Add ADHD Medications to Your Treatment Plan
Stimulants can lessen ADHD symptoms for 70% to 80percent of children and adults. They aren't able to cure ADHD and the adverse effects can be a bit annoying.
Your doctor will recommend the most effective medication for you as well as the correct dosage and schedule. You may also have to stop taking certain drugs, such as antidepressants or tricyclic antidepressants, before starting stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. They are among the most commonly used medications to treat ADHD. Tablets are available as immediate-release or extended-release capsules, or chewable tablets. These medications can be prescribed to the teen, child or adult. Some people who take this medication experience side effects. They can be mild or serious. If they are a concern the medication may have to be altered or its dosage modified.
The most commonly used stimulant medication used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate. Ritalin is also the brand name. Methylphenidate works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain increasing their levels, and improving attention and focus. It can be taken as a tablet or as an extended-release tablet once a morning. The chewable version is suitable for children who have trouble swallowing pills or liquids. It is made up of beads and is easy to chew.
It is also available in the form of patch that releases the medication slowly throughout the day. The majority of medications are given in small doses initially and then gradually increased as time passes. The majority of patients who use these drugs will visit their doctor or GP regularly to assess their progress and look for any indications of problems.
Amphetamines were among the most well-known stimulant drug until recently. They were used by truck drivers, students and athletes to stay awake and increase energy. People suffering from eating disorders took them to shed weight. Amphetamines can be highly addictive and can cause psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delirium. Unlike non stimulant adhd medication add ADHD medications, amphetamines are classified as Schedule II drugs by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means that they are susceptible for abuse. Users who abuse these medications often combine them with other substances, such as alcohol or illegal drugs like cocaine, which can increase the likelihood of addiction.
There are a variety of options for those who have to take additional ADHD medications. There are also non-stimulant drugs that are approved for ADHD treatment for adults and children. These drugs differ from stimulants but can still aid in the improvement of ADHD symptoms. These medications do not cause the same levels of energy and arousal as some stimulant medication.
These medications include guanfacine (brand name Toleranse) and Atomoxetine (brand name Strattera), and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). These drugs affect different brain receptors than stimulants, and have a less dramatic impact on a child's blood pressure or heart rate. The exact method by which these medications help treat ADHD isn't understood fully however, they are believed to boost the activity of certain neurons in the prefrontal cortex. They can stop excessive stimulation of noradrenergic D1 receptors and dopamine a2-adrenoceptors within this area, which can hinder spatial working memory functions. This area is a research area that is in the process of being explored. These drugs could be more effective in treating ADHD symptoms in children than stimulants, based on research.