Add ADHD Medications to Your Treatment Plan
Stimulants reduce ADHD symptoms in 70 to 80% of children and adults who use them. They don't cure ADHD, and the side effects can be annoying.
Your doctor will prescribe the medicine that is best for you, and the appropriate dosage and schedule. You may have to stop certain medicines like antidepressants and tricyclic antidepressants prior to starting stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants stimulate the activity of certain regions of the brain that help control attention and behavior. They are the most frequently prescribed medications for treating ADHD. They are available in immediate-release or extended-release capsules, or chewable tablets. They may be prescribed for children, teens or adult. Some people who take this medication experience adverse reactions. They could be mild or even serious. If they are a concern the medication may have to be changed or its dosage modified.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly used 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 blocking their reuptake. It also helps improve concentration and focus. It can be taken as a tablet or as an extended-release tablet once a morning. Children who are having difficulty swallowing liquids or pills can use the chewable version of this medication, which is made of beads that are easy to chew.
It is also available as patch that releases the medicine slowly throughout the day. The medication is usually administered in the form of small doses initially and then gradually increased over time. Most patients who take these drugs will see their doctor or GP regularly to assess how they're doing and look for any indications of problems.
Up until recently, amphetamines were the most used stimulant drug. Students, truck drivers and athletes used them to stay alert and increase their energy levels. People with eating disorders took them to 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. These medications are often combined with illegal or alcohol-based drugs such as cocaine by those who use them. This increases the chance of addiction.
There are now many more options available for those who have to take additional ADHD medications. There are also non-stimulant drugs that have been approved for ADHD treatment for adults as well as children. These drugs differ from stimulants, but they can improve ADHD symptoms. They don't produce the same levels of highs or lows that are common with stimulant medications.
adhd stimulant medication include guanfacine viloxazine, and atomoxetine. These medications affect different receptors in the brain than stimulants do and have less of an effect on children's blood pressure or heart rate. The mechanism of action is not yet fully understood, but they work by stimulating neurons in the prefrontal cortices. They may stop excessive stimulation of D1 noradrenergic receptors as well as dopamine a2-adrenoceptors in this area, which can interfere spatial working memory function. This area is a research area that is in the process of being explored. These medications could be more efficient in treating ADHD symptoms in children than stimulants, according to research.
