ADHD Medication List
Stimulant medications, such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta are the most commonly used ADHD drugs. They boost the levels of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine to improve focus and decrease hyperactivity.
These medicines can cause side effects. Your health care team can help you determine the appropriate dosage and the medicine that works best for you or your child.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common type of medication healthcare providers employ to treat ADHD. They boost the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain, which help people to pay attention and think clearly. They also help people remain motivated. In the majority of cases, around 80% of children with ADHD experience improvement in their symptoms once the doctor finds the right stimulant medication and dosage. Stimulants can be taken orally, by patch or injection. Some people with ADHD also take nonstimulant medication to help alleviate symptoms. It takes time to determine the right dosage, medication and schedule for each individual with ADHD.
add adhd medications that a person suffering from ADHD tries might not work or cause bothersome side effects. If a person doesn't see improvement after a few weeks, or if their symptoms return the doctor may suggest another medication.
Medications are only available with a prescription from your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider. They aren't available over-the-counter (OTC). It's not recommended to take vitamins or supplements that claim to treat ADHD. They could interfere with your prescription.
There are several types of stimulant medications, including amphetamines such as Adderall and Ritalin and dextroamphetamines such as Dexedrine and methylphenidates similar to Ritalin. These medications are generally available as pills, however they are also available in patches, liquids, or chewable tablets. The doctor might recommend extended-release or long-acting medications to reduce the risk of abuse. These medications build up slowly in the bloodstream, and they fade slowly. This reduces the effects of what's known as "the rebound effect," when a person's mood and energy decreases when their medication is finished.
The medicines usually begin to act within 30-60 minutes and their effects last about 3-4 hours. The majority of people take them two or three times a day.
Some people who are taking short-acting stimulants experience what's known as a "crash" when the drug wears off and makes them feel tired, irritable and hungry. Some people suffering from ADHD are also affected by tics, which are recurring movements or sounds like eye blinks or throat clearing. These tics aren't caused by the medication, but can become worse if it is not stopped.
There is a small chance of addiction and abuse of any type of stimulant, but this is unlikely in the low doses used to treat ADHD. The risk is greater for teens and young adults and could be higher for those who have an history of substance abuse or mental illness.
The most common side effects of stimulants are stomach upset, headaches and a rise in heart rate. adhd medication names go away after a few weeks of taking the medication, however in the event that they don't, speak to your doctor.
People suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor when they have an history of anxiety or depression, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a heart disease or high blood pressure. They should also let their doctor know if they are taking any other medications or caffeinated drinks in case they interfere with the effectiveness of the medication. They should also inform their doctor that they have a family history of alcoholism, or any other mental health issues.