ADHD Medication Names
Medications ease symptoms of ADHD In about 70% to 80% of children and adults. They reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and aid in focusing. Read Home Page will be able to monitor how well the medication is effective and may alter your child's dose or frequency of use.
Stimulants help neurons transmit signals. Examples include methylphenidate sold under the brand names Ritalin or Concerta, and dexamfetamine which is sold under the brand name Vyvanse. Atomoxetine and long-acting guanfacine -are both referred to as alpha agonists are also used to treat ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants, the most commonly employed ADHD medication can assist people of any age control their symptoms. These drugs increase dopamine levels in the brain, which helps improve focus and concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are amphetamines as well as methylphenidate. Common brand names include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexadrine. Illicit stimulants are methamphetamine and crystal meth (meth) cocaine, as well as bath salts made from synthetic cathinones.
The side effects of stimulant medications include stomach upset, a decrease in appetite, and changes to blood pressure and heart rate. People who use stimulants for long periods can also experience a "rebound effect," which means they become more hyperactive when the drug has a chance to wear off. They might also experience mood swings, such as depression and anxiety. These side effects usually decrease over time as your body adjusts to the medication.
Most doctors recommend using psychiatric medications in conjunction with behavioral therapy to enhance symptom management. Children and adults can learn strategies to control their symptoms through behavioral therapy. It can also reduce stress and encourage healthier choices for lifestyle.
ADHD medications don't treat ADHD, but they can help improve the quality of living. Numerous studies have proven that when stimulants are employed along with other treatment methods like parent training and counseling, they can lead to improved symptom control.
Adults suffering from ADHD require different medications and higher doses than children. It may take a while to determine the appropriate medication and dosage that will control symptoms with the least amount of adverse consequences. Doctors usually prescribe a range of drugs in the initial few weeks to determine which one is the best for each patient.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to start working and aren't as long-lasting as stimulants, yet they are still a good option for some people. These drugs help by increasing the quantity of a chemical that is present in the brain called norepinephrine. Norepinephrine enhances concentration and controls impulses. The drugs that increase norepinephrine include the atomoxetine (Strattera), and the beta agonists with a long-acting effect such as clonidine chloride (Kapvay), and guanfacine (Intuniv). These are not controlled substances, so they have less possibility of abuse than stimulants.
If ADHD medication doesn't work or has severe adverse effects, psychiatric medication could be prescribed. Your doctor might prescribe a tricyclic drug like Tofranil (Imipramine) or Nortriptyline(Aventyl or Pamelor), to treat depression and anxiety which can occur with ADHD. These drugs slow down the brain's natural chemical activity but they don't have the same impact on the heart rate or blood pressure as stimulants do. They're often used in combination with stimulants to treat ADHD, because they have the added benefit of helping increase attention and focus.