Types of ADHD Medication<br /><br />Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitter hormones dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which improves concentration and helps in controlling an impulsive behavior.<br /><br />They are available in tablets or patches (lisdexamfetamine). Long-acting stimulant formulations are preferable because they provide medications throughout the day.<br /><br />Stimulants<br /><br />Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They are fast-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70 to 80 percent of children who use them. They work by increasing levels of brain chemicals known as dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and reduces tiredness. Methylphenidate (also called methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Focalin) is a very popular stimulant used for ADHD. It is available in chewable and liquid tablet forms, and can be taken up to three times per daily. Amphetamines, which are a bit more powerful than methylphenidates, are also sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications can temporarily increase blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with preexisting medical conditions are advised to tell their doctor if they have any of these conditions.<br /><br />The use of stimulants can result in addiction if misused, such as taking more than the prescribed dose or mixing them with alcohol or other substances. Those who take the prescribed doses do not run the chance of developing addiction. There is evidence to suggest that ADHD medication may even aid those who are at risk of addiction to avoid addiction.<br /><br />The FDA has approved a variety of stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. Generic medications are available, which means that the chemical formula is identical. Your doctor will prescribe the one that works best for your child or yourself.<br /><br />Your doctor will start with a small dose, and take note of how you or your child reacts before adjusting dosage. Your doctor will then determine whether it is necessary to introduce a different medicine or switch to a different one.<br /><br /><br /><br />The stimulants can cause side effects such as dry mouth, a decrease in appetite and changes in sleep patterns or moods. Certain teenagers and children who are taking stimulants may experience tics. These are sudden movements or sounds like eye blinks or throat clearing. <a href="https://squareblogs.net/lutevein3/the-most-common-mistakes-people-make-with-uk-adhd-medication">adhd medications for adults</a> have shown that stimulants can cause a slight decrease in height for some teens and children.<br /><br />Non-stimulant drugs are slower-acting than stimulants, but they can still increase impulsivity and attention. It could take three to four weeks before they show a noticeable improvement. Non-stimulant medications can help reduce depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems in certain people. Most often, they are prescribed in conjunction with a stimulant medication to treat ADHD.<br /><br />Antidepressants can also be effective in treating ADHD. They work on the levels of serotonin that are present in the brain, and some -- such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been proven to improve focus and impulsivity in some people with ADHD.<br /><br />FDA-approved non-stimulant medicines are rare and hard to come by. Your doctor might prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD in addition to or instead of stimulants, if the adverse effects are too intense for you. They may also aid in improving memory and reduce aggression and impulsivity in some adults suffering from ADHD. Some antidepressants work on dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, and are classified as norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. They are prescribed in conjunction with stimulants and may be more efficient than stimulants alone.<br /><br />