Types of ADHD Medication
The most common drugs prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitter hormones like dopamine and norepinephrine within your brain, which improves concentration and helps in controlling the impulsive behavior.
They are available in tablets or patches (lisdexamfetamine). Long-acting stimulant products are the best choice, as they deliver medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They are fast-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70-80% of children who take them. They increase the levels of brain chemicals, called dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and decreases fatigue. Methylphenidate (also known as methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Focalin) is a well-known type of stimulant for ADHD. It is available in chewable and liquid tablet forms, and it is able to be consumed at least two times a day. Amphetamines are sometimes prescribed for ADHD. They are a little more powerful than methylphenidates. These medications can temporarily raise blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with preexisting medical conditions are advised to inform their doctor if they have any of these conditions.
If the stimulant medicine is misused (e.g., taken in more than the prescribed dosage or mixed with alcohol or other substances), they can cause addiction. People who take them as prescribed do not face an increased risk of becoming addicted. There is evidence to suggest that using ADHD medication can even aid in preventing the use of substances by people at risk.
The FDA has approved several types of stimulant medications for treating ADHD. They are typically available in generic form, which means the chemical formulation is identical to the brand name medication. Your doctor will prescribe the one that works best for you or your child.
Your doctor will begin with a low dose and watch how you or your child reacts before altering the dosage. Your doctor will then determine if it is necessary to add a second medication or switch to a different medication.
More suggestions can cause side effects, such as a dry mouth, less appetite, and changes in sleep or mood. Children and teens who are taking stimulants may experience tics. These are sudden noises or movements like eye blinks or throat clearing. Some studies have shown that stimulants can cause a slight decrease in height for certain teens and children.
Non-stimulant drugs are slower to take effect than stimulants, but they can enhance concentration. They may take three to four weeks before they have a noticeable effect. Non-stimulant drugs can reduce depression, anxiety and other mental health issues in certain people. They are typically used in conjunction with a stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Antidepressants can also be effective in treating ADHD. They work on the levels of serotonin that are present in the brain, and some such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) -- have been proven to increase impulsivity and focus in people suffering from ADHD.
FDA-approved non-stimulant medicines are rare and infrequent. Your doctor might prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD in lieu of stimulants, if adverse effects are too severe for you. Some people with ADHD may also benefit from antidepressants because they enhance memory and decrease impulsivity and aggression. Some antidepressants work on dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, and are classified as norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. They are usually prescribed in combination with a stimulant, and could be more effective than stimulants on their own.