Add ADHD Medications to Your Treatment Plan
Stimulants can reduce ADHD symptoms in 70% to the 80% of adults and children who use them. However, they do not solve the problem and the side effects can be bothersome.
Your doctor will prescribe the best medication for your needs and the appropriate dose and schedule. It is also possible to stop taking certain medicines, such as antidepressants or tricyclic antidepressants, prior to starting stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. They are the most commonly prescribed medications for treating ADHD. They are available as tablets with immediate release or extended-release capsules, as well as chewable tablets for children who have trouble swallowing. These medicines can be prescribed to the teen, child or adult. Some people who take this medication experience side effects. They could be minor or severe. If add adhd medications are a concern the medication might need to be altered or the dosage adjusted.
Methylphenidate is one of the most popular stimulant medication used to treat ADHD. It's also known under the brand name Ritalin. Methylphenidate increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, by preventing their reuptake. It also helps improve concentration and focus. It is available in tablets or an extended-release tablet which is taken daily in the morning. Children who have difficulty swallowing pills or liquids may take the chewable version of this medication, which is made of beads that are easy to chew.
It is also available as patches that release the medicine slowly throughout the day. The initial dose is typically small, and the dosage can be increased gradually over time. Most patients who take these medications will visit their doctor or GP regularly to monitor how they're doing and check for any indications of issues.
Prior to the advent of amphetamines, they were the most popular stimulant drug. They were abused by truck drivers, athletes and students to keep them awake and boost energy. They were also taken by those suffering from eating disorders to help them lose weight. Amphetamines are highly addictive and can trigger psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations. Amphetamines, unlike most ADHD medications are classified as Schedule II drugs, which means they are able to be misused. These medications are often combined with alcohol or illegal drugs like cocaine by those who misuse them. This increases the chance of addiction.
There are many options available for those who have to take additional ADHD medication. In addition to stimulants, there are several non-stimulant medications that have been approved for ADHD treatment for children and adults. These medications function differently from stimulants, but they can still significantly improve ADHD symptoms. They do not cause the same kind of highs and lows that can occur when taking stimulant medication.
These medications include guanfacine, atomoxetine, and viloxazine. These drugs act on different brain receptors than stimulants do and have less of an effect on children's blood pressure or heart rate. These medications aren't fully understood but they work by stimulating neurons in the prefrontal cortices. They could limit excessive stimulation of noradrenergic a2-adrenoceptors and dopamine D1 receptors within this region, which may hinder spatial working memory function. This is a subject of research area that is in the process of being explored. Research suggests that these medications could be more effective than stimulants when it comes to improving ADHD symptoms, particularly for children.