and require hospitalization or treatment. Inform your doctor if you have is a personal or family history of heart disease. It is also important to let your doctor know if you have any other health problems or take any supplements or vitamins. Evekeo may interact with certain medicines, so always inform your doctor about any other prescription and non-prescription drugs you are taking.
This medication can cause headaches. It is also possible to be experiencing dry mouth, nausea or tiredness. These effects typically go away within several days or a few weeks, but you should consult your physician when they continue or get worse. Evekeo can also cause a rare condition known as peripheral vasculopathy or Raynaud's phenomenon which can lead to tissue breakdown and digital ulceration. This is more likely to be seen in children and adolescents and is worsened by long-term use of stimulants.
Some people develop a mental dependence on this medication, which is a serious problem that requires intervention. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms if the drug is abruptly stopped or decreased in dosage. The withdrawal symptoms can include agitation and depression. They may also experience fatigue, irritability and vivid or unsettling dreams. Certain people may also develop tolerance to this medication, meaning that higher doses are needed to get the same effect. This can lead to addiction and can cause other serious side effects. It is also possible to overdose on this drug, which can lead to a life-threatening condition called rhabdomyolysis. This could be a fatal and serious adverse effect of amphetamines, including Evekeo.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, the most common medication prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD, is a type of medication that affects chemicals in the brain and nerves. It affects the chemical balance in the brain and nerves that are responsible for the hyperactivity and control of impulses. It is FDA-approved for treating adults and children aged 6 and over. Healthcare providers utilize it to enhance their patients' ability to remain focused and less impulsive, which helps them function better in the classroom or at work. It also helps in controlling mood swings and makes it easier to sleep.
The drug comes in extended-release and immediate-release tablets and capsules. The immediate-release category includes pills (Ritalin) or liquid (Methylin) or chewable tablets (Melissa). The extended-release category is available in tablets (Concerta) as well as capsule (Methylin XR) and tablet (Methadose and Azstarys). It is important to use the medication regularly to reap the maximum benefit from it. There are some people who experience a short period of fatigue, increased activity or bad mood when the effects of methylphenidate wear off. This is referred to as the rebound effect.
Like other stimulants, methylphenidate can cause an upset stomach headache, nausea, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping. It also increases blood pressure and heart rate. It can be taken with food to help prevent these adverse effects. In some cases, people suffering from bipolar disorders may have a mania-like episode while taking methylphenidate. It's not common however, you should talk to your doctor about the history of mental illness in your family.
There aren't many non-stimulant medications specifically approved to treat ADHD. However, some health professionals might prescribe antidepressants to treat the condition. These medications work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain. Most of them belong to two drug classes called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists.
These drugs do not have the same dangers of abuse that stimulants do. However, they can cause serious health problems if taken incorrectly or in large doses. Non-stimulant medications may take longer to work than stimulants and may take up 24 hours to attain their maximum effectiveness. They may also reduce the effectiveness of other prescription ADHD medication.
Nonstimulants
For a lot of kids and adults, stimulant medication is the first choice to treat ADHD. They might not be effective for everyone, or they can cause undesirable negative side negative effects. Nonstimulant drugs can be helpful in these situations. They can help improve focus and decrease impulsivity for children and adults suffering from ADHD. These medications can be found in the form of liquids, pills, or patches. They can also be mixed with stimulants or taken on their own. Non-stimulant drugs like Clonidine and atomoxetine function by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters within the brain.
adhd and medication are among the most common drugs prescribed for ADHD and are also the most researched. They are also the most effective in helping kids and adults with ADHD concentrate and control their impulsivity. They are either short-acting or long-acting and usually begin working within 30 to 45 minutes and last for three to six hours. Long-acting stimulants are typically prescribed initially, and doctors may supplement them with a shorter-acting stimulant for those who struggle with staying focused throughout the day.
There are a variety of different kinds of stimulant drugs, including amphetamines and methylphenidate. These drugs are controlled and only available with the prescription of a doctor. The stimulants can also be misused and that is why they're considered controlled substances. Nonstimulants do not have the same risk of abuse and are less likely than stimulants to trigger negative effects like addiction.
Nonstimulant drugs can be taken orally or transdermally. They generally absorb more quickly than stimulants and do not require a lengthy waiting for the time it takes to begin working. They can help improve impulsivity in children and adults with ADHD and are often paired with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
There are some who experience adverse reactions from these medications However, they are generally minimal and will go away on their own as the body adjusts to them. Talk to your doctor should you experience any issues. They will be able to help you determine if the side effects are normal or not and suggest ways to reduce them.