Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are often prescribed for ADHD. They reduce symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity through increasing brain chemicals. They can also help reduce tics and finish tasks.
They are available in short- and long-acting varieties. Doctors may prescribe them alone or in combination with other medications.
Adderall
Adderall is a stimulant drug that helps treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). It increases focus, decreases restlessness, and helps control disruptive behavior such as interrupting others. It also helps improve listening and following instructions. It can be used by children three years old and older, adolescents, or adults. It can also be used to treat narcolepsy - a sleep disorder which is characterized by sudden periods of sleepiness during the morning.
Adderall works by altering a few of the chemicals that are naturally present in your brain. It increases the amount dopamine and norrepinephrine, which are neurotransmitters found in nature. adhd medications for adults makes your brain work more efficiently and improves its capabilities in areas afflicted by ADHD, such as concentration and memory, as well as motivation. It also reduces anxiety and improves alertness in people with narcolepsy.
Stimulants can increase heart rate which is dangerous for those with certain medical conditions or those who take other medications. Stimulants should not be taken by those who have high blood pressure, a history or heart disease, stroke or seizures. Also, people with liver or kidney disease or glaucoma should consult their doctor prior to taking these. They are a risk for abuse and may cause adverse side effects like addiction or overdose.
Studies have proven that long-term use of stimulants like Adderall can lead to a slightly increased risk of heart-related problems for women, those who have a preexisting heart condition, and those who are younger than 18. The advantages of Adderall are far greater than any risks.
Adderall begins to work when you notice a difference in the way you focus and follow directions. You can tell if your ability to organize improves. Avoid caffeine and screen time in the hours prior to bedtime if you are having trouble falling asleep.
Stimulants such as Adderall are in your system for two to four days. If you have to take a drug test for school or work, it is a good thing to tell them.
Evekeo
FDA approved Evekeo in the year 2014. It works by increasing the levels of two important neurotransmitters: dopamine & norepinephrine in the brain. These chemicals are important in reward and pleasure pathways, as also in attention and focus. Evekeo can help improve ADHD symptoms, but there are also side negative effects.
Stimulants like Evekeo can increase heartbeat and blood pressure. These changes can be serious and require hospitalization or treatment. Tell your doctor if there is a family or personal history of heart disease. Inform your doctor if you suffer from any other health problems or take vitamins or supplements. Evekeo could interact with certain medications. Always inform your doctor if taking prescription or non-prescription medication.
This medication can cause headaches. You may also experience dry mouth, nausea or tiredness. These effects typically disappear within a week or two, but you should contact your physician if symptoms persist or become worse. Evekeo can also cause a rare condition known as peripheral vasculopathy or Raynaud's phenomena that can cause tissue breakdown and digital ulceration. This condition is more prevalent in adolescents and children, and can be exacerbated by prolonged use of stimulants.
Some people might develop a mental dependence on this drug. This is a serious issue that requires intervention. It can cause withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued abruptly or decreased in dosage. These withdrawal symptoms could include agitation, depressed mood fatigue, irritability, fatigue and vivid or unpleasant dreams. Certain people can also develop tolerance, meaning that they require greater doses to get the same effects. This can lead to addiction and to other dangerous adverse effects. It is also possible to overdose on this medication and cause a life-threatening condition called rhabdomyolysis. This could be a fatal and dangerous adverse effect of amphetamines, including Evekeo.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most popular medication prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD, is a type of medication that alters the 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 for treating children and adults aged 6 years and older. Healthcare professionals utilize it to enhance their patients' ability to remain focused and reduce impulsivity which allows them to function better in school or at work. It also helps to reduce mood swings and make it easier to fall asleep.
The drug is available in tablets and capsules with immediate-release and prolonged-release. The immediate-release category includes pills (Ritalin) as well as a liquid (Methylin) or chewable tablets (Melissa). The extended-release category is available in tablet form (Concerta) and capsules (Methylin XR, Metadate CD, Methadose, and Azstarys). It is important to take 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 after the effects of methylphenidate begin to wear off. This is referred to as the rebound effect.
Methylphenidate, along with other stimulants, can cause headaches, nausea as well as loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. It can also raise heart rate and blood pressure. It is recommended to take it before meals to help to prevent these negative side effects. In certain instances, those with bipolar disorders can have a mania-like episode while taking methylphenidate. It's rare however, you should talk with your doctor about the history of mental illness in your family.
There aren't too many non-stimulant drugs that are approved to treat ADHD. Some doctors may prescribe antidepressants for the condition. They work by increasing 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 drugs don't have the same high potential for abuse as stimulants do. However, they can still cause serious health problems when taken improperly or in large doses. Non-stimulant medications can take longer to effect than stimulants and can take up 24 hours to reach their peak effectiveness. They can also decrease the effectiveness of other prescription ADHD medication.
Nonstimulants
For a lot of kids and adults, stimulant medication is the first option for treating ADHD. However, they might not be appropriate for everyone, or cause undesirable side consequences. medication for adhd can be helpful in these instances. They can help improve focus and reduce impulsivity for kids and adults with ADHD. They are available as pills, liquids, or patches. They can also be combined with stimulants or taken as a stand-alone treatment. Nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine, Guanfacine, and Clonidine and all of them work by enhancing the levels of neurotransmitters within the brain.
Stimulants are among the most popular drugs prescribed for ADHD and are also the most researched. They are also the most effective in helping adults and children with ADHD focus and control their impulsivity. They are either short-acting or long-acting, and they usually start working within 30 to 45 minutes and last from three to six hours. Long-acting stimulants are generally prescribed initially, and doctors may supplement them with a short-acting stimulant for those who struggle with staying focused throughout the day.
There are many kinds of stimulant medications, including amphetamines. These medications are regulated and only available with a prescription. They can also be misused, which is why they are classified as controlled substances. Nonstimulants don't have the same danger of abuse and are less likely to cause negative side effects, such as addiction.
Nonstimulant drugs can be consumed 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 improve impulsivity among adults and children with ADHD and are often utilized in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.
There are some who experience adverse reactions from these medications however, they tend to be minimal and will go away on their own as the body adjusts to the changes. If they persist discuss with your doctor about them. They can inform you if the side effects are normal and provide suggestions on how to lessen them.