Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are commonly prescribed for ADHD. They help reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity symptoms by increasing brain chemicals. They also aid in reducing the frequency of tics and speed up tasks.
They can be purchased in a short-acting or long-acting type. Doctors can prescribe them as a stand-alone or in conjunction with other medications.
Adderall
Adderall (the combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) is a stimulant drug that improves the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD). It helps to control the impulsive behavior of interrupting others, while also increasing focus and decreasing restlessness. It also enhances the ability to listen and follow instructions. It is suitable for children three years of age and older, adolescents, or even adults. It can also be used to treat the sleep disorder narcolepsy, which is that is characterized by sudden bouts of sleepiness during the morning.
Adderall works by altering some of the chemical substances that are naturally found in your brain. It increases the amount of dopamine as well as norepinephrine, two natural neurotransmitters that send messages between cells. This improves brain function in areas affected by ADHD like motivation, focus, and memory. It also reduces restlessness and boosts alertness in people suffering from narcolepsy.
Stimulants increase the heart rate, which can be dangerous for people with particular medical issues or who take other medications. People who have high blood pressure or an antecedent history of heart disease, or seizures should avoid taking stimulants. Additionally, those with liver or kidney disease or glaucoma should consult their doctor prior to taking these. They may also be abused and cause harmful side effects, such as addiction or overdose.
Studies have shown that long-term use of stimulants such as Adderall can lead to an increased risk of heart issues for women, those with preexisting heart disease, and those who are younger than 18 years old. The benefits of Adderall far outweigh any potential risks.
Adderall starts working when you notice a change in the way you pay attention and follow directions. You can also tell that it is working by beginning to improve your organization abilities. Avoid caffeine and screen time prior to the time you go to bed if you have difficulty falling asleep.
Stimulants like Adderall are in your system for a period of two to four days. If you are required to undergo a test for drugs for school or work it is a good thing to inform them.
Evekeo
Evekeo (amphetamine sulfate) is an ADHD medication that was approved by the FDA in 2014. It works by increasing levels of two important neurotransmitters: dopamine & norepinephrine in the brain. These chemicals are involved in the reward and pleasure pathways, as well as attention and focus. Evekeo could help with ADHD symptoms however, there are negative side negative effects.
Stimulants such as Evekeo can raise blood pressure and heart rate. These changes could be dangerous and could need treatment or hospitalization. Tell your doctor if there is any personal or family history of heart disease. Inform your doctor if suffer from any other health issues or take supplements or vitamins. Evekeo could interact with certain medications. Always tell your doctor if taking prescription or non-prescription medication.
This medication can cause headaches. It is also possible to experience nausea, dry mouth or tiredness. These symptoms usually go away within a week or two however, you should consult your physician if symptoms persist or become worse. Evekeo can also trigger a rare condition known as peripheral vasculopathy, or Raynaud’s phenomenon. This could lead to digital ulceration or the breakdown of tissue. This is more likely occur in children and adolescents and can be caused by long-term usage of stimulants.
Certain people may develop a psychological dependency on this medication. This is a serious problem that requires intervention. The withdrawal symptoms can occur when the medication is abruptly stopped or doses are reduced. These withdrawal symptoms could include agitation, depressed mood, fatigue, irritability, and vivid or unpleasant dreams. Some people may also develop tolerance, which means that they require higher doses to achieve the same effects. This could lead to addiction and to other dangerous side effects. Dosing too much of this medication could cause a life-threatening condition known as rhabdomyolysis. This condition is a severe and possibly fatal adverse effect of amphetamines including Evekeo.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication prescribed by healthcare providers to treat ADHD is a form of medication that affects the chemical balance in the brain and nerves. It affects the chemical levels in the nerves and brain that triggers hyperactivity and impulse-control. It's FDA-approved to treat adults and children aged 6 and over. It assists healthcare professionals improve their patients' focus and reduce their impulsivity. This helps them function better at work or at school. It also helps in controlling mood swings and makes it easier to sleep.
The drug is available in extended-release and immediate-release tablets and capsules. Medications in the immediate-release category come as pills (Ritalin), liquid (Methylin) and chewable tablets (Melissa). The extended-release category comes in tablet form (Concerta) and capsules (Methylin XR, Metadate CD Methadose, Azstarys). It is important to take the medication on a regular basis to reap the maximum benefit from it. Some people experience a brief period of fatigue, increased activity or bad mood when the effects of methylphenidate wear off. This is known as the rebound effect.
Like other stimulants, methylphenidate may cause an upset stomach, headache, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping. It also increases heart rate and blood pressure. It is recommended to take it before meals to help to prevent these negative side effects. In certain instances, those with bipolar disorders can suffer from a mania attack while taking methylphenidate. It's not common but you should speak to your doctor about the history of mental illness in your family.
There aren't too many non-stimulant medications that are specifically approved to treat ADHD. Some healthcare providers may prescribe antidepressants for the condition. These medications increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Most of them belong to two drug classes called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists.
These medications don't have the same potential for abuse that stimulants do. However, they could cause serious health issues when taken improperly or in large doses. Non-stimulant medication may take longer to work than stimulants and may take up to 24 hours before they attain their maximum effectiveness. They can also reduce the effectiveness of some other prescription ADHD drugs.
Nonstimulants
For a lot of kids and adults, stimulant medications are the first choice for treating ADHD. They may not work for everyone, and they may cause unwanted negative side consequences. Nonstimulant medications may be useful in these instances. They can help improve focus and reduce impulsivity in kids and adults with ADHD. These medicines can come in the form of pills, liquids, or patches. They can also be mixed with stimulants or taken as a stand-alone treatment. Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine and clonidine work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters inside the brain.
Stimulants are among the most commonly used medications prescribed for ADHD and are also among the most researched. They are also the most effective in helping adults and children with ADHD focus and control the impulsivity. They can be short-acting or long-acting and usually begin working within 30 to 45 minutes and last for three to six hours. Long-acting stimulants are usually prescribed first, and doctors sometimes supplement them with a short-acting stimulant for those who have difficulty staying on task throughout the day.
There are many different types of stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate. These drugs are regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and can be used only with a prescription from a doctor. medication for inattentive adhd are also abused and this is the reason they're classified as controlled substances. Nonstimulants do not have the same danger of abuse and are less likely to cause negative side effects, such as addiction.
Nonstimulant medications can be taken by mouth or transdermally (through the skin). They are typically absorbed more quickly than stimulants, and do not require a lengthy waiting time before they start working. They can help reduce impulsivity in adults and children with ADHD and are frequently utilized in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.
These side effects are mild and usually disappear once the body becomes used to them. If they continue to bother you consult your physician about the issue. They will advise you on whether the side effects are normal and suggest ways of reducing them.