Add ADHD Medications to Your Treatment Plan
Stimulants decrease ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80% of children and adults who take them. They can't cure ADHD and the side effects can be annoying.
Your doctor will prescribe the medicine that's best for you, and the ideal dose and schedule. You may have to stop certain medications like tricyclic antidepressants prior to starting stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the activity of brain regions that control behavior and attention. They are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD. relevant resource site are available in immediate-release tablets or extended-release capsules, or as chewable tablets for children who have trouble swallowing. These medications can be prescribed to children, teens or an adult. Some patients who take this medication experience side effects. They can be minor or severe. If they cause problems then the medication or dose could need to be adjusted.
Methylphenidate is one of the most popular stimulant medication used to treat ADHD. It's also known by the brand name Ritalin. Methylphenidate works by blocking the reuptake process of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, increasing their levels and improving focus and attention. It can be taken as a tablet or as an extended-release tablet every morning. The chewable version is for children who have trouble swallowing liquids or pills. It is made up of beads and is easy to chew.
You can also purchase it in the form of a patch that releases the medicine slowly throughout the day. The first dose of medication is usually small, and then the dosage can be increased gradually over time. Most patients who are taking these medications will see their doctor or specialist regularly to monitor them and look for signs of any problems.
Amphetamines have been the most well-known stimulant drug until recently. Students, truck drivers and athletes used them to stay awake and increase their energy levels. People with eating disorders also used them to lose weight. Amphetamines are extremely addictive and can cause psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations. Amphetamines, in contrast to other ADHD medications, are classified as Schedule II drugs, which means that they can be used to treat addiction. These drugs are often mixed with alcohol or illegal substances such as cocaine by people who misuse them. This increases the risk of addiction.
There are now many more options available for those who have to take addition ADHD medication. In addition to stimulants, there are many non-stimulant medicines that have been approved for ADHD treatment for children as well as adults. These medications differ from stimulants, but can improve ADHD symptoms. They do not produce the same kind of highs and lows that can occur with stimulant medications.
These include Guanfacine (brand name Toleranse), atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). These medications work on different brain receptors than stimulants, and have a less dramatic impact on a child's heart rate or blood pressure. These medications are not yet fully understood, but they work by stimulating the activity of neurons in the prefrontal cortex. They may also prevent excessive stimulation of the noradrenergic a2-adrenoceptors and dopamine D1 receptors within this region, which may affect spatial working memory function. This is a subject of ongoing research. Research suggests that these drugs might be more effective than stimulants when it comes to improving ADHD symptoms, especially in children.