Types of ADHD Medication
The first class of medication that doctors prescribe for ADHD are stimulants. These drugs increase brain chemicals, including norepinephrine and dopamine.
Long- and short-acting stimulant pills are available. Taking the long-acting variant of these drugs allows you to get daily doses of medication, which minimizes side effects caused by fluctuations in the levels of drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants, the most common kind of medication used to treat ADHD is also the most efficient. Around 70-80 percent of people suffering from ADHD benefit from stimulants. They do this by increasing brain chemicals known as dopamine and norepinephrine. These affect your ability to focus and pay attention. Stimulants are available in several forms that include pills as well as extended-release (ER) tablets and tablets that dissolve when swallowed. Your doctor will recommend the one that's best for you, based on whether or not you want to take it along with food, how fast it works, and any side effects you may encounter.
Ritalin is the most commonly prescribed ADHD stimulant. Concerta, Focalin and Daytrana are also used. buy adhd medication uk belong to a class called methylphenidates. Other medications that belong to this group include atomoxetine Strattera, Tenex, Intuniv and Kapvay.
These medications aren't considered to be addictive in the doses prescribed to treat ADHD. However, they can cause problems such as a loss of appetite or difficulty sleeping, as well as increase blood pressure and heart rate. They may also interact with certain medications or medical conditions.
Doctors should closely monitor people with ADHD who are taking stimulants. Finding the appropriate dosage and dosage for each individual may take some time. It's important to communicate openly with your health care provider and report any adverse changes or adverse effects, such as a sudden change in appetite or mood and how the medication is effective for you or your child.
Stimulant medication has been used to treat ADHD since the 1960s, and are very safe when taken at the prescribed dosage. They are effective for 70-80 percent of both children and adults, and reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. symptoms. They can help reduce fidgeting and interrupting and improve learning and interpersonal skills.
The majority of children and adults will have to take stimulants throughout their lives, although some may be able cut down or even stop them. The drugs are usually combined with another type of treatment such as behavior therapy or skills training.
Nonstimulant medicines can be helpful in cases where stimulants are not effective or cause undesirable side effects. They can help improve the way stimulants work and help you or your child to concentrate on impulses, control them and pay attention. These medications, which are generally part of a class known as alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists, are employed "off label" to treat ADHD for many, many years before FDA approval.
Medications in this class are the guanfacine, clonidine and a brand new medication called Atomoxetine (Strattera). These drugs are in another class of drugs than the methylphenidates. They are less likely to cause adverse effects, however they don't perform as efficiently. These drugs increase the activity of the brain chemical norepinephrine, which is involved in paying attention and controlling emotions. It could take as long as six weeks before they start working, but many people see improvements within a couple of days. They can be used in conjunction with stimulants, or used on their own to boost their effectiveness.