Add ADHD Medications to Your Treatment Plan
Stimulants reduce ADHD symptoms in 70 to 80percent of adults and children who use them. But they don't solve the problem and the adverse effects can be unpleasant.
Your doctor will prescribe the medicine that is best for you, along with the ideal dose and schedule. It is also possible to stop taking certain medicines such as antidepressants, or tricyclic antidepressants, prior to beginning stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants stimulate the activity of certain regions of the brain that help control attention and behavior. They are the most frequently used medications to treat ADHD. They are available as immediate-release tablets or extended-release capsules. They can also be used as chewable tablets for children who have difficulty swallowing. They can be prescribed for a child, teenager or adult. Some patients who take these drugs experience adverse effects. They may be minor or severe. If they are a problem then the medication or its dose might need to be altered.
The most common stimulant medication for ADHD is methylphenidate. Ritalin is also the brand name. Methylphenidate works by blocking the reuptake process of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain by increasing their levels and helping improve focus and attention. It can be taken as a tablet or as an extended-release tablet once a morning. Children who have difficulty swallowing liquids or pills can take the chewable version of this medication, which is composed of small pieces that are easy to chew.
You can also get it in the form of patch that releases the medication slowly throughout the day. Medications are usually given in small doses initially, which may be gradually increased over time. Most patients taking these drugs will visit their doctor or specialist on a regular basis to check for any changes and look for any signs of a problem.
Amphetamines have been the most popular stimulant drugs until recently. They were abused by truck drivers, athletes and students to stay awake and to increase energy. People suffering from eating disorders used them to lose weight. Amphetamines are extremely addictive and can cause psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations. Unlike most add ADHD drugs, amphetamines are classified as Schedule II drugs by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means they are prone for abuse. These medications are often combined with illegal or alcohol-based drugs such as cocaine by people who misuse them. This increases the chance of addiction.
There are many options available for those who must take additional ADHD medications. In addition to stimulants, there are many non-stimulant medicines that have been approved for ADHD treatment in children and adults. These drugs differ from stimulants, but can help improve ADHD symptoms. They don't produce the same highs or lows that can be seen with stimulant medications.
These medications include Guanfacine (brand name Toleranse) and atomoxetine (brand name Strattera), and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). non prescription adhd medication uk work on different brain receptors than stimulants and have less of an impact on the child's blood pressure or heart rate. The exact method by which 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 could stop excessive stimulation of dopamine D1 receptors within this region, which could affect spatial working memory functions. This is an area of ongoing research. These medications could be more efficient in treating ADHD symptoms in children than stimulants, based on research.