ADHD Medication Names
About 70% to 80% adults and children experience symptoms of ADHD. They help children focus and reduce hyperactivity. The health care team will be watching how the medication works and may alter your child's dosage or the frequency at which they take it.
Stimulants help neurons transmit signals. Examples are methylphenidate (with brand names Ritalin and Concerta) and dexamfetamine (brand name Vyvanse). Both guanfacine and atomoxetine -both alpha agonists are used to treat ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most widely utilized ADHD medications and can help alleviate symptoms for people of all ages. These medications increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, which can help improve concentration and focus while reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity. a fantastic read prescribed stimulants are amphetamines as well as methylphenidate. Adderall Ritalin and Dexadrine are popular brand names. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine (meth) and crystal meth, cocaine and bath salts made of synthetic cathinones (ecstasy).
The stimulant drug can cause adverse side effects like stomach upset, a decrease in appetite and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. People who take stimulants for long periods can also have an "rebound effect," which means they become more active when the drug wears off. They may also experience mood swings like anxiety and depression. These side effects tend to decrease over time as your body becomes accustomed to the medication.
Most doctors recommend combining psychiatric treatment with behavioral therapy to enhance symptom control. Adults and children can develop strategies to control their symptoms through behavioral therapy. It can also help reduce stress and encourage healthier choices of lifestyle.
ADHD medications aren't the cure, but they can significantly improve a person's quality of life. Many studies have shown that when stimulants are used alongside other treatment strategies such as parent education and counseling, they may result in improved control of symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD require different medications and higher doses than children. It can take a while to find the right dose and medication that manages symptoms with the least adverse side effects. Doctors typically prescribe a variety of medications for the first few weeks to determine which is the best for each patient.
Nonstimulant ADHD medications take longer to work and doesn't last as long as stimulants. However, they can be helpful for certain people. They work by increasing the amount of a chemical in the brain known as norepinephrine. Norepinephrine improves concentration and control impulses. The drugs that boost norepinephrine are the atomoxetine (Strattera) and the beta agonists with a long-acting effect, clonidine chloride (Kapvay), and guanfacine chloride (Intuniv). These aren't controlled substances, and therefore have a lower potential for abuse.
If ADHD medication isn't working or has severe side effects, psychiatric medications might be prescribed. Your doctor may prescribe a tricyclic drug like Tofranil (Imipramine) or Nortriptyline(Aventyl or Pamelor), to treat anxiety and depression which can occur with ADHD. These medications also decrease the activity of the brain's natural chemicals, but they don't have as strong an effect on the heart rate and blood pressure as stimulants do. They're often used in combination with stimulants to treat ADHD because they offer the additional benefit of helping increase attention and focus.