concerta adhd medication of ADHD Medication
The first class of drugs doctors prescribe for ADHD is called stimulants. These drugs boost brain chemicals, including norepinephrine and dopamine.
Long- and short-acting stimulant pills are available. Taking the long-acting form of these medications allows you to get medications continuously throughout the day, which minimizes side effects from ups and downs in drug levels.
Stimulants
Stimulants, which are the most commonly used kind of medication used to treat ADHD are also the most efficient. Around 70-80 percent of people suffering from ADHD benefit from stimulants. They do this by increasing brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine, which influence your ability to focus and pay attention. The stimulants are available in a variety of forms that include pills as well as extended-release (ER) tablets and tablets that dissolve orally. Your doctor will prescribe one that is right for you. They'll consider whether you want to take the stimulant along with food, the effectiveness, speed of action, and any potential side effects.
Ritalin is the most frequently prescribed ADHD stimulant. Concerta, Focalin and Daytrana are also popular. They are part of a class of drugs known as methylphenidates. Other medications within this class include atomoxetine, Strattera, Tenex, Intuniv and Kapvay.
These medications aren't considered to be addictive in the doses used to treat ADHD. They can cause issues such as loss of appetite, sleep problems and an increase in heart rate and blood tension. They may also interact with certain medications or medical conditions.
Doctors should be on the lookout for people with ADHD who are taking stimulants. It can take time to determine the appropriate dose and kind of medication for every person. It is important to speak openly with your healthcare provider and report any adverse changes or adverse effects, such as a sudden change in appetite or mood and how the medication is effective for you or your child.
Since the 1960s, stimulant medications are prescribed to treat ADHD. They are safe when taken at the dose prescribed. They work well for 70 to 80% of kids and adults and help reduce symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and the tendency to be impulsive. They can help reduce interruptions and fidgeting as well as improve the social and learning skills of children and adults.
The majority of children and adults who use stimulants will have to take them throughout their lives, however some can reduce or stop them. The medications are often combined with other types of treatment like the use of behavior therapy or training for skills.
Nonstimulant medications can help when stimulants don't work or cause uncomfortable adverse effects. They can improve the effects of stimulants, enabling your child or you to focus, manage the impulses and be attentive. These drugs, which are usually in a class called alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists, were used "off label" to treat ADHD for a long, long time years prior to FDA approval.
Clonidine, Guanfacine, and a more recent medication called Atomoxetine are all part of this class. over the counter adhd medication aren't as effective, but they are in a different class of drugs from methylphenidates. They are less likely to cause adverse effects. These drugs increase the activity of the brain chemical norepinephrine, which is involved in paying attention and controlling emotions. It could take as long as six weeks before they start working, but many people notice improvement within a few days. They can be used alone or in conjunction with stimulants to enhance how they interact.