Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity symptoms by boosting brain chemicals. They can also help reduce tics and finish tasks.
They are available in shortor long-acting varieties. Doctors can prescribe them as a stand-alone or in conjunction with other medicines.
Adderall
Adderall is a stimulant which aids in treating ADHD. Adderall is a stimulant that helps treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). It helps to control impulsive behaviors like interrupting others, while also increasing focus and reducing restlessness. It also improves the capacity 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 narcolepsy - a sleep disorder that is characterized by sudden bouts of sleepiness in the daytime.
The way Adderall works is by altering some of the naturally occurring chemicals in your brain. It increases the amount of dopamine as well as norepinephrine, two natural neurotransmitters that transmit messages between cells. This improves your brain's abilities in areas afflicted by ADHD like motivation and focus, as well as memory. It also reduces restlessness and boosts alertness in people with narcolepsy.
Stimulants can increase heart rate which is dangerous for people who have certain medical conditions or who are taking other medications. People who have high blood pressure or an antecedent history of stroke, seizures, or heart disease should stay clear of taking stimulants. Also, people with kidney or liver disease, or glaucoma should consult their doctor prior to taking these. They are a risk for abuse and may cause negative side effects, such as addiction or an overdose.
Studies have proven that long-term use of stimulants like Adderall can result in a slightly higher risk of heart problems for women, those who have a preexisting heart condition, and people who are younger than 18. However the benefits of this medication far outweigh the risks.
The first indication that Adderall is working is when you begin to notice a difference in your ability to listen and follow directions. You can tell when your organizational skills improve. If you're having trouble sleeping, try avoiding caffeine and screen time (such as TV or video games) in the days before bedtime.
Stimulants like Adderall are in your system for a period of two to four days. It is a good idea to disclose this information if you need to complete the drug test for work or school.
Evekeo
FDA approved Evekeo in the year 2014. It works by increasing the levels of two neurotransmitters that are important, dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. These chemicals are important in reward and pleasure pathways as well as focus and attention. In taking Evekeo, you can reduce symptoms of ADHD but it could also trigger side effects.
The use of stimulants like Evekeo could increase heartbeat and blood pressure. These changes can be serious and could require hospitalization or treatment. Inform your doctor if you have is any family or personal history of heart disease. Inform your doctor if you have any other health issues or take supplements or vitamins. Evekeo may interact with certain medicines, so always inform your doctor about any other prescription and non-prescription medicines you take.
The most common side consequence of this medication is headache. It is also possible to feel dry mouth, nausea and drowsiness as well as weight loss. These side effects usually go away within several days or a couple of weeks, but you should consult your physician when they continue or get more severe. Evekeo can also trigger a rare condition referred to as peripheral vasculopathy, or Raynaud’s phenomenon. This could lead to tissue breakdown or digital ulceration. This is more likely occur in adolescents and children, and it can be caused by long-term usage of stimulants.
Some people develop a psychological dependence this medication which is a serious problem that requires intervention. It can cause withdrawal symptoms if the drug is abruptly stopped or reduced in dose. Withdrawal symptoms can include agitation, depressed mood and fatigue, as well as irritability and vivid or unpleasant dreams. Some people also develop tolerance to this medication, which means that higher doses are needed to get the same effect. This could lead to addiction and to other dangerous adverse effects. It is also possible to overdose on this drug, which can lead to the life-threatening condition known as rhabdomyolysis. This is a possible fatal and serious adverse reaction to amphetamines such as Evekeo.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most common type of medication that healthcare professionals prescribe to treat ADHD. It affects the chemicals in the brain and nerves that are responsible for the hyperactivity and control of impulses. It's FDA-approved for treating children and adults who are 6 years of age and older. Healthcare providers make use of it to increase their patients' ability to stay focused and reduce impulsivity which makes them more productive in school or at work. It also helps to reduce mood swings and make it easier to sleep.
The drug is available in capsules and tablets with extended-release and immediate-release. The immediate-release medications are in the form of pills (Ritalin), liquid (Methylin), and chewable tablets (Melissa). The extended-release category is available in tablet form (Concerta) and capsules (Methylin XR Metadate CD, Methadose, and Azstarys). To reap the maximum benefits it is essential to regularly take the medication. There are some people who experience a short period of fatigue, increased activity or bad mood when the effects of methylphenidate wear off. This is known as the rebound effect.
Like other stimulants, methylphenidate may cause stomach upset, headache as well as a loss of appetite and sleeplessness. It also increases heart rate and blood pressure. Taking it with meals can help prevent these side effects. In some instances methylphenidate may trigger an episode of mania for people suffering from bipolar disorder. This is not common, but it's a good idea consult your doctor about your family's background of mental health issues.
There aren't a lot of non-stimulant medications that are specifically approved to treat ADHD. However, some healthcare providers might prescribe antidepressants to treat the condition. These medications raise levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Most of them belong to two drug classes called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists.
These drugs do not have the same potential for abuse as stimulants do. However, they can cause serious issues if used in excess or incorrectly. adhd and anxiety medication -stimulant medicines can take longer to effect than stimulants, and may take up to 24 hours to reach their peak effectiveness. They can also decrease the effectiveness of other prescription ADHD medications.
Nonstimulants
Stimulant drugs are the primary option for treating ADHD in many adults and children. They may not be suitable for everyone, or may cause unwanted side negative effects. In these instances, non-stimulant medications can be helpful. They can help improve focus and reduce impulsivity for children and adults suffering from ADHD. These medications are available in pills, liquids, or patches. They can also be combined with stimulants, or used on their own. Nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine, the guanfacine and clonidine, all of which work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters within the brain.
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD and the most researched. They are the most effective in helping adults and children with ADHD manage impulsivity and focus. They can be either long-acting or short-acting and typically begin to work within 30 to 45 minutes and last from three to six hours. Doctors usually recommend long-acting stimulation first, then add a short-acting stimulus for those who find it difficult to stay focused throughout the day.
There are a variety of different kinds of stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate. They are controlled by the Drug Enforcement Administration and can be used only under the supervision of a physician. Stimulants can also be abused which is the reason they are considered controlled substances. Nonstimulants do not have the same risks of abuse and are less likely than stimulants to cause negative effects, like addiction.
Nonstimulant medications can be taken either transdermally or orally. They are typically absorbed faster than stimulants and do not require a long waiting period before they begin working. They can aid in reducing the impulsivity of adults and children with ADHD and are often paired with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.
There are some who experience adverse reactions from these medications however, they tend to be minimal and will go away by themselves as the body adjusts to them. If they do not go away consult your physician about the issue. They will tell you if the side effects are normal and provide suggestions on how to lessen the severity of them.