Add ADHD Medications to Your Treatment Plan
Stimulants can reduce ADHD symptoms in 70 to 80% of adults and children who take them. However, they do not solve the problem and the side effects can be uncomfortable.
Your doctor will prescribe the medication that's right for you, as well as the ideal dose and schedule. You may have to stop certain medicines like antidepressants and tricyclic antidepressants prior to starting stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the activity of brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. They are among the most popular medications used to treat ADHD. Tablets are available as immediate-release or extended-release capsules as well as chewable tablets. These medications can be prescribed to the teen, child or adult. Some people who are taking this medication suffer from side effects. They can be minor or severe. If they cause problems then the medication or dose may need to be changed.
The most common stimulant medication for ADHD is methylphenidate. Ritalin is also the brand name. Methylphenidate increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain by preventing their reuptake. It also helps improve focus and attention. It is available as a tablet or an extended-release tablet that is taken once a day in the morning. The chewable version is for children who have difficulties swallowing liquids or pills. It is made up of beads and is easy to chew.
You can also get it as a patch that releases the medication slowly throughout the day. The initial dose of the medication is usually small, and then the dose can be increased gradually over time. Most patients taking these medications will see their doctor or specialist on a regular basis to monitor them and check for signs of any problems.
Amphetamines were the most well-known stimulant drug until recently. They were abused by truck drivers, athletes and students to stay awake and to boost energy. People suffering from eating disorders took them to shed weight. Amphetamines can be extremely addictive and trigger psychotic symptoms like hallucinations. Contrary to most add ADHD medications, amphetamines have been classified as Schedule II drugs by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means that they are susceptible for abuse. People who abuse these drugs frequently combine them with other substances, such as alcohol or illegal substances such as cocaine, which increase the risk of addiction.
There are many options available for people who need to take additional ADHD medication. In addition to stimulants, there are many non-stimulant medicines that have been approved for ADHD treatment for children as well as adults. These medications are different from stimulants, but can help improve ADHD symptoms. They do not produce the same kind of highs and lows that can occur when taking stimulant medication.
These medications include Guanfacine (brand name Toleranse) and the atomoxetine (brand name Strattera), and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). concerta adhd medication affect different brain receptors than stimulants, and have a less dramatic effect on a child's blood pressure or heart rate. The exact way these medications help treat ADHD isn't understood fully, but they are thought to increase the activity of specific neurons in the prefrontal cortex. They may hinder excessive stimulation of D1 noradrenergic receptors as well as dopamine a2-adrenoceptors in this region, which could affect spatial working memory function. This is a subject of research area that is ongoing. Research suggests that these medicines might be more effective than stimulants when it comes to improving ADHD symptoms, especially in children.