Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are commonly prescribed for ADHD. They help alleviate symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity through stimulating brain chemicals. They can also help reduce the frequency of tics and speed up tasks.
They are available in a short-acting or long-acting type. Doctors can prescribe them by themselves or in combination.
Adderall
Adderall is a stimulant that aids in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). It assists in reducing the impulsive behavior of interrupting others, as well as increasing concentration and reducing anxiety. It also helps improve listening and following instructions. It can be used by children as young as three years old, adolescents or adults. It can also be used to treat Narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that is characterized by sudden bouts of sleepiness in the morning.
The way Adderall works is by altering some of the naturally occurring chemical substances in your brain. It increases the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine, which are natural neurotransmitters that send messages between cells. This enhances the brain's capabilities in areas that are affected by ADHD like motivation and focus, as well as memory. It also increases alertness and decreases restlessness in people suffering from Narcolepsy.
Stimulants increase the heart rate, which can be dangerous for those suffering from particular medical issues or who are taking other medications. These medications should not be used by those with high blood pressure, a history of stroke, heart disease or seizures. Additionally, those with kidney or liver disease or glaucoma should talk to their doctor prior to taking them. They may also be abused and cause harmful adverse effects, like addiction or overdose.
Research has shown that long-term use by women, people suffering from heart disease and those younger than 18 could increase their chances of developing heart problems. However, the benefits of this medication far outweigh the risks.
The first indication that Adderall is working is when you start to notice a change in your ability to listen and follow directions. It is also possible to tell it is working if you begin to improve your organizational abilities. Avoid caffeine and screen time in the hours prior to bedtime if you have trouble falling asleep.
The stimulants like Adderall will stay in your system for up to four days. If you are required to take a drug test for school or work, it is best to tell them.
Evekeo
Evekeo (amphetamine sulfate) is an ADHD medication that was approved by the FDA in 2014. It helps by increasing levels of 2 important neurotransmitters in the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These chemicals are essential in reward and pleasure pathways as also in attention and focus. Taking Evekeo can improve symptoms of ADHD, but it can also trigger side effects.
Stimulants like Evekeo can raise blood pressure and heart rate. These changes could be dangerous and could require treatment or hospitalization. Tell your doctor if there is a family or personal history of heart disease. Inform your doctor if have any other health problems or take supplements or vitamins. Evekeo could interact with certain medications. Always inform your doctor if you're taking prescription or non-prescription medication.
This medication can cause headaches. It is also possible to experience nausea, dry mouth, or sleepiness. These side effects typically go away within a few days or a few weeks, but you should contact your doctor when they continue or get worse. Evekeo may also cause a rare condition referred to as peripheral vasculopathy or Raynaud's phenomenon. This can cause digital ulceration or tissue breakdown. This is more likely to be seen in children and adolescents and is caused by long-term usage of stimulants.
Some people develop a mental dependence on this medication which is a serious issue that requires intervention. It can cause withdrawal symptoms if the drug is abruptly stopped or reduced in dosage. The withdrawal symptoms can include agitation and depressed mood. They may also be accompanied by the feeling of being overwhelmed, irritable and even vivid or disturbing dreams. Some people also develop tolerance, meaning that they need higher doses to achieve the same effects. This can lead addiction and to other dangerous adverse effects. Dosing click through the up coming document of this medication could also lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called rhabdomyolysis. This is a possible fatal and dangerous adverse effect of amphetamines, including Evekeo.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD, is a type of medication that affects chemicals in the brain and nerves. It affects the chemical balance in the brain and nerves that contribute to the hyperactivity and control of impulses. It's FDA-approved to treat children and adults who are 6 years old or older. Healthcare professionals utilize it to enhance their patients' ability to remain focused and reduce impulsivity which allows them to function better in school or at work. It also helps in reducing mood swings and making it easier to sleep.
The drug is available in extended-release and immediate-release tablets and capsules. Medicines in the immediate-release category come as pills (Ritalin), liquid (Methylin) and chewable tablets (Melissa). The extended-release category is available in tablets (Concerta), capsule (Methylin XR) and tablet (Methadose and Azstarys). It's important to take the medication on a regular basis to reap the maximum benefits from it. There are some people who experience a short period of fatigue and increased activity, or a bad mood after the effects of methylphenidate wear off. This is called the rebound effect.
Like other stimulants, methylphenidate could cause stomach upset headache, nausea and loss of appetite and sleeplessness. It can also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. It can be taken with food to help prevent these side-effects. In certain instances, methylphenidate can cause a mania-like episode in people with bipolar disorder. It's not common however it's a good idea discuss with your healthcare provider regarding your family's background of mental health issues.
There aren't too many non-stimulant medications that are specifically approved to treat ADHD. However, some health professionals might prescribe antidepressants for treating the condition. These medications increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Most of them belong to two drug classes called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists.
These medications do not have the same potential for misuse as stimulants do. They can cause serious harm if taken in excess or improperly. Non-stimulant medicines can take longer to begin working than stimulants, and can take as long as 24 hours to reach maximum effectiveness. They may also affect the effectiveness of other prescription ADHD medication.
Nonstimulants
Stimulant drugs are the primary option for treating ADHD in a large number of youngsters and adults. They might not be effective for everyone, or could cause unwanted side effects. Nonstimulant medicines can be beneficial in these situations. They can aid in improving concentration and reduce impulsivity in children and adults with ADHD. These medicines are available in pills, liquids, or patches. They can be used as a stand-alone or in conjunction with stimulants. Non-stimulant drugs include atomoxetine the guanfacine and clonidine and all of them work by increasing the neurotransmitters levels in the brain.
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD and the most researched. They are the most effective in helping both adults and children with ADHD control impulsivity and concentrate. They can be short-acting or long-acting and typically begin to work within 30 to 45 minutes and last from three to six hours. Doctors usually recommend long-acting stimulation first, and then add a short-acting stimulus for those who find it difficult to remain focused throughout the day.
There are many different types of stimulant drugs. These include amphetamines and methylphenidate. They are controlled by the Drug Enforcement Administration and can be used only with an order from a physician. Stimulants can also be abused which is the reason they are considered controlled substances. Nonstimulants don't carry the same risk of abuse and are less likely to cause negative side effects, such as addiction.
Nonstimulant medicines can be taken by mouth or transdermally (through the skin). They generally are absorbed more quickly than stimulants, and do not require a long waiting for the time it takes to begin working. They can improve impulsivity among children and adults with ADHD and are often utilized in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.
There are some who experience adverse reactions from these medications however, they tend to be minor and disappear on their own as the body adjusts to them. If they continue to bother you, talk to your doctor about them. They can help you determine if the side effects are normal and suggest ways to lessen them.