ADHD Medication List
Stimulant medications, such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta, are the most frequently used ADHD medications. They increase levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine to improve focus, decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity.
These medicines can cause side effects. Your health care professional can help you determine the appropriate dosage and medication that will work best for you or your child.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most popular kind of medication that healthcare professionals use to treat ADHD. They boost the levels certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain, which help people to focus, think clearly, and remain focused. In adhd medication of cases, 80% of children with ADHD experience improvement in their symptoms after the doctor determines the appropriate stimulant dosage and dosage. The stimulants can be consumed via patch or injection. Some people with ADHD take nonstimulant medication to help alleviate their symptoms. It takes time to determine the appropriate dosage, medication and schedule for each individual with ADHD.
The first stimulant drug someone with ADHD attempts may not work or cause unpleasant adverse effects. If symptoms recur or a person does not see improvement after a few weeks the doctor might suggest a new medication.
They are only available on prescription from your doctor or another qualified provider. They are not available over the counter (OTC). It is not recommended to take supplements or vitamins that claim to treat ADHD, as they might interfere with your prescription.
There are many types of stimulant medications, including amphetamines (Adderall and Ritalin), dextroamphetamines (Dexedrine) and methylphenidates (Ritalin). These medications are generally available as pills, however some also come in patches, liquids, or chewable tablets. The doctor may recommend long-acting or extended-release medications to reduce the risk of abuse. These medications build up slowly in the bloodstream and wear off slowly. This helps reduce the symptoms of what is called "the rebound effect," when a person's mood and energy decreases when their medication is finished.
The medications typically begin to work after 30-60 minutes, and their effects last for about 3-4 hours. Most people take them twice or three times a day.
Short-acting stimulants can trigger an "crash", which can make people feel irritable hungry, tired, and fatigued. Some people suffering from ADHD have tics. These are repetitive sounds or movements like clearing the throat or blinking of the eyes. These tics are not caused by the medication, but can become worse if it is not stopped.
The risk of addiction or abuse is low with any stimulant. However, this is not likely to happen in the low doses used to treat ADHD. The risk is higher for teens and young adults and may also be more pronounced for those with histories of drug abuse.
The most frequent adverse effects of stimulants are headache, stomach upset and an increased heart rate. These effects usually go away after some days of taking the medication. If they do not consult your physician.
People suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor if there is any history of anxiety, depression heart disease, depression, or high blood pressure. They should also let their doctor know if they are taking any other medications or beverages with caffeine which could interfere with the effectiveness of the medication. They should also inform their doctor about any family history of alcoholism, or other mental health issues.