ADHD Medication List - Stimulants
Stimulants boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine two brain chemicals. Amphetamines and methylphenidate are among the stimulants.
Doctors may also prescribe older types of antidepressants called tricyclics to treat ADHD. However, these medications can cause severe side effects, and doctors typically only recommend them if stimulants don't work or cause intolerable adverse effects.
Stimulants
The most common medication used to treat ADHD in children and adults is stimulants. They increase the amount of dopamine in your brain. The majority of people who use these drugs find that they increase their concentration, decrease fatigue, and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. Stimulants can help about 70 percent to 80% people with ADHD improve their performance. These medications don't cause addiction when taken in the dosages that are prescribed to treat ADHD. However they are able to be abused and cause addiction. Patients with an history of drug or alcohol abuse, or an extended family history of substance abuse or mental health issues could be more at risk of this.
The most common stimulants used to treat ADHD are methylphenidates and amphetamines. Most of these medicines are available as generics which are less expensive than brand-name drugs and are preferred by many insurance companies. There are some that are offered as extended-release tablets that you take once a day and can last up to 16 hours. This can result in fewer "ups and downs" of symptoms, which is particularly beneficial for children who are in school.
Immediate-release (short-acting) stimulants start working within 30 to 45 minutes. They generally last for around four hours. You can take them two or three times per day. They are usually the first type of medication that your doctor prescribes. Certain medications are available as liquid, chewable tablets or patches that go on the skin.
Long-acting and intermediate stimulants may last for as long as 16 hours, and are taken each day in the early morning. They can prevent the peaks and dips in effectiveness that occur when short-acting stimulants wear off which can result in extreme hunger and low energy. Many people who take long-acting stimulants also supplement them with a small amount of immediate-release medication to get through late evening and afternoon.
There are a myriad of potential adverse effects from using stimulants for ADHD. These include nausea, headaches, inability to eat, nervousness and sleepiness. Most of these side-effects are mild to moderate and will disappear within a few weeks once your body is adjusted. Consult your physician if the side effects are severe or don't go away after several weeks.
Non-stimulants
There's a set of drugs that are sometimes used to treat ADHD, although they're not FDA-approved for this purpose. These medications are known as non-stimulant ADHD medications and include atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as varenicline (Adderall XR) and bupropion (Wellbutrin). The majority of these medications carry a lower risk for misuse than stimulants, but they may still cause insomnia, agitation or anxiety.
Consult your doctor to help you evaluate the risks and benefits of each medication option. Your doctor will take into consideration your medical background as well as the severity of your symptoms, and any other conditions or illnesses you suffer from. They will also consider the effects each medication has on your child or you, and how it works with other treatments. adhd medication online will need to inform your doctor of any supplements, foods, or beverages you or your child take and any prescription or over-the counter medications you are taking, including antidepressants.