ADHD Medication List - Stimulants
The stimulants are used to boost the levels of two brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine. my website and methylphenidate belong to the stimulants.
Tricyclics, an older class of antidepressants are also prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. These medications can have severe side effects. Doctors usually only prescribe them when stimulants fail to work or cause symptoms that are too severe.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most commonly used drugs to treat ADHD in children and adults. They work by increasing the amounts of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This improves concentration, reduces fatigue, and reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity in the majority of people who take them. Around 70% to 80% people with ADHD can benefit from stimulants. These medications aren't habit-forming in the doses that are used to treat ADHD however, they are a risk for abuse and addiction. People who have a history of addiction to drugs or alcohol or those who come from a family of substance abuse or mental health issues are at greater risk.
The most common stimulants used to treat ADHD are amphetamines and methylphenidates. Generics are less expensive than brand-name medications and are preferred by a majority of insurance companies. Certain are also available as extended-release tablets that you take once a day and last for up to 16 hours. This can result in fewer "ups-and-downs" of symptoms. This is especially helpful for children.
The stimulants that are immediate-release (short acting) begin working within 30 to 45 minutes. They last about four hours. You can take them twice or three times daily. They are typically the first type of medication 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, and are consumed each day in the early morning. They can stop the dips and peaks in effectiveness that happen when stimulants that are short-acting wear off and cause extreme hunger and low energy. Many people who use long-acting stimulants supplement them with a small amount immediate-release medication during the afternoon and evening.
There are a variety of possible side effects that can be triggered by using stimulants to treat ADHD such as anxiety, stomachaches, headaches as well as loss of appetite and sleepiness. adhd medication of these side effects are mild to moderate, and they'll go away within a few weeks once your body adjusts. If the side effects persist or are severe, you should consult your physician.
Non-stimulants
There is a group of medicines that can be used to treat ADHD but they're not FDA-approved for this purpose. These medications are known as non-stimulant ADHD medication and include atomoxetine, varenicline and bupropion. These medications are less likely to be misused than stimulants but can still cause insomnia, agitation, or anxiety.
The best way to select the right medication for you or your child is to consult your doctor, who can help you weigh the advantages and risks of each choice. Your doctor will consider your medical background and the severity of your symptoms, and any other medical conditions or illnesses you suffer from. They will also look at the effects each medication has on your child or you and how it interacts with other treatments. You must inform your doctor of any supplements, food items, or beverages you or your child take and any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking, such as antidepressants.