ADHD Medication Names
The effects of medication ease ADHD in about 70 percent to 80% adults and kids. They help focus kids and reduce hyperactivity. The health care team will monitor how well the medicine works and may change your kid's dose or how often they take it.
Stimulants work by helping neurons transmit signals. Examples are methylphenidate (with brand names Ritalin and Concerta) and dexamfetamine (brand name Vyvanse). Atomoxetine and long-acting guanfacine -are both referred to as alpha agonists -- also help treat ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants, the most commonly employed ADHD medication, can help anyone of any age manage their symptoms. These drugs increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration and focus, as well as reducing hyperactivity. Amphetamines, methylphenidate and other stimulants are the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Common brand names include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexadrine. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine as well as crystal meth (meth) cocaine, as well as bath salts that are synthetic cathinones.
The use of stimulants can trigger side effects such as stomach upset, a decrease in appetite and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. People who have taken stimulants for a long time may also experience "rebound effect," meaning they become hyperactive after the drug wears out. They might also experience mood swings like anxiety and depression. These side effects tend to diminish in time as the body adjusts to the medication.
The majority of doctors recommend combining psychiatric medication with behavioral therapy to improve the control of symptoms. Adults and children can develop strategies to manage their symptoms through behavioral therapy. It can also aid in reducing stress and encourage healthier lifestyle choices.
ADHD medications aren't able to cure ADHD, but they can help improve the quality of life. Numerous studies have proven that stimulants can be utilized in conjunction with other treatment methods such as parent education and counseling to help improve the management of symptoms.
Adults who suffer from ADHD differ from the ones used for children, and the dosages are more. It may take some time to determine the proper dosage and medication that controls symptoms with fewest adverse side effects. Doctors typically prescribe a variety of drugs during the first few weeks to determine which is the best for each patient.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications require longer to get started and can't last as long as stimulants, however they are still a good option for certain people. These medications increase the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. Norepinephrine increases concentration and controls impulses. adhd and anxiety medication that increase norepinephrine include atomoxetine, (Strattera), and the beta agonists with a long-acting effect like clonidine chloride (Kapvay), and guanfacine chloride (Intuniv). These aren't controlled substances, so they have less of a risk of abuse than stimulants.
If ADHD medications don't work for a person or have serious side effects, other psychotherapeutic drugs could be considered. Your doctor might prescribe a tricyclic medication, like Tofranil (Imipramine) or Nortriptyline(Aventyl or Pamelor) to treat depression and anxiety that can be a result of ADHD. These medications reduce the brain's natural chemical activity however, they don't have the same effect on blood pressure or heart rate as stimulants. These drugs are commonly utilized in conjunction with stimulants in the treatment of ADHD because they enhance focus and concentration.