Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They help alleviate symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity by increasing brain chemical levels. They also decrease tics and help people finish tasks.
They are available in either a short-acting form or a long-acting form. Doctors can prescribe them as a stand-alone or in conjunction with other medications.
Adderall
Adderall is a stimulant which aids in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). It improves focus, decreases restlessness, and helps control the impulsive behavior of interrupting others. It also helps improve listening and following instructions. It is a good choice for children as young as three years old, adolescents or adults. It is also used to treat the sleep disorder narcolepsy, which is which is characterized by sudden periods of sleepiness during the daytime.
Adderall works by altering a few of the chemicals that are naturally present in your brain. It increases the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine which are both natural neurotransmitters which transmit messages between cells. This allows your brain to function more efficiently and enhances your capabilities in areas that are affected by ADHD, such as concentration, memory, and motivation. It also increases alertness and reduces the amount of restlessness experienced by those suffering from Narcolepsy.
Stimulants can increase heart rate which is dangerous for those who suffer from certain medical conditions or who are taking other medications. People with high blood pressure or a history of seizures, or heart disease should stay clear of taking stimulants. Also, people who have kidney or liver disease, or glaucoma should talk to their doctor prior to taking these. They may also be abused and cause harmful side effects, such as addiction or overdose.
Studies have proven that long-term use of this medication by women, people suffering from heart disease and those younger than 18 could increase their risk of developing heart problems. However, the benefits of this medication far outweigh the dangers.
Adderall begins to work when you notice a change in the way you follow directions and pay attention. You can also tell it is working if you start to improve your organizational abilities. If you are having trouble sleeping, try avoiding caffeine and screen time (such as TV or video games) in the days before the time you go to bed.
Adderall and other stimulants will remain in your system between two and four days. If you are required to undergo a test for drugs for work or school, it is best to tell them.
Evekeo
FDA approved Evekeo in the year 2014. It works by increasing the levels of two important neurotransmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. These chemicals are essential in reward and pleasure pathways, as well as focus and attention. Taking Evekeo can improve the symptoms of ADHD however, it could also cause side effects.
The use of stimulants like Evekeo could increase heartbeat and blood pressure. These changes can be severe and need treatment or hospitalization. It is important to inform your doctor if you have an history of heart issues or an ancestor with a history of heart problems. Inform your doctor if you are suffering from any other health issues or take supplements or vitamins. Evekeo can interact with certain medications. Always tell your doctor if you are taking any prescription or non-prescription medications.
This medication can cause headaches. It is also possible to be experiencing dry mouth, nausea or sleepiness. These side effects typically go away within a few days or a couple of weeks, but you should consult your physician in the event that they persist or become more severe. Evekeo can also cause a rare condition called peripheral vasculopathy or Raynaud's phenomenon which can lead to digital ulceration and tissue breakdown. This is more likely to occur in adolescents and children and can be caused by long-term usage of stimulants.
Some people might develop a dependence on the medication. This is a serious problem that requires intervention. This can cause withdrawal symptoms when the drug is abruptly stopped or dosages are reduced. Withdrawal symptoms can include agitation, depressed mood and fatigue, as well as irritability and vivid or unpleasant dreams. Some people also develop tolerance to the medication, which means that higher doses are needed for the same effect. This can lead to addiction and other harmful side effects. It is also possible to overdose on this drug and cause the life-threatening condition known as rhabdomyolysis. This condition is a severe and potentially fatal adverse effect of amphetamines including Evekeo.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed type of medication healthcare providers prescribe to treat ADHD. It affects the chemicals in the brain and nerves that are responsible for the hyperactivity and control of impulses. It's FDA-approved to treat adults and children who are 6 years old or older. Healthcare providers utilize it to enhance their patients' ability to remain focused and less impulsive, which helps them function better in school or at work. It's also effective at reducing mood swings and making it easier to sleep.
The drug comes in extended-release and immediate-release capsules and tablets. The immediate-release medications come as pills (Ritalin) or liquid (Methylin) and chewable tablets (Melissa). The extended-release category comes in tablet form (Concerta) and capsules (Methylin XR Metadate CD, Methadose, and Azstarys). It's important to use the medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. There are some people who experience a short period of fatigue or increased activity or a negative mood after the effects of methylphenidate wear off. This is called the rebound effect.
Methylphenidate, along with other stimulants, can cause headaches, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. It also increases the heart rate and blood pressure. It is a good idea to take it with food to reduce these side-effects. In certain instances, those who suffer from bipolar disorder may experience a mania episode when taking methylphenidate. It's rare but you should speak to your doctor about the history of mental illness in your family.
There aren't many non-stimulant medicines that are specifically approved to treat ADHD. However, certain healthcare professionals might prescribe antidepressants to treat 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 drugs do not have the same potential for abuse as stimulants do. However, they can still cause serious health problems when used incorrectly or in large doses. Non-stimulant drugs may take longer to start working than stimulants, and may take up to 24 hours to achieve peak effectiveness. They can also decrease the effectiveness of other prescription ADHD medication.
Nonstimulants
For many kids and adults, stimulant medication is the first choice to treat ADHD. However, they might not work well for everyone, or cause undesirable negative side effects. In those cases, nonstimulant medications may be helpful. They can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity in adults and children with ADHD. These medicines can come in the form of pills, liquids or patches. They can also be combined with stimulants or used on their own. Nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine, Guanfacine, and Clonidine, all of which work by enhancing the levels of neurotransmitters within the brain.
Suggested Reading are among the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD and are also the most studied. They are the most efficient in helping both adults and children with ADHD control impulsivity and concentrate. They are either long-acting stimulants or short-acting stimulants. They usually start working in 30 to 45 minutes and last from three to six hours. Doctors usually recommend long-acting stimulation first, and then add a short-acting stimulant for those who find it difficult to stay focused throughout the day.
There are a variety of different kinds of stimulant drugs, including amphetamines and methylphenidate. These drugs are regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and can be used only under the supervision of a physician. The stimulants can also be misused and that's why they're classified as controlled substances. Nonstimulants do not have the same risk of abuse and are less likely than stimulants to trigger negative effects like addiction.
Nonstimulant medicines can be taken either transdermally or orally. They generally are absorbed more quickly than stimulants, and do not require a lengthy waiting period before they begin working. They can aid in reducing the impulsivity of adults and children with ADHD and are often paired with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Some people experience side effects from these drugs, but they are usually mild and go away by themselves as the body adjusts to the changes. Consult your physician in the event that they continue. They will help you determine if the side effects are normal and suggest ways of reducing the severity of them.