Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They help alleviate symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity by increasing brain chemicals. They can also reduce the tics of people and help them complete tasks.
They are available in either a short-acting form or a long-acting type. Doctors can prescribe them on their own or in combination with other medications.
Adderall
Adderall (the combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) is an stimulant drug that can help improve the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD). It improves focus, decreases restlessness, and assists in controlling disruptive behavior such as interrupting others. It also enhances the ability to listen and follow directions. It may be used for children aged three and over, adolescents, or for adults. It is also used to treat narcolepsy which is a sleep disorder that triggers sudden attacks of sleepiness during the daytime.
Adderall works by altering some of the chemicals that are naturally present in your brain. It increases the amount of dopamine as well as norepinephrine which are both natural neurotransmitters which transmit messages between cells. This improves brain function in areas afflicted by ADHD such as motivation, focus, and memory. It also improves alertness and decreases restlessness in those suffering from Narcolepsy.
The heart rate is increased by stimulants, which can be dangerous for those with certain medical conditions or those who take other medications. These medications should not be used by those with high blood pressure, a history of stroke, heart disease or seizures. Also, people with liver or kidney disease or glaucoma should talk to their doctor prior to taking these. They can also be misused and have harmful side effects, such as addiction or overdose.
Studies have shown that long-term use of stimulants, such as Adderall can result in a slightly higher risk of heart problems in women, people with a history of heart disease and people who are younger than 18. The benefits of adding Adderall far exceed any potential risks.
The first sign that Adderall is working is when you begin to notice a difference in your ability to listen and follow directions. You can tell if your organization skills improve. If you are having trouble sleeping, you should avoid caffeine and screen time (such as television or video games) in the hours prior to bedtime.
Stimulants like Adderall are in your system for two to four days. It is a good idea to disclose this information in the event that you have to undergo an assessment for drugs at work or school.
Evekeo
FDA approved Evekeo in 2014. It works by increasing levels of two important neurotransmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. These chemicals are important in the pleasure and reward pathways as well as attention and focus. Taking Evekeo can improve symptoms of ADHD but it could also trigger side effects.
Stimulants such as Evekeo can increase blood pressure and heart rate. These changes can be serious and require hospitalization or treatment. Tell your doctor if there is a family or personal history of heart disease. Inform your doctor if have any other health issues or are taking supplements or vitamins. Evekeo can interact with some medications, so you should always inform your doctor about any other prescription and non-prescription medications you take.
This medication can cause headaches. It is also possible to experience nausea, dry mouth, or tiredness. These effects typically go away within some days or couple of weeks, but you should call your doctor when they continue or get worse. Evekeo can also trigger a rare condition known as peripheral vasculopathy, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, which can lead to tissue breakdown and ulceration of the digital layer. This condition is more common in children and teenagers, and can be exacerbated through long-term use of stimulants.
Certain people may develop a psychological dependency on this medication. This is a serious problem that requires intervention. The withdrawal symptoms can occur if the drug is abruptly stopped or doses are decreased. Withdrawal symptoms include agitation and depression. They can also include anxiety, fatigue, and vivid or unsettling dreams. Certain people can also develop tolerance, meaning that they need higher doses to achieve the same effects. This could result in addiction and other potentially dangerous adverse effects. The overdose of this medication can also lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called rhabdomyolysis. This condition is a severe and possibly fatal side effect of amphetamines, like Evekeo.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, the most common medication prescribed by healthcare providers to treat ADHD is a kind of medication that alters the chemicals in the brain and nerves. It affects the neurochemicals in the nerves and brain that cause hyperactivity and impulse-control. It's FDA-approved to treat children and adults who are aged 6 years and older. Healthcare professionals use it to improve their patients' ability to stay focused and reduce impulsivity which makes them more productive in the classroom or at work. It's also effective at reducing mood swings and making it easier to sleep.
The drug comes in extended-release and immediate-release tablets and capsules. The immediate-release medications are in the form of pills (Ritalin) or liquid (Methylin), and chewable tablets (Melissa). The extended-release category can be found in tablets (Concerta), capsule (Methylin XR), and tablet (Methadose and Azstarys). It is important to take the medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Some people experience a brief period of fatigue, increased activity or bad mood after the effects of methylphenidate begin to wear off. This is known as the rebound effect.
Like other stimulants, methylphenidate could cause an upset stomach, headache and loss of appetite and sleeplessness. It can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. It can be taken along with food to prevent these side-effects. In some cases, people suffering from bipolar disorders may have a mania-like episode while taking methylphenidate. It's rare but you should speak with your doctor about the history of mental illness in your family.
There aren't many non-stimulant drugs that are approved to treat ADHD. However, some healthcare providers might prescribe antidepressants for treating the condition. These medications raise 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 drugs do not have the same dangers of misuse as stimulants do. They can still cause serious harm if taken in excess or improperly. Non-stimulant medicines may take longer to start working than stimulants, and can take up to 24 hours to reach peak effectiveness. They can also reduce the effectiveness of other prescription ADHD medications.
Nonstimulants
Stimulant medication is the first option for treating ADHD in a large number of youngsters and adults. They may not be suitable for everyone, or could cause unwanted side consequences. Nonstimulant medicines can be beneficial in these instances. They can help improve focus and decrease impulsivity for children and adults suffering from ADHD. These medicines can come in the form of pills, liquids or patches. They can be taken on their own or together with stimulants. Read the Full Posting -stimulant drugs like atomoxetine and clonidine work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters inside the brain.
Stimulants are among the most popular medications prescribed for ADHD, and they are also among the most researched. They are the most efficient in helping adults and children with ADHD manage impulsivity and focus. They can be short-acting or long-acting and typically begin to work within 30 to 45 minutes and last between three and six hours. Long-acting stimulants are usually prescribed first, and doctors often supplement them with a shorter-acting stimulant for those who have trouble staying on task throughout the day.
There are several different types of stimulant drugs. These include amphetamines and methylphenidate. These drugs are controlled and are only available through an prescription. They can also be misused and that's why they are controlled substances. Nonstimulants do not have the same risks of abuse and are less likely to cause negative adverse effects, like addiction.
Nonstimulant medications can be taken by mouth or transdermally (through the skin). They are generally absorbed quicker than stimulants, and do not require a lengthy waiting time before they begin working. They can help improve impulsivity in children and adults with ADHD and are often used with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.
These side effects are usually mild and usually go away as the body gets used to them. Consult your physician if they persist. They will advise you on whether the side effects are normal or not and suggest ways of reducing them.