ADHD Medication List
Stimulant drugs, like Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta, are the most commonly used ADHD drugs. They boost the levels of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine to improve focus, reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
These medications can cause adverse effects. Your health care team will help find the right dosage and the medicine that will work best for you or your child.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most popular kind of medication that healthcare professionals employ to treat ADHD. They boost the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that help people pay attention, think clearly and stay motivated. In the majority of cases, around 80% of children suffering from ADHD notice improvement in their symptoms once the doctor finds the right stimulant medication and dosage. Stimulants are available orally, by patch or injection. Some people suffering from ADHD take nonstimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. It takes time to find the appropriate dosage, medication and schedule for each person with ADHD.
The first stimulant medication a person with ADHD attempts may not work or cause a number of unpleasant adverse effects. If a person doesn't see improvement after a few weeks, or if symptoms return, the doctor might try another medication.
They are only available on prescription from your doctor or other qualified medical professional. They are not sold over-the counter (OTC). It is not recommended to consume supplements or vitamins that claim to treat ADHD. They may interfere with your prescription.
There are many types of stimulant medications, such as amphetamines (Adderall and Ritalin), dextroamphetamines (Dexedrine) and the methylphenidates (Ritalin). The majority of these medications are in pill form, but some are available in chewable, liquid or patch tablets. The doctor might recommend long-acting or extended-release medications to minimize the chance of abuse. These drugs build up slowly in the bloodstream, and then disappear slowly. This can help reduce the symptoms of what is called "the rebound effect," when a person's mood and energy decreases when their medicine is finished.
These medications usually begin to work within 30-60 minutes, and their effects last for 3-4 hours. The majority of people who take them will take them two or three times a day.
Short-acting stimulants can trigger an "crash", which can cause people to feel irritable hungry, tired, and fatigued. Some people suffering from ADHD suffer from tics. These are repetitive sounds or movements like clearing the throat or blinking of the eyes. you can look here are not caused by the medication, but can get worse if it is not stopped.
The risk of addiction or abuse is minimal for any stimulant. However, this is unlikely to occur in the low doses prescribed to treat ADHD. The risk is greater for young adults and teens, and may be greater for people with a history of substance abuse or mental illness.
The most common adverse effects of stimulants are headache, stomach upset and an increase in heart rate. These side effects usually subside after several days after taking the medication. If they don't consult your physician.
Patients with ADHD should inform their doctor if there is any history of depression, anxiety, heart disease, or high blood pressure. They should also let their doctor know if they're taking any other medications or beverages with caffeine which could hinder the effectiveness of the medication. They should also tell their doctor that they have an alcoholism family history or other mental health issues.