Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are commonly prescribed for ADHD. They ease symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity through stimulating brain chemicals. They also help reduce tics and help people finish tasks.
They are available in either a short-acting or long-acting form. Doctors can prescribe them either as a pair or in combination.
Adderall
Adderall (the combination of dextroamphetamine with amphetamine) is an stimulant drug that can help improve the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD). It improves focus, decreases anxiety, and helps manage disruptive behavior such as interrupting others. It also improves listening and following instructions. It is a good choice for children as young as 3 years old, teenagers or adults. It is also used for Narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that is characterized by sudden bouts of sleepiness in the morning.
The method Adderall works is by changing certain naturally occurring chemicals in your brain. It increases the amount dopamine and norrepinephrine which are natural neurotransmitters. This makes your brain work more efficiently and enhances your capabilities in areas that are affected by ADHD like focus, memory, and motivation. It also reduces restlessness and increases alertness in those suffering from narcolepsy.
Stimulants can increase heart rate, which can be dangerous for those suffering from certain medical conditions or who take other medications. People who have high blood pressure or an history of heart disease, or seizures should stay clear of taking stimulants. People with liver or kidney disease, or glaucoma, should also consult their doctor before taking stimulants. They are a risk for abuse, and they can have harmful side effects such as addiction or an overdose.
Studies have demonstrated that the long-term use of stimulants such as Adderall can lead to a slightly increased risk of heart-related problems for women, those with a history of heart disease and people who are younger than 18. However the benefits of this drug far outweigh the risks.
The first sign that Adderall is working is when you begin to notice a change in your ability to be attentive and follow instructions. You can also tell that it is working by beginning to develop your organizational abilities. Avoid drinking coffee and watching TV in the hours prior to bedtime if you have trouble falling asleep.
Stimulants such as Adderall will stay in your system for two to four days. If you are required to take a drug test for work or school, it is best to tell them.
Evekeo
FDA approved Evekeo in the year 2014. It is effective by increasing the levels of 2 important neurotransmitters in the brain, norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals are involved in pleasure and reward pathways as well as concentration and attention. The use of Evekeo can help improve symptoms of ADHD, but it can also trigger side effects.
Stimulants such as Evekeo could increase blood pressure and heartbeat. These changes could be dangerous and require treatment or hospitalization. Tell your doctor if there is any family or personal history of heart disease. You should also inform your doctor that you are suffering from other health issues or take any supplements or vitamins. Evekeo could interact with certain medications. Always tell your doctor if taking prescription or non-prescription medications.
The most common adverse consequence of this medication is headache. It is also possible to feel nausea, dry mouth or drowsiness. These side effects usually disappear within several days or a few weeks, but you should contact your doctor in the event that they persist or become worse. Evekeo can also trigger a rare condition known as peripheral vasculopathy or Raynaud's phenomena, which can lead to tissue breakdown and digital ulceration. This is more likely occur in children and adolescents and is caused by long-term usage of stimulants.
Some people might develop a mental dependence on this drug. This is a serious problem that requires intervention. It can trigger withdrawal symptoms when the drug is abruptly cut off or doses are reduced. These withdrawal symptoms include agitation as well as depression. They may also be accompanied by fatigue, irritability and vivid or disturbing dreams. Some people may also develop tolerance, meaning that they need higher doses to achieve the same effects. This could cause addiction and other potentially dangerous side effects. non stimulant adhd medication is also possible to overdose on this drug and develop the life-threatening condition known as rhabdomyolysis. This is a possible fatal and severe adverse reaction to amphetamines such as Evekeo.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed kind of medication that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD. It affects the chemicals in the brain and nerves that trigger hyperactivity and impulse control. It is FDA-approved to treat adults and children aged 6 and older. It assists healthcare professionals improve their patients' concentration and reduce their impulsivity. This helps them perform better at work or school. It also helps in reducing mood swings and make it easier to sleep.
The drug is available in capsules and tablets with immediate-release and extended-release. The immediate-release medications come as pills (Ritalin), liquid (Methylin) and chewable tablets (Melissa). The extended-release category comes in tablet form (Concerta) and capsules (Methylin XR Metadate CD, Methadose, and Azstarys). To reap the maximum benefits it is important to consistently take the medication. When the effects of methylphenidate fade it is possible for some people to experience a short period where they feel tired, more active or in a negative mood. This is called the rebound effect.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant that, like other stimulants can cause nausea, headaches as well as loss of appetite and sleeplessness. It also increases blood pressure and heart rate. 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 not common, but it's a good idea consult your doctor regarding your family's history of mental health problems.
There aren't many non-stimulant medications specifically approved to treat ADHD. Some doctors might prescribe antidepressants to treat the condition. These medications boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Most of them belong to two drug classes called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists.
These medications don't carry the same potential for misuse that stimulants do. However, they can still cause serious health problems when used incorrectly or in large doses. Non-stimulant medicines may take longer to start working than stimulants, and can take up to 24 hours to achieve maximum effectiveness. They may also reduce the effectiveness of other prescription ADHD medications.
Nonstimulants
For many children and adults, stimulant medication is the first choice for treating ADHD. They may not work for everyone, or they can cause undesirable adverse consequences. In these instances, non-stimulant drugs can be beneficial. They can help improve focus and reduce impulsivity among children and adults suffering from ADHD. They are available as pills, liquids or patches. They can also be mixed with stimulants or taken as a stand-alone treatment. Nonstimulant medications such as Clonidine and atomoxetine work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD and are also the most studied. They are also the most effective in helping adults and children with ADHD focus and manage their impulsivity. They are either short-acting stimulants, or long-acting stimulants. They typically begin working between 30 and 45 minute and last between three and six hours. Doctors typically prescribe long-acting stimulation first, and then add a short-acting stimulation for those who find it difficult to stay focused throughout the day.
There are many different types of stimulant drugs. These include amphetamines and methylphenidate. These medications are controlled and only available with the prescription of a doctor. Stimulants can also be abused, which is why they are controlled substances. Nonstimulants don't carry the same risk of abuse and are less likely to cause negative adverse effects, like addiction.
Nonstimulant drugs can be consumed by mouth or transdermally (through the skin). They generally absorb more quickly than stimulants and do not require a lengthy waiting period before they begin working. They can aid in reducing impulsivity in children and adults with ADHD and are often used with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.
These side effects are mild and usually go away as the body adjusts to them. Consult your physician if they persist. They will be able to help you determine if the side effects are normal or not and suggest ways to lessen the severity of them.