Types of ADHD Medication
The first class of medications doctors prescribe for ADHD is known as stimulants. These medications boost the activity of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine.
Long- and short-acting stimulant pills are available. The long-acting version of these pills lets you take medication continuously throughout the day, which minimizes side effects caused by fluctuations in drug levels.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly used and generally the most effective treatment for ADHD. Around 70 to 80 percent of people suffering from ADHD benefit from stimulants. They do this by increasing brain chemical dopamine and norepinephrine which can affect your ability to pay attention and think clearly. They come in a variety of forms, including tablets, pills, extended release (ER) and oral disintegrating tablet. Your doctor will prescribe the one that's best for you, based on whether or not you want to take it along with food, how fast it works, and any adverse effects you might have.
Ritalin is the most frequently prescribed ADHD stimulant. best adhd medication for adults , Focalin and Daytrana are also popular. They belong to a category known as methylphenidates. Other medications within this class include atomoxetine Strattera, Tenex, Intuniv and Kapvay.
In doses used for treating ADHD, these medications aren't considered addictive. However they can cause problems like a decrease in appetite, trouble sleeping, and increase blood pressure and heart rate. They also could interact with certain medications and medical conditions.
Doctors must closely monitor patients with ADHD who are taking stimulants. Finding the appropriate dosage and dosage for each individual may take some time. It's important to communicate openly with your healthcare provider and report any adverse changes or adverse effects, such as a sudden change in appetite or mood, and how the medication is effective for you or your child.
Since the 1960s, stimulant medicines are prescribed to treat ADHD. They are safe when used at the dose prescribed. They are effective for 70 - the majority of children and adults, and reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. They can cut down on the tendency to fidget and interrupt and enhance the ability to learn and social skills.
Most adults and children will need to take stimulants throughout their lives, although some might be able to reduce or stop them. The medications are often combined with another type of treatment such as behavioral therapy or skills training.
Nonstimulant medications can be helpful in cases where stimulants are not effective or cause undesirable side effects. They can improve the way stimulants work, helping you or your child to concentrate, control impulses, and pay attention. These medications are usually part of a class of drugs for high blood pressure, known as alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists were used "off-label" for ADHD for a number of years before they became FDA approved to treat the condition.
Medications in this class are guanfacine, clonidine, and a newer medication called atomoxetine (Strattera). These medications are in an entirely different class of drugs from the methylphenidates. They are less likely to cause adverse reactions, but they do not work as quickly. These medications increase the activity of norepinephrine within the brain, which is responsible for controlling emotions and paying attention. It could take as long as six weeks for them to begin working, however many see improvement within a few days. They can be combined with stimulants or used alone to increase their effectiveness.