ADHD Medication Names
Medicines ease symptoms of ADHD In about 70% to 80% of adults and children. They reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and help kids focus. The health care team will monitor the effectiveness of the medication working and may adjust the dosage or frequency of use.
Stimulants help neurons transmit signals. Examples include methylphenidate, sold under the brand names Ritalin or Concerta and dexamfetamine sold under the brand name Vyvanse. Atomoxetine as well as long-acting guanfacine- both called alpha agonists are also used to treat ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most widely used ADHD medication and can be used to control symptoms for all different ages. They increase the amount of dopamine in the brain, which help improve focus and concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity. Amphetamines and methylphenidate as well as other stimulants are the most commonly prescribed stimulants. The most popular brand names are Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexadrine. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine as well as crystal meth (meth), cocaine, as well as bath salts that are synthetic cathinones.
The adverse effects of stimulant medication include stomach upset, decreased appetite, and changes to blood pressure and heart rate. People who take stimulants over long periods can also suffer from the "rebound effect," which means they become more hyperactive after the drug has a chance to wear off. They might also experience mood swings, such as depression and anxiety. These side effects typically decrease with time as the body adjusts to the medication.
Most doctors suggest combining psychiatric medications with behavioral therapy to improve symptom management. Adults and children can learn strategies to manage their symptoms through behavioral therapy. It can also reduce stress and encourage healthier choices in lifestyle.
ADHD medications aren't the cure, however they can greatly improve a person's quality of life. Numerous studies have demonstrated that stimulants can be used in conjunction with other treatment strategies such as education for parents and counseling to help improve symptom control.
Adults with ADHD require different medications and higher dosages than children. It may take some time to determine the proper dosage and medication that can control symptoms with the least adverse side negative effects. Doctors prescribe various medications during the first few weeks of treatment to determine which is best for each patient.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to work and does not last as long as stimulants. However they can be beneficial for certain people. These medications help by increasing the quantity of a chemical in the brain known as norepinephrine. Norepinephrine improves concentration and control impulses. The drugs that boost norepinephrine are atomoxetine, (Strattera) and the beta agonists with a long-acting effect, Clonidine chloride (Kapvay) and guanfacine chloride (Intuniv). These are not controlled substances, so they have a lower potential for abuse than stimulants.
If adhd sleep medication fails to work or causes severe side effects, psychiatric medications might be prescribed. Your doctor may recommend tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) or nortriptyline (Aventyl or Pamelor) to treat anxiety and depression that may sometimes occur alongside ADHD. These medications reduce the brain's natural chemical activity, however, they don't have the same effect on heart rate or blood pressure as stimulants do. They're frequently used in conjunction with stimulants to treat ADHD because they offer the added benefit of helping to improve attention and focus.