ADHD Medication List
Stimulant drugs, like Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta are among the most frequently used ADHD drugs. They boost the levels of brain chemicals, norepinephrine as well as dopamine to improve focus and reduce hyperactivity.
These medicines may cause adverse reactions. Your health care professional will help find the right dosage and the medicine that works best for you or your child.
Stimulants
Stimulants, which are the most popular type of medication used by healthcare providers to treat ADHD, are stimulants. They increase the amount of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that help people concentrate and think clearly, as well as stay engaged. In most cases, 80% or more of children who suffer from ADHD see improvement in their symptoms once the doctor prescribes the right stimulant medication. Stimulants can be taken orally, by patch or injection. Some people suffering from ADHD also take nonstimulant medications to improve symptoms. It takes a while to figure the correct medication, dosage and schedule for every individual with ADHD.
The first stimulant drug a person suffering from ADHD is likely to not work or have unpleasant side effects. If symptoms recur, or a person does not see improvement after several weeks then the doctor may suggest an alternative medication.
They are only available on prescription from your doctor or another qualified provider. They are not sold over-the market (OTC). It is not recommended to take vitamins or supplements claiming to treat ADHD because they could interact with your prescription.
There are several types of stimulant medication, including amphetamines, such as Adderall and Ritalin and dextroamphetamines such as Dexedrine and methylphenidates like Ritalin. Most of these drugs come in pill form, however certain are available as chewable, liquid or patch tablets. To limit the chance of misuse, a physician may recommend medications with a long-acting release or extended-release. These medications build up slowly in the bloodstream and wear off slowly. This can reduce the effects of "the rebound effect," which is when a person's mood and energy levels decrease when their medication wears off.
These medications typically begin to take effect within 30-60 minutes and their effects last for 3-4 hours. The majority of people take them two or three times a day.
Some people who take stimulants with a short-acting mechanism experience what's known as a "crash" when the drug is gone and makes them feel exhausted, irritable and hungry. Some people with ADHD suffer from tics. These are repetitive sounds or movements that include throat clearing or blinking of the eyes. These tics are not caused by the medication but may get worse if the medication is stopped.
The risk of addiction or abuse is minimal with any stimulant. However, this is not likely to happen in the small doses that are used to treat ADHD. The risk is greater for young adults and teens, and may be greater for those who have a history of substance abuse or mental illness.
Most stimulants can cause side effects such as stomach upset, headaches, and increased heart rate. These effects usually go away after some days of taking the medication. If they do not, speak to your doctor.
People with ADHD must inform their doctor if they have a history of depression or anxiety, are pregnant or breastfeeding or suffer from heart condition or high blood pressure. They should also inform their doctor if they use any other medications or drinks, as they may affect the effectiveness of the medication. dealing with adhd without medication is also important to inform their doctor if they have an alcoholism family history, or any other mental health issues.