ADHD Medication Names
About 70% to 80 percent of adults and children suffer from symptoms of ADHD. They help children focus and decrease hyperactivity. The health care team will monitor how well the medicine is working and may adjust the dosage or frequency of use.
Stimulants aid neurons in transmitting signals. Examples are methylphenidate (with brand names Ritalin and Concerta) and dexamfetamine (brand name Vyvanse). Both atomoxetine and Guanfacineboth alpha agonists are used to treat ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants, the most commonly employed ADHD medication can assist patients of all ages manage their symptoms. These drugs increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, which enhances concentration and focus, while decreasing hyperactivity. Amphetamines, methylphenidate, and other stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed stimulants. The most popular brand names are Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexadrine. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine (meth) and crystal meth, cocaine, and bath salts derived from synthetic cathinones (ecstasy).
The stimulant drug can cause adverse side effects like stomach upset, decreased appetite, and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. People who have taken stimulants for a long time may also experience the "rebound effect," meaning they become hyperactive when the drug wears off. They may also experience mood swings, like anxiety and depression. These side effects tend to diminish as your body gets used to the medication.
Most doctors suggest combining psychiatric medications with behavioral therapy to increase the control of symptoms. Children and adults can learn strategies to manage their symptoms through behavioral therapy. medication for adhd can also help reduce stress and encourage healthier lifestyle choices.
ADHD medications aren't a cure, however they can greatly improve the quality of a person's life. Numerous studies have proven that stimulants can be used in conjunction with other treatment strategies such as parent education and counseling to help improve symptom control.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are different from those used for kids and dosages are more. It may take a while to determine the best dosage and medication to manage symptoms with the least amount of side consequences. Doctors prescribe a variety of medications during the first few weeks of treatment to determine which one is the best for each individual patient.
Nonstimulant ADHD medication takes longer to work and does not last as much as stimulants. However, they can be helpful for some people. These drugs increase the amount of norepinephrine present in the brain. Norepinephrine aids in improving concentration and control impulses. The medications that increase norepinephrine include the atomoxetine (Strattera), and the beta agonists with a long-acting effect like Clonidine chloride (Kapvay), and guanfacine chloride (Intuniv). These medications are not controlled substances, therefore they have a lower risk of misuse than stimulants.
If ADHD medication isn't working or causes severe adverse effects, psychiatric medication may be prescribed. Your doctor may suggest tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) or nortriptyline (Aventyl or Pamelor) to help you deal with depression and anxiety that can sometimes occur alongside ADHD. These medications reduce the brain's natural chemical activity but they don't have the same impact on the heart rate or blood pressure as stimulants. These drugs are commonly utilized in conjunction with stimulants in the treatment of ADHD because they improve focus and concentration.