Five People You Must Know In The ADHD Medication List Industry
ADHD Medication List
The most common ADHD drugs are stimulant medications like Adderall Vyvanse Ritalin Concerta. They increase the levels of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine to improve focus and reduce hyperactivity.
These medicines may cause adverse effects. Your healthcare provider will help you find the best dose and medicine for your child or yourself.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common type of medication healthcare providers employ to treat ADHD. They boost the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, which help people focus, think clearly and stay engaged. In the majority of cases, 80% of children with ADHD see improvement in their symptoms once the doctor finds the right stimulant medication and dosage. Stimulants are available via patch or injection. Certain people with ADHD use non-stimulant medications to alleviate their symptoms. It takes time to determine the right dosage, medication and schedule for each individual with ADHD.
The first stimulant medication someone with ADHD tries might not work or cause a number of unpleasant adverse effects. If a person isn't seeing improvement after a few weeks, or if their symptoms return then the doctor may recommend a different medication.
Only prescriptions from a physician or other licensed provider are accepted. They aren't available over-the-counter (OTC). It is not recommended that you use supplements or vitamins that claim to treat ADHD. They may interfere with your prescription.
There are many types of stimulant medications, including amphetamines (Adderall and Ritalin) and dextroamphetamines (Dexedrine) and the methylphenidates (Ritalin). These are typically available as pills, but they are also available in patches, liquids or chewable tablets. To minimize the risk of misuse, a doctor may recommend medications that have a long-acting release, or extended-release. These drugs build up slowly in the bloodstream, and they fade slowly. This can reduce the effects of "the rebound effect," which is when people's mood and energy levels decrease after the medication has expired.
The medicines usually begin to work within 30-60 minutes and their effects last around 3-4 hours. The majority of people take them two or three times per day.
Some people who use stimulants with a short-acting mechanism experience what's known as a "crash" when the effects of the drug diminish, and this can make them feel tired, irritable and hungry. Some people suffering from ADHD experience 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 get worse if it is stopped.
The risk of addiction or abuse is small for any stimulant. However, concerta adhd medication is not likely to occur in the low doses that are used to treat ADHD. The risk is greater for adolescents and young adults, and may be greater for those with a history of substance abuse or mental illness.
The most common side effects of stimulants include stomach upset, headaches and an increased heart rate. These effects typically go away after some weeks of taking the medication, however should they not, talk to your doctor.
People with ADHD must inform their doctor whether they have any history of anxiety or depression and are breastfeeding or pregnant or have a heart condition or high blood pressure. They should also tell their doctor if they are taking any other medications or drinks, as they can affect the effectiveness of the medication. They should also talk to their doctor about any family history of alcoholism, or other mental health issues.