adhd medication uk of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitter hormones like dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in your brain, which improves concentration and helps in controlling an impulsive behavior.
You can purchase tablets or as a patch. It is recommended to select long-acting stimulant formulas that give you the medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most commonly used medications for ADHD. They are quick-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70-80 percent of children who use them. They work by increasing brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and reduces fatigue. Methylphenidate is a stimulant that is commonly used to treat ADHD. It is available in chewable or liquid tablet form and can be taken up to three times per every day. Amphetamines are more powerful than methylphenidates, are also sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure and heart rate, so those with existing conditions should tell their doctor.
Stimulant medicines can lead to addiction if they are misused, which means taking more than the prescribed dosage or mixing them with alcohol or other substances. Patients who use the prescribed doses do not face an increased chance of developing addiction. Some evidence suggests that ADHD medication may even aid people at risk of substance abuse to stay away from addiction.
The FDA has approved a variety of stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They are usually available in generic form, meaning that the chemical formula is identical to the brand name medication. Your doctor will prescribe whichever medication is most effective for you or your child.
Your doctor will start with a small dose and take note of how your child or you react before making adjustments to the dosage. Your doctor will decide if it is necessary to add a second medication or switch to another one.
Stimulants can trigger adverse effects like dry mouth, decreased appetite and changes in sleep patterns or moods. Some children and teenagers who are taking stimulants may experience tics. These are sudden movements or sounds like eye blinks or throat clearing. Certain studies have demonstrated that stimulants can cause a slight decrease in height for some teens and children.
Non-stimulant drugs are slower-acting than stimulants, yet they can still improve impulsivity and attention. It may take up to four weeks before the medication begins working. Non-stimulant medications can help reduce depression, anxiety and other mental health problems in certain people. They are typically prescribed in combination with stimulant medications for ADHD.
Antidepressants can also be beneficial in treating ADHD. They affect the levels of serotonin in the brain. Certain, like selective serotonin retake inhibitors (SSRIs), have shown to increase impulsivity and focus for people suffering from ADHD.
FDA-approved non-stimulant medicines are few and far between. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD in addition to or instead of stimulants, if the side effects are too much for you. They can also aid in improving memory and decrease the impulsivity and aggression of some adults with 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 typically prescribed in conjunction with stimulants and could be more effective than stimulants by themselves.