ADHD Medication Names
About 70% to 80 percent of children and adults suffer symptoms of ADHD. They can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and help children focus. The health care team will be watching how the medication works and may alter your child's dosage or how often they take it.
Stimulants help neurons transmit signals. Examples include methylphenidate sold under the brand names Ritalin or Concerta and dexamfetamine available under the brand name Vyvanse. Atomoxetine as well as long-acting guanfacineboth are referred to as alpha-agonists can also help to treat ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants, which are the most commonly employed ADHD medication can help anyone of any age manage their symptoms. adhd and medication I Am Psychiatry increase the level of dopamine in the brain which improves concentration and focus, as well as decreasing hyperactivity. Amphetamines, methylphenidate, and other stimulants are the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Adderall Ritalin and Dexadrine are common brand names. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine, crystal meth (meth) cocaine, and baths salts made of synthetic cathinones.
The stimulant drug can cause side effects such as stomach upset, decreased appetite and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. People who have taken stimulants for a long period of time may also experience "rebound effect," meaning they become hyperactive after the drug has worn off. They may also be affected by mood changes like depression and anxiety. These side effects usually diminish as your body gets used to the medication.
Most doctors recommend combining psychiatric medication with behavioral therapy to improve symptom control. Adults and children can learn strategies to control their symptoms through behavioral therapy. It can also reduce stress and encourage healthier choices of lifestyle.
ADHD medications aren't the cure, but they can significantly improve the quality of a person's life. Numerous studies have shown that stimulants can be used in conjunction with other treatment strategies such as parent education and counseling to improve symptom control.
Adults suffering from ADHD require different dosages of medication and dosages than children. It may take a while to determine the appropriate dosage and medication to control symptoms with the least amount of adverse side effects. Doctors prescribe a variety medications in the initial few weeks of treatment to determine which one is the best for each patient.
Nonstimulant ADHD medications take longer to work and doesn't last as long as stimulants. However, they can be helpful for certain people. These drugs work by increasing the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain known as norepinephrine. Norepinephrine increases concentration and controls impulses. Drugs that increase the levels of norepinephrine include the atomoxetine (Strattera) and the long-acting alpha agonists clonidine hydrochloride (Kapvay) and Guanfacine Hydrochloride (Intuniv). These aren't controlled substances, so they have less of a potential for abuse than stimulants.
If ADHD medications aren't working for someone or have serious side effects, other psychiatric drugs may be tried. Your doctor might prescribe a tricyclic drug, such as Tofranil (Imipramine) or Nortriptyline(Aventyl or Pamelor), to treat depression and anxiety that can be a result of ADHD. These drugs slow down the brain's natural chemical activity however, they don't have the same effect on blood pressure or heart rate as stimulants. These drugs are commonly employed in conjunction with stimulants for the treatment of ADHD because they improve focus and concentration.