ADHD Medications
ADHD medications can improve attention, focus, and impulse control. Doctors prescribe two types of ADHD medications: stimulants and other nonstimulants.
Stimulants boost the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. Examples include methylphenidate, known as Ritalin, and amphetamines-based medications like Adderall.
Teens and children respond differently to medication. Doctors monitor side effects and adjust the dose and medicine to find the best dosage for each child.
Stimulants
The majority of doctors begin with stimulants to treat ADHD. They increase levels of chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters, which improve attention and mood. People also take stimulants to combat depression and anxiety. They come in many forms, like pills, liquids, and patches. The stimulants can cause adverse effects, which are usually minimal. They will disappear with time. Doctors may prescribe stimulants at different dosages and types for people with specific needs.
Amphétamines are among the most popular stimulants. Adderall (Dexedrine), Concerta, Dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate are all stimulants. They were previously taken by people who did not have ADHD as a means to boost energy levels, increase confidence and social skills and create the sense of a "rush" or increased productivity. The CDC reports that the number of deaths due to overdose related to prescription stimulant abuse has risen over the last decade.
How Stimulants Work
Most stimulants are absorbed quickly and reach the brain in about 20 minutes. They raise the heart rate and blood pressure which can be harmful when they are consumed in large doses. They can also trigger a rapid, unusual weight loss that can cause other health problems. People who are at high risk of suffering from heart attacks should not take stimulants.
Many people with ADHD benefit from long-acting stimulant drugs that last throughout the day. managing adhd without medication can also supplement this medication with a short-acting stimulant in the late afternoon or evening to ease the challenging part of work or school days when their long-acting medication wears off.
Short-acting stimulants are usually used as needed and last for about four hours. Some people experience a drop in energy and mood when they are slowed down by an intake of a stimulant that is short-acting that is sometimes referred to as the "crash effect." This can cause intense hunger and fatigue. It could also cause other medical issues, such as an increase in blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat.
Long-acting stimulants for ADHD usually last from six to eight hours. Some of them have an extended release. This means they break into smaller pieces over time, allowing a steady dose for longer durations of time. Long-acting stimulants tend to be the most preferred treatment for adults with ADHD and older children.
Xelstrym, an FDA-approved patch with the amphetamine-containing dextroamphetamine is a patch that can be worn throughout the day. It works in a similar way to a regular prescription-strength dextroamphetamine pill. Mydayis is a newer form of dextroamphetamine. It is available in capsules that can be taken once a day when you first wake up.
Other ADHD Medicines for ADHD
Some people suffering from ADHD are not able to respond to stimulants. Other medications are prescribed. Nonstimulants can be used alone or with stimulants. Some of the nonstimulants approved to treat ADHD are atomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine. If stimulants do not work it is possible to try guanfacine or clonidine. Some people who don't respond to any medication could benefit from behavior therapy. This requires learning to manage symptoms and change negative behaviors. The most effective treatment methods combine behavioral therapy and other pharmacological treatments.