ADHD Medication List - Stimulants
Stimulants work to boost the levels of two brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine. They include the methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin) and amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse).
Tricyclics, a more traditional class of antidepressants are also prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. These medications can have serious negative side effects. Doctors usually only prescribe them if stimulants don't work or cause symptoms that are too severe.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most commonly used medications to treat ADHD in adults and children. These drugs help by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. People who take these drugs notice that they boost their concentration, reduce fatigue, and lower hyperactivity and impulsivity. About 70 to 80 percent of those with ADHD can benefit from stimulants. These medications aren't habit-forming in the doses that are used to treat ADHD however they could be a source for abuse and addiction. Patients with an history of substance or alcohol abuse or an extended family history of substance abuse or mental health issues could be more at risk of this.
The most popular stimulants used to treat ADHD are methylphenidates and amphetamines. Most of these medicines are available as generics, that are cheaper than brand-name medications and are favored by a variety of insurance companies. There are some that are offered as extended-release tablets that are taken daily and can last up to 16 hours. This may result in fewer "ups and downs" of symptoms, which is especially helpful for school-aged children.
Immediate-release (short-acting) stimulants begin to work within 30 to 45 minutes. They generally last for four hours. You can take them two or three times per day. Most often, they are the first medication that your doctor prescribes. Some of these are available as chewable tablets, liquids or a patch that goes on the skin.
Intermediate and long-acting stimulants can last for as long as 16 hours when taken once each day in the early morning. They can stop the peaks and dips in effectiveness that can occur when short-acting stimulants lose their effectiveness which can result in extreme hunger and low energy. Many people who use long-acting stimulants may supplement them with a small amount immediate-release medication in the afternoon and evening.
There are many possible side effects of taking stimulants to treat ADHD. These include nausea, headaches inability to eat, nervousness and sleepiness. The majority of these side effects are moderate to mild and will disappear after some time as your body adjusts. Consult your physician if the side effects are extreme or persist after some weeks.
Non-stimulants
These are also known as non-stimulant ADHD medications and include atomoxetine (Strattera) varenicline (Adderall XR) and bupropion. These medications are known as non-stimulant ADHD medications and include atomoxetine (Strattera) and varenicline (Adderall XR) and bupropion (Wellbutrin). non prescription adhd medication are less likely to be misused than stimulants, but may still cause agitation, insomnia, or anxiety.
Talk to your doctor about how you weigh up the risks and benefits of each alternative. Your doctor will take into consideration your medical history and the severity of your symptoms, as well as any other illnesses or conditions you suffer from. They'll also consider how each medication affects you or your child, and how well it works with other treatments. You'll have to inform your doctor about any foods or drinks that you or your child take and if you're taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications including antidepressants.