Add ADHD Medications to Your Treatment Plan
Stimulants reduce ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80percent of adults and children who take them. They don't cure ADHD, and the adverse effects can be a bit annoying.
Your doctor will prescribe the medication that's best for you, along with the ideal dose and schedule. You may also have to stop taking certain drugs such as antidepressants, or tricyclic antidepressants, prior to beginning stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants enhance the activity of brain areas that control attention and behavior. They are the most common medication used to treat ADHD. They are available as immediate-release tablets or extended-release capsules, or as chewable tablets for children who are having difficulty swallowing. They can be prescribed for teenagers, children or an adult. Some people who take these medications have adverse effects. These can be severe or mild. If they are a concern, the medication may need to be changed or the dosage modified.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant medication used to treat ADHD. Ritalin is also the brand name. Methylphenidate works by blocking the reuptake process of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, increasing their levels and improving focus and attention. It can be taken as a tablet, or as an extended-release tablet once a morning. The chewable version is for children who have trouble swallowing liquids or pills. It is made up of beads and is easy to chew.
content 's also available as a skin patch that releases medication slowly throughout the course of a day. The initial dose of the medication is usually small, and then the dosage can be gradually increased over time. The majority of patients who take these medications will see their GP or specialist regularly to monitor them and look for any signs of a problem.
Until recently, amphetamines were the most well-known stimulant drug. They were abused by truck drivers, athletes and students to stay awake and increase energy. They were also taken by those suffering from eating disorders to help them lose weight. Amphetamines are extremely addictive and can cause psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations. Amphetamines are, unlike other ADHD medications, are classified as Schedule II drugs, which means they are able to be misused. Users who abuse these medications often mix them with other drugs such as alcohol or illegal drugs like cocaine, which increases the risk of addiction.
There are a variety of options for those who have to take additional ADHD medications. There are also non-stimulant medicines that are approved for ADHD treatment for adults as well as children. These drugs differ from stimulants, but they can help improve ADHD symptoms. They do not produce the same levels of highs or lows that are common with stimulant medications.
These include guanfacine atomoxetine, and viloxazine. These medications affect different receptors in the brain unlike stimulants and have less effect on a child's blood pressure or heart rate. These medications aren't yet fully understood, but they work by stimulating neurons in the prefrontal cortices. They could prevent excessive stimulation of the noradrenergic a2-adrenoceptors and dopamine D1 receptors in this region, which could hinder spatial working memory functions. This is a subject of research area that is currently in progress. These medications may be more efficient in treating ADHD symptoms in children than stimulants, based on research.