Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly used type of medication for ADHD. They can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity symptoms by boosting brain chemicals. They can also help reduce the frequency of tics and speed up tasks.
They are available in short- and long-acting varieties. Doctors can prescribe them as a stand-alone or in conjunction with other medicines.
Adderall
Adderall (the combination of dextroamphetamine with amphetamine) is an stimulant drug that can help improve the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD). It improves focus, reduces restlessness, and assists in controlling disruptive behavior such as interrupting others. It also improves the ability to follow and listen. It is a good choice for children as young as 3 years old, adolescents or adults. It is also used for the sleep disorder narcolepsy, which is that is characterized by sudden bouts of sleepiness during the morning.
Adderall is a drug that alters some of the chemicals naturally found in your brain. It increases the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine which are both natural neurotransmitters which transmit messages between cells. This allows your brain to function more efficiently and enhances its capabilities in areas afflicted by ADHD, such as concentration memory, focus, and motivation. It also increases alertness and decreases restlessness in those suffering from Narcolepsy.
Stimulants increase the heart rate which could be risky for those with certain medical conditions or those who take other medications. People with high blood pressure or an antecedent history of seizures, or heart disease should stay clear of taking stimulants. Additionally, those with kidney or liver disease or glaucoma should consult their doctor prior to taking them. They can also be misused and can cause negative side effects, including addiction or overdose.
Studies have proven that long-term use by women, people with heart disease and those younger than 18 can increase their risk of developing heart problems. The advantages of Adderall are far greater than any potential risks.
The first indication that Adderall is working is when you start to notice a difference in your ability to listen and follow directions. You can tell if your organization skills improve. If you have trouble sleeping, you should avoid caffeine and screen time (such as television or video games) during the hours before the time of bed.
The stimulants like Adderall will stay in your system for two to four days. If you're required to undergo a drug test for school or work, it is a good thing to inform them.
Evekeo
FDA approved Evekeo in the year 2014. It works by increasing levels of two important neurotransmitters: dopamine & norepinephrine in the brain. These chemicals are essential in reward and pleasure pathways as well as attention and focus. In taking Evekeo, you can reduce the symptoms of ADHD but it could also trigger side effects.
Stimulants such as Evekeo could increase blood pressure and heartbeat. These changes could be extreme and require hospitalization or treatment. Inform your doctor if you have is a family or personal history of heart disease. It is also important to inform your doctor whether you suffer from any other health issues or take any vitamins or supplements. Evekeo may interact with certain medications, so you should always inform your doctor about any other prescription or non-prescription medicines you take.
The most frequently reported side effect of this medication is headache. It is also possible to feel dry mouth, nausea or tiredness. These symptoms usually go away within a week or two however, you should consult your doctor if the symptoms persist or get worse. Evekeo can also trigger a rare condition known as peripheral vasculopathy or Raynaud's phenomenon, which can lead to digital ulceration and tissue breakdown. This is more likely occur in children and adolescents and can be worsened by long-term use of stimulants.
Some people develop a psychological dependence this medication, which is a serious issue that requires intervention. I Am Psychiatry can lead to withdrawal symptoms if the medication is discontinued abruptly or reduced in dose. The withdrawal symptoms can include agitation and depressed mood. They may also be accompanied by anxiety, fatigue, and vivid or unsettling dreams. Certain people can also develop tolerance, meaning that they need higher doses to get the same effects. This can cause addiction and other dangerous side effects. It is also possible to overdose on this medication and cause a life-threatening condition called rhabdomyolysis. This could be a fatal and severe side effect of amphetamines including Evekeo.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed kind of medication that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD. It affects the chemical balance in the brain and nerves that cause excessive stimulation and impulse control. It is FDA-approved for treating children and adults who are 6 and up. It aids healthcare professionals in improving their patients' focus and reduce impulsivity. This helps them be more productive at work or at school. It is also effective in reducing mood swings and making it easier to sleep.
The drug is available in tablets and capsules with immediate-release and extended-release. The immediate-release medications are available in pill form (Ritalin), liquid (Methylin), and chewable tablets (Melissa). The extended-release category can be found in tablet (Concerta) and capsule (Methylin XR) and tablet (Methadose and Azstarys). It is essential to take the medication on a regular basis to reap the maximum benefit from it. Some people experience a brief period of fatigue, increased activity or bad mood after the effects of methylphenidate wear off. This is known as the rebound effect.
Like other stimulants, methylphenidate can cause stomach upsets, headache and loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. It also increases the heart rate and blood pressure. It can be taken along with food to prevent these adverse effects. In some instances, people who suffer from bipolar disorder may experience a mania episode when taking methylphenidate. This is rare, but it's a good idea discuss with your healthcare provider about your family's history of mental health issues.
There aren't too many non-stimulant medicines that are specifically approved to treat ADHD. However, certain healthcare professionals might prescribe antidepressants to treat the condition. They work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain. Most of them belong to two drug classes called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists.
These drugs don't have the same risk of abuse as stimulants do. They can cause serious harm if taken in excess or incorrectly. Non-stimulant medications can take longer to begin working than stimulants and can take as long as 24 hours to reach the maximum level of effectiveness. They can also decrease the effectiveness of other prescription ADHD medications.
Nonstimulants
For many kids and adults, stimulant medications are the first choice to treat ADHD. They may not be suitable for everyone, or they may cause unwanted side consequences. Nonstimulant medicines can be beneficial in these instances. They can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity in children and adults suffering from ADHD. These medicines are available in pills, liquids or patches. They can also be mixed with stimulants, or used on their own. Non-stimulant medications like Clonidine and atomoxetine function by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters inside the brain.
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD and are the most extensively researched. They are the most effective in helping adults and children with ADHD control impulsivity and concentrate. They are either long-acting stimulants or short-acting stimulants. They typically start working within 30 to 45 minutes and last for between three and six hours. Long-acting stimulants are typically prescribed first, and doctors sometimes supplement them with a short-acting stimulant for those who have difficulty staying focused throughout the day.
There are a variety of different kinds of stimulant drugs. These include amphetamines and methylphenidate. These medications are regulated and only available with a prescription. The stimulants can also be misused and this is the reason they're classified as controlled substances. Nonstimulants do not carry the same risks of abuse and are less likely than stimulants to cause negative effects, similar to addiction.
Nonstimulant medicines can be taken either transdermally or orally. They generally absorb more quickly than stimulants and do not require a lengthy waiting period before they begin working. They can improve the impulsivity of children and adults with ADHD and are often combined with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.
These side effects are mild and usually go away as the body gets used to them. Consult your physician if they persist. They can inform you if the side effects are normal and give suggestions for reducing them.