Add ADHD Medications to Your Treatment Plan
Stimulants can reduce ADHD symptoms for 70 to the majority of children and adults. However, they do not treat the problem and the side effects can be uncomfortable.
Your doctor will prescribe the medicine that's right for you, along with the ideal dose and schedule. You may have to stop certain medicines such as antidepressants and tricyclic antidepressants prior to starting stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants enhance the activity of brain regions that control behavior and attention. They are the most commonly used drugs used to treat ADHD. They are available in immediate-release tablets or extended-release capsules. They can also be used as chewable tablets for children who have trouble swallowing. They can be prescribed for teenagers, children or an adult. Some patients who take these drugs experience side effects. They can be mild or even serious. If they cause concern the medication may have to be altered or its dosage modified.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant medication used to treat ADHD. It's also known by the brand name Ritalin. 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 in tablets or an extended-release tablet which is taken once a day in the morning. Children who have trouble swallowing liquids or pills can take the chewable version this medication, which is composed of beads that are easy to chew.
It's also available as an application on the skin that releases medicine slowly throughout the course of a day. The initial dose is typically small, and the dosage can be gradually increased over time. Most patients who are taking these drugs will visit their physician or specialist on a regular basis to monitor their progress and check for any signs of a problem.
Amphetamines were among the most well-known stimulant drug until recently. Students, truck drivers and athletes abused these drugs to stay awake and boost their energy. They were also used by people suffering from eating disorders to aid in losing weight. Amphetamines are highly addictive and cause psychotic symptoms like hallucinations. Amphetamines, in contrast to other ADHD medications are classified as Schedule II drugs, which means that they can be abused. These drugs are often mixed with alcohol or illegal substances such as cocaine by people who misuse them. This increases the likelihood of addiction.
There are a lot of options for people who need to take add ADHD medications. There are also non-stimulant medications that are approved for ADHD treatment for adults and children. my response differ from stimulants but can still help improve ADHD symptoms. These medications do not produce the same levels of highs and lows as some stimulant medication.
These medications include guanfacine (brand name Toleranse) and Atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). These drugs work differently on brain receptors than stimulants, and have less of an impact on a child's heart rate or blood pressure. The exact method by which these medications are used to treat ADHD isn't completely understood but they are believed to increase the activity of certain neurons in the prefrontal cortex. They may stop excessive stimulation of D1 noradrenergic receptors and dopamine a2-adrenoceptors in this area, which may hinder spatial working memory functions. This is a subject of research area that is ongoing. These medications may be more effective in treating ADHD symptoms in children than stimulants, based on research.
