ADHD Medication Names
About 70% to 80 percent of adults and children suffer from symptoms of ADHD. They help children focus and reduce hyperactivity. The health care team will monitor how well the medication is working and may change your kid's dosage or the frequency at which they take it.
Stimulants help neurons transmit signals. Examples are methylphenidate (with brand names Ritalin and Concerta) and dexamfetamine (brand name Vyvanse). Both guanfacine and atomoxetine -- both alpha agonists - are used to treat ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants, the most commonly used ADHD medication, can help people of any age control their symptoms. These drugs increase dopamine levels in the brain, which help increase focus and concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity. Amphetamines and methylphenidate as well as other stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed stimulants. The most popular brand names are Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexadrine. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine (meth) and crystal meth, cocaine, and bath salts made of synthetic cathinones (ecstasy).
The adverse effects of stimulant medication include stomach upset, decreased appetite, and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. People who use stimulants for long periods can also experience a "rebound effect," which means they become more hyperactive after the effects of the drug diminish. They may also be affected by mood changes like depression and anxiety. These side effects tend to diminish over time as your body gets used to the medication.
The majority of doctors recommend using psychiatric medications in conjunction with behavioral therapy to help improve the management of symptoms. Children and adults can learn strategies to manage their symptoms through behavioral therapy. It can also help reduce stress and encourage healthier lifestyle choices.
ADHD medications aren't able to cure ADHD, but they can improve a person’s quality of living. Numerous studies have proven that when stimulants are utilized along with other treatment methods like parent training and counseling, they may lead to improved symptom control.
Adults suffering from ADHD require different medications and higher doses than children. It may take a while to find the right medication and dosage that will control symptoms with the least amount of side consequences. Doctors usually prescribe a variety of medicines for the first few weeks to determine which one is most suitable for each patient.
Nonstimulant ADHD drugs take longer to start working and aren't as long-lasting as stimulants, but they are still a good option for certain individuals. These drugs increase the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. Norepinephrine improves concentration and control impulses. More methods that boost norepinephrine are atomoxetine, (Strattera) and the beta agonists with a long-acting effect like Clonidine chloride (Kapvay), and guanfacine chloride (Intuniv). These medications are not controlled substances, therefore they have less of a risk of abuse than stimulants.
If ADHD medication doesn't work for a person or they have severe side effects, then other psychotherapeutic drugs could be considered. Your doctor might prescribe a tricyclic drug, like Tofranil (Imipramine) or Nortriptyline(Aventyl or Pamelor) to treat depression and anxiety which can occur with ADHD. These medications reduce the brain's natural chemical activity however they don't have same impact on blood pressure or heart rate as stimulants do. These drugs are commonly employed in conjunction with stimulants for the treatment of ADHD because they improve focus and concentration.