Add ADHD Medications to Your Treatment Plan
Stimulants can reduce ADHD symptoms for 70% - 80% children and adults. They can't cure ADHD and the negative effects can be unpleasant.
Your doctor will prescribe the medication that's best for you, and the ideal dose and schedule. You may also need to stop taking certain drugs such as antidepressants, or tricyclic antidepressants, prior to taking stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants enhance the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. They are the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. They are available as immediate-release tablets or extended-release capsules, or as chewable tablets for children who have trouble swallowing. These medicines can be prescribed to the teen, child or adult. Some people who are taking these medications suffer from adverse reactions. They may be severe or mild. If they become a problem the medication or dose may need to be changed.
The most well-known stimulant medication for ADHD is methylphenidate. Ritalin is also the brand name. Methylphenidate increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain by blocking their reuptake. It also aids in improving concentration and focus. It can be taken as a tablet, or as an extended-release tablet each morning. The chewable version is for children who have trouble swallowing pills or liquids. It is made up of beads and is easy to chew.
You can also get it as a patch that releases the medicine slowly throughout the day. The majority of medications are given in small doses initially and then gradually increased in time. The majority of patients who use these drugs will visit their GP or specialist regularly to monitor how they're doing and check for any indications of problems.
Amphetamines were among the most well-known stimulant drug until recently. They were often used by truck drivers, students and athletes to stay awake and increase energy. They were also taken by people suffering from eating disorders to help them lose weight. non stimulant adhd medication are highly addictive and trigger psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations. Unlike most add ADHD medications, amphetamines are classified as Schedule II drugs by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, meaning that they have potential for abuse. These medications are frequently combined with alcohol or illegal substances such as cocaine by people who use them. This increases the risk of addiction.
There are a lot of options available for those who have to take additional ADHD medications. There are also non-stimulant medicines that have been approved for ADHD treatment for adults as well as children. These medications function differently from stimulants, but they still significantly improve ADHD symptoms. They do not produce the same highs or lows that are common with some stimulant medications.
These include guanfacine atomoxetine, and viloxazine. These drugs affect different brain receptors than stimulants, and have a less dramatic impact on a child's heart rate or blood pressure. The precise way in which these drugs are used to treat ADHD isn't completely understood, but they are thought to enhance the activity of specific neurons in the prefrontal cortex. They may also stop excessive stimulation of dopamine D1 receptors in this region, which can hinder spatial working memory functions. This is an area of ongoing research. These medications could be more effective in treating ADHD symptoms in children than stimulants, as per research.