ADHD Medication Names
Medications ease symptoms of ADHD in about 70 percent to 80% adults and kids. They help children focus and reduce hyperactivity. The health care team will be able to monitor how well the medicine is working and may alter the dosage or frequency of use.
Stimulants work by helping neurons transmit signals. Examples include methylphenidate, sold under the brand names Ritalin or Concerta, and dexamfetamine sold under the brand name Vyvanse. Both guanfacine and atomoxetine -both alpha agonists are used to treat ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants, which are the most commonly employed ADHD medication can help people of any age control their symptoms. These medications increase the level of dopamine in the brain which improves concentration and focus, as well as decreasing hyperactivity. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are amphetamines as well as methylphenidate. Adderall Ritalin and Dexadrine are popular brand names. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine, crystal meth (meth) cocaine, as well as bath salts made from synthetic cathinones.
The use of stimulants can trigger adverse effects, such as stomach upset, decreased appetite, and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. People who take stimulants over long periods may also have the "rebound effect," which means they become more hyperactive when the effects of the drug diminish. They might also experience mood changes, such as anxiety and depression. These side effects tend to diminish in time as the body adjusts to the medication.
Most doctors recommend combining psychiatric medication with behavioral therapy to enhance the control of symptoms. Behavioral therapy can teach children and adults strategies to manage their symptoms. It can also help to reduce stress and encourage healthier lifestyle choices.
ADHD medications aren't able to cure ADHD However, they can help improve a person's quality of life. Numerous studies have proven that stimulants can be used in conjunction with other treatment methods like parent education and counseling to improve the management of symptoms.
Adults with ADHD require different medications and higher doses than children. It can take a while to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that manages symptoms with fewest adverse side negative effects. Doctors usually prescribe a variety of medicines during the first few weeks to determine which one is most suitable for each patient.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes longer to work and doesn't last as much as stimulants. However, they can be helpful for certain people. They are effective by increasing the amount of a chemical in the brain called norepinephrine. Norepinephrine improves concentration and helps control impulses. Drugs that increase the levels of norepinephrine include atomoxetine (Strattera) and the long-acting alpha agonists, clonidine hydrochloride (Kapvay) and Guanfacine hydrochloride (Intuniv). These aren't controlled substances, therefore they have less risk of misuse than stimulants.
If ADHD medication fails to work or causes severe side effects, psychiatric drugs may be prescribed. inattentive adhd medication may prescribe a tricyclic drug, such as Tofranil (Imipramine) or Nortriptyline(Aventyl or Pamelor), to treat anxiety and depression which can occur along with ADHD. These medications also slow the function of the brain's natural chemicals, but they don't have as powerful an impact on heart rate and blood pressure as stimulants do. These medications are often used with stimulants in the treatment of ADHD because they improve focus and concentration.