Add ADHD Medications to Your Treatment Plan
Stimulants decrease ADHD symptoms in 70% to the 80% of adults and children who take them. However, they do not treat the problem and the adverse effects can be unpleasant.
Your doctor will prescribe the medication that's best for you, along with the appropriate dosage and schedule. You may also need to stop taking certain drugs such as antidepressants, or tricyclic antidepressants prior to taking stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost activity in the parts of the brain that control the behavior and attention. They are among the most commonly prescribed medications for treating ADHD. They are available as tablets with immediate release or extended-release capsules, as well as chewable tablets for children who have difficulty swallowing. These medications can be prescribed for the teen, child or adult. Some people who are taking this medication experience side effects. They may be either severe or mild. If they become a problem then the medication or dose could need to be adjusted.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant medication used to treat ADHD. Ritalin is also the brand name. Methylphenidate works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain by increasing their levels and enhancing attention and focus. It is available as a tablet or extended-release tablet that is taken daily in the morning. Children who have difficulty swallowing pills or liquids can use the chewable version of this medication, which is made of beads that are easy to chew.
It is also available in the form of a patch that releases the medication slowly throughout the day. The first dose of medication is typically small, and the dose can be increased gradually over time. Most patients who are taking these drugs will visit their GP or specialist on a regular basis to monitor them and check for any indications of problems.
Up until recently, amphetamines were the most popular stimulant drug. Students, truck drivers and athletes abused these drugs to stay awake and boost their energy levels. non prescription adhd medication uk were also used by people suffering from eating disorders to aid in losing weight. Amphetamines can be highly addictive and can trigger psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delirium. Amphetamines, unlike most ADHD medications, are classified as Schedule II drugs, which means that they can be misused. People who abuse these drugs often combine them with other drugs such as alcohol or illegal substances like cocaine, which can increase the likelihood of addiction.
There are many options available for people who need to 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 medications perform differently than stimulants, but they still significantly improve ADHD symptoms. These medications do not produce the same levels of energy and arousal as stimulant medications.
These include guanfacine viloxazine, atomoxetine and. These drugs act on different brain receptors than stimulants do and have less impact on the blood pressure of a child or heart rate. The exact way these medications are used to treat ADHD isn't understood fully, but they are thought to increase the activity of certain neurons in the prefrontal cortex. They may stop excessive stimulation of D1 noradrenergic receptors and dopamine a2-adrenoceptors within this area, which can interfere spatial working memory function. This is a research area that is ongoing. These medications could be more effective in treating ADHD symptoms in children than stimulants, as per research.