ADHD Medication Names
The effects of medication ease ADHD in about 70 percent to 80% adults and kids. They reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and help kids focus. The health care team will monitor the effectiveness of the medication working and may adjust your child's dose or frequency of use.
Stimulants work by helping neurons pass along signals. Examples include methylphenidate, sold under the brand names Ritalin or Concerta, and dexamfetamine, available under the brand name Vyvanse. Both atomoxetine and Guanfacineboth alpha agonists are used to treat ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most commonly utilized ADHD medication and can be used to control symptoms for all ages. These drugs increase dopamine levels in the brain, which help improve concentration and focus while reducing impulsivity and hyperactivity. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamines as well as methylphenidate. Adderall Ritalin and Dexadrine are well-known brand names. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine (meth) and crystal meth, cocaine and bath salts made from synthetic cathinones (ecstasy).
Side effects of stimulant medication include stomach upset, a decrease in appetite, and changes to blood pressure and heart rate. People who take stimulants over prolonged periods could also have the "rebound effect," which means they become more hyperactive when the effects of the drug diminish. They may also be affected by mood changes like depression and anxiety. These side effects tend to decrease over time as your body becomes accustomed to the medication.
Most doctors recommend combining psychiatric treatment with behavioral therapy to increase the control of symptoms. Children and adults can learn strategies to control their symptoms through behavioral therapy. does adhd medication work can also reduce stress and encourage healthier choices of lifestyle.
ADHD medications don't cure ADHD, but they can help improve a person's quality of living. Numerous studies have proven that when stimulants are employed along with other treatment methods, such as parent training and counseling, they can lead to improved symptom control.
Adults who suffer from ADHD differ from the ones used for children and the dosages are more. It may take a while to determine the best dosage and medication to manage symptoms with the least amount of adverse negative effects. Doctors prescribe a variety of medications during the first few weeks of treatment to determine which is best for each individual patient.
Nonstimulant ADHD medication takes longer to work and doesn't last as much as stimulants. However, they can be helpful for some people. They help by increasing the quantity of a substance in the brain that is known as norepinephrine. Norepinephrine enhances concentration and controls impulses. Medications that increase norepinephrine levels include atomoxetine (Strattera) and the long-acting alpha agonists clonidine hydrochloride (Kapvay) and Guanfacine hydrochloride (Intuniv). These medications are not controlled substances and therefore have a lower potential for abuse.
If ADHD medication fails to work or has serious adverse effects, psychiatric medication might be prescribed. Your doctor might prescribe a tricyclic medication, like Tofranil (Imipramine) or Nortriptyline(Aventyl or Pamelor) to treat depression and anxiety that can be a result of ADHD. These medications also reduce the activity of the brain's natural chemicals, but they don't have the same effect on heart rate and blood pressure as stimulants do. These medications are frequently employed in conjunction with stimulants for the treatment of ADHD because they enhance focus and concentration.