Add ADHD Medications to Your Treatment Plan
Stimulants decrease ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80% of children and adults who use them. But they don't solve the problem, and side effects can be bothersome.
Your doctor will prescribe the medication that's best for you, and the ideal dose and schedule. You may need to stop certain medications such as antidepressants and tricyclic antidepressants prior to starting stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants enhance the activity of brain regions that control behavior and attention. They are the most commonly used medication used to treat ADHD. These tablets are available in immediate-release and extended-release capsules, or chewable tablets. These medicines can be prescribed to a child, teen or adult. Some people who are taking this medication suffer from side effects. They can be mild or serious. If they are a problem, the medication or dosage could need to be adjusted.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant medication used to treat ADHD. It's also known under the brand name Ritalin. Methylphenidate works by blocking the reuptake process of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, increasing their levels and improving concentration and attention. It can be taken as a tablet, or as an extended-release tablet, every morning. Iam Psychiatry is available for children who have difficulties swallowing liquids or pills. It is made of beads and is easy to chew.
You can also get it in patches that release the medicine slowly throughout the day. Medications are usually given in the form of small doses initially that are gradually increased over time. Most patients who are taking these drugs will visit their physician or specialist regularly to monitor them and check for any signs of a problem.
Prior to the advent of amphetamines, they were the most well-known stimulant drug. Truck drivers, students, and athletes took them to stay alert and increase their energy levels. They were also abused by those suffering from eating disorders to help them lose weight. Amphetamines can be extremely addictive and can trigger psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations. In contrast to other add ADHD medications, amphetamines have been classified as Schedule II drugs by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means that they are susceptible for abuse. These medications are often combined with alcohol or illegal substances like cocaine by those who misuse them. This increases the chance of addiction.
There are a variety of options for people who need to take additional ADHD medication. There are also non-stimulant drugs approved for ADHD treatment for adults as well as children. These medications differ from stimulants, but they can improve ADHD symptoms. These medications do not produce the same levels of highs and lows as some stimulant medication.
These include Guanfacine (brand name Toleranse) as well as atomoxetine (brand name Strattera), and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). These drugs work differently on brain receptors than stimulants, and have a less dramatic effect on a child's heart rate or blood pressure. The exact way these medications help treat ADHD isn't completely understood, but they are thought to boost the activity of specific neurons in the prefrontal cortex. They may prevent excessive stimulation of D1 noradrenergic receptors and dopamine a2-adrenoceptors within this region, which could hinder spatial working memory functions. This is a subject of ongoing research. Research suggests that these medicines could be more effective than stimulants when it comes to improving ADHD symptoms, particularly for children.