Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are commonly prescribed for ADHD. They help alleviate symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity through stimulating brain chemicals. They can also reduce the frequency of tics and help people complete tasks.
They are available in shortor long-acting varieties. Doctors can prescribe them either by themselves or together.
Adderall
Adderall (the combination of dextroamphetamine with amphetamine) is stimulant drug that helps improve the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD). It helps control impulsive behaviors like interrupting others, as well as increasing focus and decreasing restlessness. It also improves the ability to listen and follow directions. It is a good choice for children as young as 3 years old, teenagers or adults. It is also used to treat Narcolepsy, a sleep disorder characterized by sudden episodes of sleepiness in the daytime.
The method Adderall works is by altering some of the naturally occurring chemicals that are present in your brain. medication for inattentive adhd 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 like motivation and focus, as well as memory. It also increases alertness and reduces the amount of restlessness experienced by those suffering from Narcolepsy.
The heart rate is increased by stimulants which could be risky for people with particular medical issues or those who take other medications. People who have high blood pressure or an antecedent history of seizures, or heart disease should avoid taking stimulants. People suffering from kidney or liver disease, or glaucoma should consult with their doctor before taking stimulants. They can also be abused and can cause negative side effects, including addiction or overdose.
Studies have demonstrated that the long-term use of stimulants like Adderall can result in a slightly increased risk of heart problems for women, those who have a preexisting heart condition, and those who are younger than 18 years old. However, the benefits of this medication far outweigh the dangers.
Adderall begins to work when you notice a change in how well you follow directions and pay attention. It is also possible to tell it is working by beginning to develop your organizational skills. If you're having difficulty sleeping, avoid caffeine and screen time (such as video or television games) in the hours prior to bedtime.
Stimulants like Adderall are in your system for two to four days. If you're required to undergo a drug test at work or school it is a good thing to inform them.
Evekeo
Evekeo (amphetamine sulfate) is an ADHD medication that was approved by the FDA in 2014. It works by increasing the levels of two neurotransmitters that are important, dopamine & norepinephrine in the brain. These chemicals are involved in the reward and pleasure pathways, as well as concentration and attention. Evekeo could help with ADHD symptoms, but there are also adverse effects.
The use of stimulants like Evekeo could increase heartbeat and blood pressure. These changes could be dangerous and may require hospitalization or treatment. Inform your doctor if you have is a personal or family history of heart disease. Inform your doctor if have any other health issues or take supplements or vitamins. Evekeo can interact with some medicines, so always tell your doctor about any other prescription or non-prescription medicines you take.
This medication can cause headaches. You may also feel nausea, dry mouth, or drowsiness. These side effects usually disappear within a few days or a few weeks, but you should contact your doctor if they persist or become more severe. Evekeo can also trigger a rare condition referred to as peripheral vasculopathy or Raynaud's phenomenon. This could lead to digital ulceration or the breakdown of tissue. This condition is more prevalent in children and teenagers and is often aggravated by long-term stimulant use.
Some people may develop a psychological dependency on the medication. This is a serious problem that requires intervention. It can cause withdrawal symptoms when the drug is abruptly cut off or reduced in dose. Withdrawal symptoms can include agitation, depressed mood fatigue, irritability, fatigue and vivid or unpleasant dreams. Some people can also develop tolerance to this medication, meaning that higher doses are required to get the same effect. This could cause addiction and other potentially dangerous adverse effects. It is also possible to overdose on this drug and develop a life-threatening disorder called rhabdomyolysis. This could be a fatal and dangerous adverse reaction to amphetamines such as Evekeo.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD, is a type of medication that affects the chemical balance in the brain and nerves. It affects the chemicals in the brain and nerves that trigger hyperactivity and impulse control. It's FDA-approved to treat children and adults who are who are 6 years old or older. Healthcare professionals use it to improve their patients' ability to remain focused and less impulsive, which makes them more productive in school or at work. It also helps in controlling mood swings and makes it easier to fall asleep.
The drug is available in capsules and tablets with immediate-release and extended-release. Medications in the immediate-release category come as pills (Ritalin) as well as liquid (Methylin), and chewable tablets (Melissa). The extended-release category comes in tablet form (Concerta) and capsules (Methylin XR Metadate CD, Methadose, and Azstarys). To achieve the best results it is essential to regularly take the medication. When the effects of methylphenidate diminish there are some who experience a short period where they feel tired and more active, or in a bad mood. This is known as the rebound effect.
Like other stimulants, methylphenidate may cause stomach upset, headache as well as a loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. It can also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. It can be taken along with food to help prevent these adverse effects. In certain instances, those with bipolar disorders can suffer from a mania attack while taking methylphenidate. It's not common, but you should talk with your doctor about the history of mental illness in your family.
There aren't many non-stimulant medications specifically approved for treating ADHD. Some healthcare providers might prescribe antidepressants for the condition. These medications raise levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Most of them belong to two drug classes called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists.
These medications don't carry the same potential for misuse as stimulants do. However, they can cause serious problems if taken in excess or incorrectly. Non-stimulant medications may take longer to start working than stimulants, and they can take up to 24 hours before they reach their maximum effectiveness. adhd medication and pregnancy can also decrease the effectiveness of other prescription ADHD medication.
Nonstimulants
Stimulant medications are the first treatment option for ADHD in many youngsters and adults. However, they might not work well for everyone, or cause undesirable side effects. In those instances, nonstimulant drugs can be beneficial. They can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity in kids and adults with ADHD. They are available as pills, liquids, or patches. They can also be combined with stimulants or used on their own. Non-stimulant medications like Clonidine and atomoxetine work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters within the brain.
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD and the most researched. They are the most efficient in helping both adults and children with ADHD control impulsivity and concentrate. They are either long-acting stimulants or short-acting stimulants. They typically begin working within 30 to 45 minutes and last from between three and six hours. adhd medication and pregnancy recommend long-acting stimulation first, and then add a short-acting stimulation for those who find it difficult to remain focused throughout the day.
There are a variety of different kinds of stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate. These drugs are controlled and only available with a prescription. The stimulants can also be abused and that's why they are classified as controlled substances. Nonstimulants don't carry the same danger of abuse and are less likely to cause negative side effects, such as addiction.
Nonstimulant drugs can be consumed either by mouth or transdermally (through the skin). They generally absorb faster than stimulants, and they don't need a long waiting time before they begin working. They can improve impulsivity in children and adults with ADHD and are often used with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Some people experience side effects from these drugs however, they tend to be minor and disappear on their own as the body adjusts to them. Talk to your doctor should you experience any issues. They can inform you if the side effects are normal and suggest ways of reducing them.