ADHD Medication Names
Medications ease symptoms of ADHD in about 70% to 80% of adults and kids. They help focus kids and reduce hyperactivity. The health care team will monitor how well the medication is effective and may alter the dosage or frequency of use.
adhd no medication aid neurons to transmit signals. Examples include methylphenidate sold under the brand names Ritalin or Concerta, and dexamfetamine, which is sold under the brand name Vyvanse. Both atomoxetine and guanfacineboth alpha-agonists - are used to treat ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most widely utilized ADHD drugs and can help manage symptoms for people of all age groups. These medications increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, which helps improve focus and concentration while reducing impulsivity and hyperactivity. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamines as well as methylphenidate. adhd no medication and Dexadrine are popular brand names. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine (meth) and crystal meth, cocaine, and bath salts made of synthetic cathinones (ecstasy).
The adverse effects of stimulant medication include stomach upset, a decrease in appetite, and changes to blood pressure and heart rate. People who use stimulants for long periods may also have the "rebound effect," which means they become more hyperactive after the effects of the drug diminish. They might also experience mood swings, like anxiety and depression. These side effects usually diminish as your body gets used to the medication.
The majority of doctors recommend mixing psychiatric medication with behavioral therapy to enhance the management of symptoms. Behavioral therapy can teach both adults and children strategies to manage their symptoms. It can also help reduce stress and encourage healthier lifestyle choices.
ADHD medications don't cure ADHD, but they can help improve the quality of life. Numerous studies have demonstrated that when stimulants are utilized alongside other treatment strategies, such as parent training and counseling, they may lead to improved symptom control.
Adults with ADHD require different dosages of medication and dosages than children. It can take a long time to determine the appropriate medication and dosage that will control symptoms with the least amount of adverse side consequences. Doctors typically prescribe a variety of drugs in the initial few weeks to determine which is most suitable for each patient.
Nonstimulant ADHD medications take longer to begin working and don't last as long as stimulants, yet they are still a good option for certain people. These drugs increase the amount of norepinephrine present in the brain. Norepinephrine improves concentration and control impulses. The drugs that increase norepinephrine include atomoxetine (Strattera) and the long-acting beta agonists, Clonidine chloride (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv). These are not controlled substances, so they have a lower possibility of abuse than stimulants.
If ADHD medication doesn't work or causes serious side effects, psychiatric drugs might be prescribed. Your doctor may prescribe a tricyclic drug such as Tofranil (Imipramine) or Nortriptyline(Aventyl or Pamelor), to treat anxiety and depression which can occur with ADHD. These medications also decrease the process of the brain's own natural chemicals, but don't have as powerful an impact on the heart rate and blood pressure as stimulants do. They're frequently used in conjunction with stimulants to treat ADHD as they offer the added benefit of helping improve attention and focus.