ADHD Medication Names
Medications ease symptoms of ADHD In about 70 percent to 80% of children and adults. medication for autism and adhd help focus kids and decrease hyperactivity. The health care team will monitor how well the medication is working and could alter your child's dose or how often they take it.
Stimulants work by helping neurons pass along signals. Examples include methylphenidate (with brand names Ritalin and Concerta) and dexamfetamine (brand name Vyvanse). Atomoxetine as well as long-acting guanfacineboth are referred to as alpha-agonists -- also help treat ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most widely utilized ADHD medications and can help control symptoms for people of all age groups. These medications increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, which can help improve concentration and focus while reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity. Amphetamines, methylphenidate and other stimulants are the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Common brand names include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexadrine. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine as well as crystal meth (meth), cocaine, as well as bath salts that are synthetic cathinones.
The adverse effects of stimulant medication include stomach upset, reduced appetite, and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. People who take stimulants for prolonged periods could also have a "rebound effect," which means they become more hyperactive after the effects of the drug diminish. They might also suffer from mood changes, such as depression and anxiety. These side effects usually decrease over time as your body becomes accustomed to the medication.
The majority of doctors recommend using psychiatric medications in conjunction with behavioral therapy to improve the management of symptoms. Behavioral therapy can teach adults and children strategies to control their symptoms. It can also reduce stress and encourage healthier choices in lifestyle.
ADHD medications aren't a cure for the condition, but they can significantly enhance a person's quality of life. Numerous studies have proven that stimulants can be used in combination with other treatment methods such as parent education and counseling to help improve the control of symptoms.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are different from the ones used for children and dosages are more. It can take a long time to find the right dosage and medication that will reduce symptoms with the lowest amount of adverse side consequences. Doctors prescribe a variety medications in the initial few weeks of treatment to determine which is best for each patient.
Nonstimulant ADHD medication takes longer to take effect and doesn't last as much as stimulants. However, they can be helpful for some people. These drugs work by increasing the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain called norepinephrine. Norepinephrine improves concentration and controls impulses. The drugs that increase norepinephrine include atomoxetine, (Strattera), and the beta agonists that have a long-lasting effect like clonidine chloride (Kapvay), and guanfacine chloride (Intuniv). These medications are not controlled substances, so they have less risk of misuse than stimulants.
If ADHD medication doesn't work for a person or have serious side effects, other medications for psychiatric disorders could be considered. Your doctor might recommend a tricyclic antidepressant, such as imipramine (Tofranil) or nortriptyline (Aventyl or Pamelor) to treat anxiety and depression that can sometimes be associated with ADHD. These medications reduce the brain's natural chemical activity, however, they don't have the same effect on blood pressure or heart rate as stimulants. They are often used in conjunction with stimulants to treat ADHD as they offer the added benefit of helping improve focus and attention.