Blog entry by Adrienne Coomes
Types of ADHD Medication
There are a variety of medications used to treat ADHD. It can take some time to discover the best one for you or your child.
Stimulant drugs, like methylphenidate (Ritalin) helps to reduce symptoms by boosting levels of certain brain chemicals. Some people who can prescribe adhd medication use these drugs notice an immediate loss of energy, or even an "crash", when the drug wears off.
Short-acting
The use of medications to control behavior can be beneficial to children with ADHD. These medications can help children learn to complete tasks, and develop better relationships. These drugs can also reduce distracting or annoying behavior. Children react to medications differently, so it's essential for parents and doctors to work together to find the best medication for each child. A health care team may suggest a combination of medications and other therapies, including counseling.
There are two kinds of drugs that treat ADHD in adults, teens, and children: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants alter brain chemical that influence attention and impulse control. They are either short-acting (lasting a few hours) or long-acting (lasting all day). Certain people experience side effects like decreased appetite, sleep issues and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Most doctors can find an medication that has minimal or no side effect for the majority of people.
The most commonly used medications to treat ADHD are called stimulants, which adhd medication is the best include methylphenidates as well as amphetamines. The Drug Enforcement Administration regulates them as Schedule II drugs because they are high-risk for misuse and abuse when taken not as prescribed. Examples of methylphenidates include Ritalin and Concerta, while Adderall and Dexedrine are examples of amphetamines. These drugs could cause serious health issues if they are not taken as prescribed. It is essential to consult with your doctor prior to taking them.
The use of stimulants is not recommended for children less than 6. Some children may require a different medication or a lower dose. Before prescribing a medication, your doctor may check for any other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms in your child. They will ask you about your child's symptoms, habits and family history. They will also do examinations to look for problems with hearing or vision. They might ask questions about your child's sleep habits and diet. They'll be interested in knowing whether your child suffers from allergies. The doctor will then issue the prescription as well as instructions on how to take it. Follow up with your health care provider frequently to determine how the medication is performing.
Long-acting
Like a pair of glasses can sharpen vision and improve clarity, ADHD medications can help your brain focus. They boost levels of certain chemicals that are important to focus and attention. There are two main types that are stimulants (e.g. amphetamines and methylphenidates, etc.)) and non-stimulant medications.
Stimulant meds, that work for 70-80% of people with ADHD, come in both short- and long-acting forms. Long-acting ADHD medications are administered in phases, with one portion of the dose released right after taking the morning pill and the rest released throughout the day. They can reduce the number of pills needed to take each day, are easier to remember and provide more consistently the dose of medication compared to short-acting medications. They also have fewer adverse reactions and "ups and downs" than short-acting medications.
Non-stimulant
About 70% to 80 percent of children and adults can be treated with medication that can reduce ADHD symptoms. These medications enhance their ability to focus and control the impulsivity. They also help improve social skills and school performance. In fact, medication is often the primary treatment option for those with ADHD. Medications may be used alone or with other treatments such as behavior therapy.
Stimulant medications, such as Ritalin and Adderall are effective in increasing the levels of neurotransmitter hormones like dopamine and norepinephrine that are found in the brain. This improves the effectiveness of messages sent between nerves that help people focus and control their impulsivity. Stimulant medication is available in immediate-release, extended-release or long-acting tablets. The most well-known stimulants are Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall and Vyvanse. The instant-release variant that is administered in small doses throughout the day to provide fast symptom relief, is typically taken in smaller dosages. The longer-acting and extended-release forms are usually taken once daily and provide long-lasting relief from symptoms.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a number of nonstimulant drugs to treat ADHD. The most frequently prescribed nonstimulant medication is Atomoxetine (Strattera). Qelbree is a brand new medication. These medications do not contain amphetamine or methylphenidate, and aren't controlled substances, which means they have less potential for abuse.
Clonidine and Guanfacine are also nonstimulant medications. These are more frequently prescribed for those suffering from a mix of adhd medication without diagnosis Uk/Tourette syndrome. It takes a few weeks to reduce anxiety and tics. These medications can increase blood pressure and heart rate.
The medications aren't always effective or well-liked. The first medication a person tries for adhd and medication might not be the best choice or cause side effects that are bothersome or intolerant. The doctor can help by adjusting the dosage or switching to another medication.
It is important to tell your doctor about any medications you or your child takes, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements. This information can be used to avoid interactions between medications. It is also essential to let your healthcare provider be aware of any changes in your mood or behavior that might be a sign of a problem with your medication.