Add ADHD Medications to Your Treatment Plan
Stimulants can reduce ADHD symptoms in 70 to the 80% of adults and children who use them. They can't cure ADHD and the side effects can be annoying.
Your doctor will prescribe the medicine that is best for you, along with the appropriate dosage and schedule. You may also have to stop taking certain medicines, such as antidepressants or tricyclic antidepressants, prior to starting stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase activity in parts of the brain that help control the behavior and attention. They are the most common medication used to treat ADHD. They are available as immediate-release tablets or extended-release capsules, as well as chewable tablets for children who are having difficulty swallowing. These medications can be prescribed to children, teens or an adult. Some people who take these medications suffer from adverse reactions. They can be either severe or mild. If they cause concern, the medication may need to be altered or its dosage modified.
The most well-known stimulant medication used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate. It's also known by the brand name Ritalin. Methylphenidate increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain by preventing their reuptake. It also helps improve concentration and attention. adhd and anxiety medication is available as a tablet or an extended-release tablet that is taken every day in the morning. Children who have trouble swallowing pills or liquids may take the chewable version this medication, which is composed of small pieces that are easy to chew.
It is also available in the form of a patch that releases the medicine slowly throughout the day. The first dose of medication is typically small, and the dosage can be increased gradually over time. The majority of patients who use these medications will visit their doctor or GP regularly to assess their progress and look for any signs of problems.
Prior to the advent of amphetamines, they were the most popular stimulant drug. They were often used by truck drivers, students and athletes to stay awake and increase energy. People with eating disorders also took them to lose weight. Amphetamines are extremely addictive and can trigger psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations. Unlike most add ADHD medications, amphetamines have been classified as Schedule II drugs by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, meaning that they have potential for abuse. People who misuse these medications often mix them with other substances such as alcohol or illegal substances like cocaine, which can increase the risk of addiction.
There are a variety of options for people who need to take additional ADHD medication. In addition to stimulants, there are a variety of non-stimulant medications that have been approved for ADHD treatment in children and adults. These medications perform differently than stimulants, but they can still significantly improve ADHD symptoms. They don't produce the same kind of highs and lows that can occur with some stimulant medications.
These include the guanfacine (brand name Toleranse) and the atomoxetine (brand name Strattera), and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). These medications work on different brain receptors than stimulants, and have less of an impact on a child's heart rate or blood pressure. These medications are not fully understood but they work by increasing the activity of neurons in the prefrontal cortices. They could limit excessive stimulation of dopamine D1 receptors in this region, which can hinder spatial working memory functions. This is a subject of ongoing research. These medications could be more effective in treating ADHD symptoms in children than stimulants, according to research.