Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are often prescribed for ADHD. They reduce symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity by stimulating brain chemicals. They can also reduce the frequency of tics and help people complete tasks.
They are available in either a short-acting form or a long-acting form. Doctors can prescribe them on their own or in combination with other medications.
Adderall
Adderall (the combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) is an stimulant drug that can help improve the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD). It improves focus, decreases anxiety, and helps manage disruptive behavior such as interrupting others. It also improves the capacity to listen and follow instructions. adhd medications for adults can be used by children as young as three years old, teenagers or adults. It is also used to treat narcolepsy a sleep disorder that causes sudden attacks of sleepiness during the daytime.
Adderall works by altering some of the chemicals naturally present in your brain. It increases the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine, two natural neurotransmitters that transmit messages between cells. This improves your brain's abilities in areas afflicted by ADHD such as motivation and focus, as well memory. It also increases alertness and reduces the amount of restlessness experienced by people suffering from Narcolepsy.
Stimulants increase the heart rate, which can be dangerous for people with certain medical problems or who are taking other medications. People who have high blood pressure or an history of stroke, heart disease, or seizures should stay clear of taking stimulants. Also, people who have kidney or liver disease, or glaucoma need to consult their doctor prior to taking them. They may also be abused and can cause negative side effects, including addiction or overdose.
Studies have shown that the long-term use by women, people with heart disease, and those younger than 18 may increase their risk of developing heart issues. The advantages of Adderall are far greater than any potential risks.
Adderall starts working when you notice a change in how you follow directions and pay attention. You can tell when your organizational skills improve. Avoid caffeine and screen time prior to bedtime if you are having trouble falling asleep.
Adderall and other stimulants will remain in your system for two and four days. If you are required to undergo a drug test for work or school it is best to inform them.
Evekeo
FDA approved Evekeo in 2014. It helps by increasing levels of 2 important neurotransmitters in the brain, norepinephrine as well as 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 effects.
Stimulants such as Evekeo can increase blood pressure and heart rate. These changes can be serious and require hospitalization or treatment. Tell your doctor if there is a personal or family history of heart disease. Tell your doctor if you are suffering from any other health issues or are taking supplements or vitamins. Evekeo could interact with certain medications. Always tell your doctor if taking prescription or non-prescription medication.
The most frequent adverse result of this medication is headache. It is also possible to suffer from nausea, dry mouth 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 worsen. Evekeo can also trigger a rare condition referred to as peripheral vasculopathy, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon. This could lead to tissue breakdown or digital ulceration. This is more likely to occur in adolescents and children and can be caused by long-term usage of stimulants.
Some people develop a psychological dependence on this medication and this is a serious problem that requires treatment. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms if the drug is discontinued abruptly or reduced in dosage. Withdrawal symptoms include agitation and depression. They may also be accompanied by fatigue, irritability and vivid or disturbing dreams. Some people may also develop tolerance, meaning that they require greater doses to achieve the same effects. This can cause addiction and other potentially dangerous side effects. Overdosing on this medication can result in a life-threatening condition called rhabdomyolysis. This is a possible fatal and dangerous adverse effect of amphetamines, including Evekeo.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most popular type of medication that healthcare professionals prescribe to treat ADHD. It affects the neurochemicals in the nerves and brain that cause hyperactivity and impulse-control. It is FDA-approved to treat children and adults who are 6 and up. It aids healthcare professionals in improving their patients' concentration and reduce the amount of impulsivity. This helps them be more productive at school or work. It also helps reduce mood swings and makes it easier to fall asleep.
The drug comes in extended-release and immediate-release capsules and tablets. The immediate-release category includes pills (Ritalin) or liquid (Methylin), or chewable tablets (Melissa). The extended-release category comes in tablet form (Concerta) and capsules (Methylin XR, Metadate CD Methadose, Azstarys). It is essential to take the medication on a regular basis to get the most benefit from it. There are some people who experience a short period of fatigue or increased activity or a negative mood after the effects of methylphenidate wear off. This is referred to as the rebound effect.
Like other stimulants, methylphenidate may cause stomach upsets headache, nausea as well as a loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. It can also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. Taking it with meals can help to prevent these negative side effects. In some instances, people suffering from bipolar disorders may experience a mania episode when taking methylphenidate. This is not common, but it's a good idea talk to your healthcare provider about the family history of mental health issues.
There aren't many non-stimulant medicines that are specifically approved to treat ADHD. Some healthcare professionals may prescribe antidepressants for the condition. These medications boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine 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 carry the same potential for misuse that stimulants do. They can cause serious issues if used in excess or improperly. Non-stimulant medicines may take longer to work than stimulants, and may take up to 24 hours to attain their maximum effectiveness. They can also decrease the effectiveness of other prescription ADHD medications.
Non-stimulants
For many kids and adults, stimulant medication is the first choice to treat ADHD. They might not be effective for everyone, or they may cause unwanted negative side effects. Nonstimulant medicines can be beneficial in these situations. They can improve focus and reduce impulsivity for kids and adults with 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 drugs include atomoxetine the guanfacine and clonidine, all of which work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters within the brain.
Stimulants are among the most common treatments for ADHD, and they are also among the most researched. They are the most effective in helping adults and children with ADHD control their impulsivity and concentration. They are either short-acting stimulants or long-acting stimulants. They typically start working between 30 and 45 minutes and last from up to six hours. Doctors usually prescribe long-acting stimulation first, and then add a short-acting stimulation for those who struggle to remain focused throughout the day.
There are a variety of stimulant medicines that include amphetamines. These drugs are regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and can be used only on the supervision of a physician. The stimulants can also be misused and this is the reason they're controlled substances. Nonstimulants do not carry the same risks of abuse and are less likely than stimulants to trigger negative effects like addiction.
Nonstimulant medications can be taken either transdermally or orally. They are typically absorbed more quickly than stimulants and do not require a long waiting for the time it takes to begin working. They can improve impulsivity in children and adults with ADHD and are often used with other treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy.
There are some who experience adverse reactions from these drugs however, they tend to be minor and disappear by themselves as the body adjusts to them. Speak to your doctor in the event that they continue. They will be able to help you determine if the side effects are normal and suggest ways of reducing them.