Types of ADHD Medication
The most common drugs prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitter hormones like dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which improves concentration and helps in controlling an impulsive behavior.
adhd uk medication can buy tablets or a patch. Long-acting stimulant products are the best choice because they provide medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are commonly prescribed for ADHD. They are quick-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70 to 80 percent of children who use them. They increase the levels of brain chemicals known as dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and reduces tiredness. Methylphenidate (also called methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Focalin) is a well-known stimulant that is used to treat ADHD. It comes in liquid and chewable tablet forms, and it is able to be consumed at least two times a day. Amphetamines, which are slightly stronger than methylphenidates, are also prescribed to treat ADHD. These drugs can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure and heart rate, so those with existing conditions should tell their doctor.
If stimulant medications are misused (e.g. when they are taken in more than the prescribed dosage, or combined with alcohol or other substances), they can cause addiction. People who take them as prescribed are not at risk of an increased chance of developing addiction. There is evidence to suggest that the use of ADHD medication may aid in preventing substance abuse among people at risk.
The FDA has approved a variety of stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They are usually available in generic form, which means the chemical formula is identical to the brand name medication. Your doctor will prescribe whichever medication works best for your child or you.
Your doctor will begin with a small dose and watch how your child or you react before altering the dosage. Your doctor will then determine whether it is necessary to introduce a different medicine or switch to a different medication.
The effects of stimulants can be adverse, such as a dry mouth, decreased appetite, and changes in mood or sleep patterns. Certain adolescents and children who take stimulants experience tics. These are abrupt movements or sounds resembling eye blinks or throat clearing. Certain studies have demonstrated that stimulants can cause a slight decrease in height for certain teens and children.
Non-stimulant medicines are less effective than stimulants, yet they can help improve impulsivity and attention. They can take anywhere from three to four weeks before they show a noticeable improvement. Non-stimulant medications can help reduce depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions in some people. Most often, they are prescribed in conjunction with stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Antidepressants also work in treating ADHD. They affect the levels of serotonin in the brain, and some like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown to increase impulsivity and focus in some people with ADHD.
FDA-approved non-stimulant medications are rare and hard to come by. Your doctor might recommend antidepressants as stimulants for ADHD or in lieu of stimulants if you suffer from uncontrollable side effects. They can also help improve memory and reduce aggression and impulsivity in certain people with ADHD. Some antidepressants work on dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, and are classified as norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. They are typically prescribed in combination with stimulants and could be more effective than stimulants alone.
