5 ADHD Medication List Projects For Every Budget

ADHD Medication List – Stimulants Stimulants work to boost the levels of two brain chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine. Amphetamines and methylphenidate are among the stimulants. Tricyclics, a more traditional class of antidepressants, are prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. But these medications have severe side effects, and doctors typically only recommend them if stimulants don't perform or cause uncontrollable side effects. Stimulants The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD in children and adults is stimulants. These drugs increase the amount of dopamine in your brain. This improves concentration, reduces fatigue and reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity in the majority of people who take these medications. Around 70% to 80 percent of those with ADHD are able to benefit from stimulants. They don't turn into a habit when taken in the dosages that are prescribed to treat ADHD. However, they can be abused and lead to addiction. People with a history of drug or alcohol abuse or an extended family history of substance abuse or mental health issues could be more at risk of this. More suggestions used stimulants to treat ADHD are amphetamines and methylphenidates. Most of these medicines are available as generics that are cheaper than brand-name medications and are favored by a variety of insurance companies. Some are also available as extended-release tablets which you take once a day and last for up to 16 hours. This could result in less “ups-and-downs” of symptoms. This is especially beneficial for children. The stimulants that are immediate-release (short acting) start working in 30 to 45 minutes. They last approximately four hours. You can take them twice or three times daily. They are usually the first medication that your doctor prescribes. Some of these medications are available as tablets, chewable or liquid form, or patches that are applied to the skin. Long-acting and intermediate stimulants can last for as long as 16 hours when taken every day in the morning. They can stop the peak in effectiveness that may occur when short-acting stimulants wear off, which can lead to extreme hunger and a lack of energy. Many people who use long-acting stimulants supplement them with small doses of immediate-release medication to help them get through the late evening and afternoon. There are a myriad of potential side effects of using stimulants for ADHD. These include headaches, nausea, nervousness, lack of appetite and sleepiness. Most of these side effects are moderate to mild and will disappear after a few weeks as your body adjusts. If the side effects continue or are severe, you should consult your doctor. Non-stimulants There's a class of medicines that can be used to treat ADHD but they're not FDA-approved for this purpose. These medications are known as non-stimulant ADHD medications and include varenicline, atomoxetine and bupropion. The majority of these medications carry less risk of misuse than stimulants, but they could still cause anxiety, insomnia or agitation. Consult your physician to help you weigh up the benefits and risks of each medication alternative. Your doctor will consider your medical history and the severity of your symptoms, and any other medical conditions or illnesses you have. They'll also consider how each medication affects you or your child, and how well it integrates with other treatments. You'll need to inform your doctor about any food or drinks that you or your child take and whether you're taking any other medications, whether prescription or over the counter including antidepressants.