Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are often prescribed for ADHD. They ease symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity by increasing brain chemicals. They can also help reduce tics and finish tasks.
They can be purchased in a short-acting or long-acting form. Doctors can prescribe them either as a pair or in combination.
Adderall
Adderall is a stimulant that aids in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). It improves focus, reduces restlessness, and helps control the impulsive behavior of interrupting others. It also improves the ability to listen and follow instructions. It is a good choice for children as young as three years old, teenagers or adults. It is also used to treat narcolepsy a sleep disorder that causes frequent attacks of sleepiness in the daytime.
The method by which Adderall works is by changing some of the naturally occurring chemicals that are present in your brain. It increases the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine which are both natural neurotransmitters that transmit messages between cells. This improves brain function in areas that are affected by ADHD such as motivation, focus, and memory. It also reduces restlessness and boosts alertness in people with narcolepsy.
Stimulants can increase heart rate, which can be dangerous for those suffering from certain medical conditions or those who take other medications. Stimulants should not be taken by people with high blood pressure, a history of stroke, heart disease or seizures. Additionally, those with kidney or liver disease or glaucoma should talk to their doctor prior to taking them. They may also be abused and cause harmful side effects, including addiction or overdose.
Studies have shown that the long-term use by women, those with heart disease, and those younger than 18 can increase the risk of developing heart problems. The benefits of Adderall far outweigh any risks.
Adderall starts to work when you notice a change in how you follow directions and pay attention. You can tell when your organizational skills improve. If you're having trouble sleeping, you should avoid caffeine and screen time (such as television or video games) in the days prior to bedtime.
Stimulants like Adderall will stay in your system for a period of two to four days. It is recommended to provide this information if you need to complete an assessment for drugs at work or school.
Evekeo
FDA approved Evekeo in the year 2014. It works by increasing the levels of 2 important neurotransmitters in the brain, dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals are involved in the reward and pleasure pathways, as well as attention and focus. Evekeo can help improve ADHD symptoms However, there are side consequences.
Stimulants like Evekeo can raise blood pressure and heart rate. These changes could be dangerous and could need treatment or hospitalization. You should inform your doctor that you have any heart-related issues or an ancestor with a history of them. Tell your doctor if you have any other health issues or are taking supplements or vitamins. dealing with adhd without medication can interact with some medicines, so always tell your doctor about any other prescription and non-prescription medications you take.
This medication can cause headaches. It is also possible to be experiencing nausea, dry mouth, or drowsiness. These symptoms usually go away within one or two weeks, but you should contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or worsen. Evekeo can also trigger a rare condition called peripheral vasculopathy, or Raynaud’s phenomenon. This can cause tissue breakdown or digital ulceration. This condition is more common in children and teenagers and is often aggravated through long-term use of stimulants.
Some people may develop a mental dependence on the medication. This is a serious problem that requires intervention. This can cause withdrawal symptoms if the drug is abruptly cut off or doses are reduced. These withdrawal symptoms include agitation as well as depression. They may also be accompanied by the feeling of being overwhelmed, irritable and even vivid or disturbing dreams. Some people may also develop tolerance, which means that they require greater doses to get the same effects. This can lead addiction and other harmful adverse effects. Dosing too much of this medication could cause a life-threatening condition known as rhabdomyolysis. This is a potentially fatal and severe side 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 affects chemicals in the brain and nerves. It affects the chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to the hyperactivity and control of impulses. It's FDA-approved to treat children and adults aged 6 and older. Healthcare professionals use it to improve their patients' ability to stay focused and reduce impulsivity which makes them more productive in school or at work. It also helps reduce mood swings and makes it easier to fall asleep.
The drug comes in extended-release and immediate-release tablets and capsules. Medicines 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 tablets (Concerta) as well as capsule (Methylin XR) as well as tablet (Methadose and Azstarys). It is essential to take the medication on a regular basis to reap the maximum benefit from it. When the effects of methylphenidate decrease there are some who experience a short period where they feel tired and more active, or down. This is known as the rebound effect.
Methylphenidate, along with other stimulants, can cause nausea, headaches, loss of appetite and sleeplessness. It also increases heart rate and blood pressure. It can be taken along with food to reduce these side-effects. In some instances methylphenidate may trigger a mania episode for people suffering from bipolar disorder. This is rare, but it's a good idea consult your doctor about your family's background of mental health issues.
There aren't many non-stimulant medications specifically approved to treat ADHD. However, some health professionals may prescribe antidepressants to treat the condition. These medications increase 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 carry the same high potential for misuse as stimulants do. They can still cause serious harm if taken in excess or improperly. Non-stimulant medication may take longer to produce than stimulants and may take up 24 hours to reach their peak effectiveness. They can also decrease the effectiveness of some other prescription ADHD drugs.
Nonstimulants
For a lot of kids and adults, stimulant medications are the first option for treating ADHD. However, they may not be appropriate for everyone, or cause undesirable side consequences. In those cases, nonstimulant medications may be helpful. They can aid in improving 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 taken as a stand-alone treatment. Non-stimulant drugs include atomoxetine Guanfacine, and Clonidine, all of which work by enhancing the neurotransmitters levels in the brain.
Stimulants are among the most popular drugs prescribed for ADHD and are also the most researched. They are also the most effective at helping kids and adults with ADHD focus and manage impulsivity. They are either long-acting stimulants or short-acting stimulants. They usually start working between 30 and 45 minute and last between three and six hours. Doctors usually prescribe long-acting stimulation first, and then add a short-acting stimulus for those who find it difficult to stay focused throughout the day.
There are many different types of stimulant medications that include amphetamines. These drugs are controlled and are only available through a prescription. The stimulants can also be misused and this is the reason they're considered controlled substances. Nonstimulants don't have the same abuse risk and are less likely than stimulants to cause negative effects such as addiction.
Nonstimulant drugs can be consumed either by mouth or transdermally (through the skin). They generally absorb more quickly than stimulants, and do not require a lengthy waiting for the time it takes to begin working. They can improve the impulsivity of children and adults with ADHD and are often used with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Some people experience side effects from these medicines however, they tend to be mild and go away by themselves as the body adjusts to the changes. If they continue to bother you discuss with your doctor about them. They will tell you if the side effects are normal and give suggestions on how to reduce the risk of them.