Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are commonly prescribed for ADHD. They reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms by increasing brain chemicals. They can also help reduce tics and finish tasks.
They can be purchased in a short-acting or long-acting type. Doctors may prescribe them alone or in combination with other medicines.
Adderall
Adderall (the combination of dextroamphetamine with amphetamine) is stimulant drug that helps improve the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD). It improves focus, decreases restlessness, and helps control disruptive behavior such as interrupting others. It also aids in listening and following instructions. It is a good choice for children as young as three years old, adolescents or adults. It is also used for the sleep disorder narcolepsy, which is that is characterized by sudden bouts of sleepiness in the morning.
The way Adderall works is by altering certain naturally occurring chemical substances in your brain. It increases the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine, which are natural neurotransmitters which transmit messages between cells. This improves brain function in areas afflicted by ADHD such as motivation, focus, and memory. It also increases alertness and reduces restlessness in people suffering from Narcolepsy.
Stimulants can raise heart rate, which is risky for people who have certain medical conditions or who are taking other medications. Stimulants should not be taken by people with high blood pressure, a history or heart disease, stroke or seizures. Additionally, those with kidney or liver disease, or glaucoma need to consult their doctor prior to taking them. They may also be abused and can cause negative adverse effects, like addiction or overdose.
Studies have proven that long-term use of stimulants such as Adderall can lead to a slightly higher risk of heart problems for women, those with preexisting heart disease, and those younger than 18 years old. However, the benefits of this medication far outweigh the risks.
Adderall starts working when you notice a change in how you follow directions and pay attention. It is also possible to tell it is working if you start to improve your organizational skills. Avoid caffeine and screen time in the hours prior to bedtime if you are having trouble falling asleep.
Stimulants such as Adderall can remain in your system for two to four days. If you are required to undergo a test for drugs 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 is effective by increasing the levels of two neurotransmitters that are important in the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These chemicals are involved in pleasure and reward pathways, as well as concentration and attention. Evekeo may improve ADHD symptoms However, there are adverse effects.
Stimulants such as Evekeo can increase heartbeat and blood pressure. These changes can be serious and require hospitalization or treatment. It is important to inform your doctor whether you have a history of heart problems or any family history of them. adhd medications is also important to let your doctor know whether you suffer from any other health issues or take any vitamins or supplements. Evekeo could interact with certain medications. Always tell your doctor if taking any prescription or non-prescription medication.
The most frequent side result of this medication is headache. It is also possible to experience dry mouth, nausea and drowsiness as well as weight loss. These effects typically disappear within a week or two, but you should contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or get worse. Evekeo can also trigger a rare condition called peripheral vasculopathy or Raynaud's phenomenon. This can lead to digital ulceration or the breakdown of tissue. This condition is more common in children and teenagers, and can be exacerbated by long-term stimulant use.
Certain people may develop a psychological dependence on this medication and this is a serious problem that requires treatment. This could lead to withdrawal symptoms if the drug is abruptly stopped or reduced in dose. The withdrawal symptoms include depressed mood, agitation and fatigue, as well as irritability and vivid or unpleasant dreams. Some people may also develop tolerance, which means that they require greater doses to get the same effects. This could lead to addiction and to other dangerous side effects. It is also possible to overdose on this medication and develop a life-threatening condition called rhabdomyolysis. This could be a fatal and severe side effect of amphetamines including Evekeo.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication prescribed by healthcare providers to treat ADHD is a form of medication that affects chemicals in the brain and nerves. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to excessive stimulation and impulse control. It's FDA-approved to treat children and adults aged 6 years and older. It helps healthcare providers improve their patients' focus and reduce their impulsivity. This helps them be more productive at work or school. It is also effective in reducing mood swings and making it easier to sleep.
The drug is available in extended-release and immediate-release capsules and tablets. Medications in the immediate-release category are in the form of pills (Ritalin) or liquid (Methylin) and chewable tablets (Melissa). The extended-release category is available in tablet (Concerta) as well as capsule (Methylin XR) and tablet (Methadose and Azstarys). To reap the maximum benefits it is important to consistently take the medication. There are some people who experience a short period of fatigue and increased activity, or a bad mood after the effects of methylphenidate begin to wear off. This is known as the rebound effect.
Like other stimulants, methylphenidate may cause stomach upsets, headache, loss of appetite, and sleeplessness. It can also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. It can be taken with food to prevent these negative effects. In some cases, people with bipolar disorders can suffer from a mania attack while taking methylphenidate. This is rare however it's a good idea consult your doctor about your family's history of mental health issues.
There aren't a lot of non-stimulant drugs specifically formulated to treat ADHD. However, certain healthcare professionals may prescribe antidepressants to treat the condition. These medications boost the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Most of them belong to two drug classes called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists.
These medications don't have the same potential for misuse that stimulants do. However, they could cause serious health problems if taken incorrectly or in large doses. Non-stimulant drugs might take longer to begin working than stimulants and can take up to 24 hours to achieve maximum effectiveness. They may also affect the effectiveness of other prescription ADHD medications.
Nonstimulants
For many children and adults, stimulant medications are the first choice to treat ADHD. However, they may not work well for everyone, or cause undesirable side consequences. Nonstimulant drugs can be helpful in these instances. They can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity in children and adults suffering from ADHD. These medications can be found in the form of pills, liquids, or patches. They can also be combined with stimulants or used as a stand-alone treatment. Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine and clonidine work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters within the brain.
Stimulants are among the most commonly used medications prescribed for ADHD and are also among the most researched. They are the most effective in helping children and adults with ADHD manage impulsivity and focus. They are either short-acting or long-acting and typically begin working within 30 to 45 minutes and last for three to six hours. Doctors typically prescribe long-acting stimulation first, and then add a short-acting stimulant for those who struggle to remain focused throughout the day.
There are a variety of different kinds of stimulant drugs, including amphetamines and methylphenidate. These medications are controlled and only available with the prescription of a doctor. Stimulants are also abused and that's why they're considered controlled substances. Nonstimulants don't have the same danger of abuse and are less likely to cause negative adverse effects, like addiction.
Nonstimulant medications can be taken either by mouth or transdermally (through the skin). They are typically absorbed faster than stimulants and do not require a lengthy waiting for the time it takes to begin working. They can help improve the impulsivity of children and adults with ADHD and are often paired with other treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy.
There are some who experience adverse reactions from these medicines, but they are usually minor and disappear on their own as the body adjusts to them. If they do not go away, talk to your doctor about them. They will advise you on whether the side effects are normal and suggest ways to lessen them.