Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They help reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity symptoms by boosting brain chemicals. They also decrease the tics of people and help them complete tasks.
They can be purchased in either a short-acting or long-acting type. Doctors can prescribe them on their own or in combination with other medicines.
Adderall
Adderall is a stimulant that helps treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). It improves focus, decreases restlessness, and assists in controlling impulsive behavior like interrupting others. It also improves the capacity to listen and follow directions. It is suitable for children three years old and over, adolescents, or for adults. It can also be used to treat narcolepsy - a sleep disorder which is characterized by sudden periods of sleepiness during the morning.
The method Adderall works is by changing some of the naturally occurring chemicals that are present in your brain. It increases the amount dopamine and norrepinephrine which are neurotransmitters found in nature. This allows your brain to function more efficiently and enhances your capabilities in areas afflicted by ADHD, such as concentration memory, focus, and motivation. It also increases alertness and reduces restlessness in people suffering from Narcolepsy.
Stimulants can increase heart rate, which is risky for those who suffer from certain medical conditions or who are taking other medications. People with high blood pressure or an history of stroke, heart disease, or seizures should stay clear of taking stimulants. People with liver or kidney disease, or glaucoma should consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants. They can be misused, and they can have adverse side effects like addiction or overdose.
Studies have demonstrated that the long-term use of stimulants like Adderall can result in a slightly higher risk of heart-related problems for women, those who have a preexisting heart condition, and those younger than 18. The benefits of adding Adderall far exceed any risk.
Adderall begins to work when you notice a difference in the way you follow directions and pay attention. You can tell if your organization skills improve. If you have trouble sleeping, try avoiding caffeine and screen time (such as television or video games) in the hours before bedtime.
Adderall and other stimulants will remain in your system between two and four days. If you are required to take a drug test at work or school, it is best to tell 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 and norepinephrine within the brain. These chemicals are important in the pleasure and reward pathways as well as focus and attention. Evekeo can help improve ADHD symptoms, but there are also negative side consequences.
Stimulants like Evekeo can raise blood pressure and heart rate. These changes could be dangerous and require treatment or hospitalization. It is important to inform your doctor whether you have any heart-related issues or any family history of them. Also, inform your doctor if you have any other health issues or take any vitamins or supplements. Evekeo may interact with certain medications. Always tell your doctor if taking any prescription or non-prescription drugs.
The most frequently reported adverse result of this medication is headache. It is also possible to experience dry mouth, nausea, drowsiness, or weight loss. These symptoms usually go away within a week or two however, you should speak to your doctor if the symptoms persist or get worse. Evekeo can also trigger a rare condition called peripheral vasculopathy, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon. This can lead to tissue breakdown or digital ulceration. This is more likely to be seen in children and adolescents, and it can be worsened by the long-term use of stimulants.
Some people may develop a mental dependence on this medication. This is a serious issue that requires intervention. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms if the drug is abruptly cut off or reduced in dose. Withdrawal symptoms can include agitation, depressed mood, fatigue, irritability, and vivid or unpleasant dreams. Some people can also develop tolerance to this medication, which means that higher doses are needed for the same effect. This could lead to addiction and to other dangerous side effects. It is also possible to overdose on this drug and cause a life-threatening condition called rhabdomyolysis. This could be a fatal and serious adverse effect of amphetamines, including Evekeo.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication prescribed by healthcare providers to treat ADHD is a form of medication that affects the chemical balance in the brain and nerves. It affects the neurochemicals in the nerves and brain that trigger hyperactivity and impulse control. It's FDA-approved for treating children and adults who are 6 years old or older. It assists healthcare professionals improve their patients' concentration and reduce impulsivity. This helps them perform better at work or school. It also helps to reduce mood swings and make it easier to sleep.
The drug comes in extended-release and immediate-release capsules and tablets. The immediate-release category includes pills (Ritalin) as well as liquid (Methylin), or chewable tablets (Melissa). The extended-release category is available in tablet (Concerta) as well as capsule (Methylin XR) as well as tablet (Methadose and Azstarys). It is essential to take the medication on a regular basis to reap the maximum benefits from it. There are some people who experience a short period of fatigue, increased activity or bad mood after the effects of methylphenidate begin to wear off. This is known as the rebound effect.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant that, like other stimulants can cause nausea, headaches as well as loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. It can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. Consuming it in conjunction with meals can help prevent these side effects. In certain instances, those with bipolar disorders can have a mania-like episode while taking methylphenidate. It's rare however, you should talk to your doctor about the history of mental illness in your family.
There aren't many non-stimulant drugs that are approved to treat ADHD. Some healthcare professionals might prescribe antidepressants to treat the condition. They work by increasing the 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 medications don't carry the same potential for abuse as stimulants do. They can still cause serious harm if taken in excess or improperly. Non-stimulant medications may take longer to start working than stimulants and can take up to 24 hours before they reach their the maximum level of effectiveness. They can also decrease the effectiveness of other prescription ADHD medications.
Non-stimulants
For many children and adults, stimulant medication is the first choice for treating ADHD. However, they might not be suitable for everyone, or cause undesirable negative side consequences. Nonstimulant medicines can be beneficial in these situations. They can aid in improving concentration and reduce impulsivity in children and adults suffering from ADHD. These medicines can come in the form of pills, liquids, or patches. They can also be combined with stimulants or used as a stand-alone treatment. Suggested Studying as Clonidine and atomoxetine work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters inside the brain.
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD and are the most extensively researched. They are also the most effective at helping adults and children with ADHD concentrate and control impulsivity. They are either short-acting or long-acting, and they usually start to work within 30 to 45 minutes and last for three to six hours. Long-acting stimulants are usually prescribed first, and doctors often supplement them with a shorter-acting stimulant for those who have trouble staying focused throughout the day.
There are a variety of stimulant medicines such as amphetamines. They are controlled by the Drug Enforcement Administration and can be used only with the supervision of a physician. The stimulants can also be misused and this is the reason they're classified as controlled substances. Nonstimulants don't have the same risk of abuse and are less likely to cause negative effects, similar to addiction.
Nonstimulant drugs can be taken either transdermally or orally. They are usually absorbed faster than stimulants, and they don't need a long time to start working. They can aid in reducing impulsivity in children and adults with ADHD and are often used with other treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy.
These side effects are mild and generally disappear as the body gets used to them. If they do not go away consult your physician about them. They will be able to inform you if the side effects are normal or not and suggest ways of reducing them.