ADHD medication treats the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. ADHD medications increase the level of neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain. Once you find the right ADHD medicine for you, you will likely notice an improvement in symptoms.

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What is ADHD medication?

Many people find that wearing eyeglasses can help them focus. ADHD medication also helps ADHD sufferers focus their minds. They can control their behavior, ignore distractions, and pay attention with the help of medication. Medication doesn't cure ADHD. It can ease symptoms while your child or you are taking the medication so that you can function better.

FDA has approved several types of medication to treat ADHD. Some of these medications are effective in treating ADHD even in children as young as 6 years old.

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a very common neurodevelopment disorder. The disorder can cause children to be hyperactive and impulsive. It may be difficult for them to focus, pay attention, and follow instructions.

When ADHD symptoms are present in childhood, they often persist into adulthood. In 90% of cases, ADHD symptoms continued into adulthood according to a study. Some adults with ADHD may not have been diagnosed.

Adults with ADHD can have difficulty following instructions, remembering information, organizing tasks, or concentrating. Adults can have different symptoms than children. Hyperactivity in children can appear as extreme restlessness among adults.

What is the ADHD medication?

ADHD medications are different in their effects depending on the type. All ADHD medications increase the level of neurotransmitters in your brain. Dopamine and norepinephrine are two of these neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters help improve symptoms of ADHD.

  • Attention span increases.

  • Reduce hyperactivity.

  • Controlling Impulsive Behavior

  • Managing executive dysfunction.

ADHD medication affects each person differently. What may work for someone else, might not work for you or your child. The first ADHD medication that you or your child uses may not be right for them. The medication may not work or cause unpleasant side effects. You may be taking the right medication, but you need to increase your dose.

Tell your provider all the medications that you or your children take, whether they are prescribed or not. Tell your provider about any caffeine-containing drinks you drink or supplements that you take (and how much per day). Certain medications combined can be harmful to the body.

You or your child's healthcare provider may have to try out different doses and medications to find the right medication for you. Your healthcare provider will adjust the dosage of medication based on the effects and benefits observed in you or your child.

ADHD medication can help most people with their symptoms once they have found the right dose and medication. Hyperactivity, attention, and impulsive behavior symptoms improve.

What are the various types of ADHD medication?

ADHD medications can include stimulants or non-stimulants. Antidepressants are often prescribed by healthcare providers.

Stimulants

The most common prescription medication used by healthcare providers to treat ADHD is stimulants. Stimulants do not work by increasing stimulation. They work by increasing the levels of dopamine and other neurotransmitters in your brain. These neurotransmitters are important for your ability to focus, think, and remain motivated. According to studies, 80% of ADHD children show fewer symptoms when they are prescribed the right stimulant dosage and medication.

The stimulants are controlled substances. This means that they can be misused or lead to substance abuse disorders. Under the supervision and care of your healthcare provider, it is safe to use stimulant medications. Your provider may order an EKG screening before prescribing a stimulant to prevent complications due to an undetected heart rhythm problem.

Some states in the United States have laws that restrict the amount of stimulant medication you can take at a time. You may be limited to a 30-day supply of stimulant medications before you can request a refill.

Two types of stimulants are available:

  • These stimulants are taken as required. These stimulants can last up to four hours. People with ADHD can experience a "crash" or "rebound effect" when they are coming off of a short-acting dose. This is characterized by a sudden drop in energy and a severe increase in hunger. Some people suffer from depression or a severe drop in mood.

  • These stimulants are typically taken in the morning. Some medications last six to eight hours, while others can last up to sixteen hours. The longer-acting ADHD medication may lead to fewer "ups" and "downs" throughout the day, and reduce the need for additional doses during school or work.

Some people take an immediate-release dosage in the late afternoon or mid-afternoon to supplement an extended-release medication they took in the morning. This extra dose can help cover the late afternoon and evening hours when the first dose begins to wear off.

Amphétamines and methylphenidates are the two main drug classes that most stimulants belong to. Drug classifications are based on similarities between medications, like active ingredients or approved uses.

Non-stimulants

They are not controlled substances, like stimulants. This means that you are less likely to misuse them or become addicted. These drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain.

It takes longer for non-stimulant ADHD medications to work than stimulants. It may take three to four weeks before you feel the full effect of these drugs. These medications can help improve your focus, attention, and impulsivity. These medications can last up to 24 hours.

You may be prescribed a non-stimulant by your healthcare provider for a variety of reasons.

  • Stimulants don't work.

  • Stimulants can cause intolerable side effects.

  • They want to pair it with a stimulating drug to increase its effectiveness.

There are fewer non-stimulants available to treat ADHD. These drugs are mostly alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists or norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are not FDA-approved for treating ADHD. Healthcare providers may prescribe antidepressants alone or in conjunction with stimulants to treat ADHD. Antidepressants are often prescribed for ADHD. They work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. The most common drug classes are norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors and tricyclics.

SSRIs, which are antidepressants that work only on serotonin in the brain, have not been proven to treat ADHD symptoms. They can help if combined with stimulants if you have depression or anxiety.

What are some of the common names for ADHD medications?

List of FDA-approved ADHD medications. The chart below shows the class, type, generic name, brand, and duration of stimulant ADHD medications.

What are the side effects of ADHD medication?

Early on in the treatment of ADHD, side effects can occur. The side effects of ADHD medication are usually mild and do not last very long. These side effects may disappear after a few treatment weeks as your body gets used to the medication. They can sometimes be more severe and last longer. ADHD medication can cause side effects such as:

  • Reduced appetite. About 80% of stimulant medication users experience a decreased appetite.

  • Weight loss. Weight loss.

  • Sleeping problems. You may have a harder time falling asleep and staying asleep. You may sleep less well in general. This side effect can be reduced by timing the time you take your medication during the day.

Some of the other side effects of ADHD medications include:

  • Rebound effect. As the medication wears down, you may experience a short period of increased activity, fatigue, or bad mood.

  • Anxiety. Anxiety and depression can be new or increasing.

  • Tics. Sudden, repetitive sounds or movements such as blinking eyes or clearing the throat. ADHD medication does not cause tics. However, it can make them more visible than without the medication.

  • Minor growth delay. Minor growth delay.

  • Uneasy stomach. It may also include nausea or vomiting.

  • Blood pressure and heart rate may change. Blood pressure can go up or lower depending on the medication. Stimulant drugs can also slightly increase your heartbeat. It is not harmful, but it can be minor. Tell your doctor if your child has a history of heart problems.

If side effects persist after several weeks of treatment, you may find relief by:

  • Change your medication schedule or dosage.

  • Change to an extended-release formulation.

  • Use a different stimulant medicine.

  • Try a non-stimulant medicine.

Recovery and Outlook

The first treatment option for ADHD is medication. The medications are effective in about 80% of cases. You may be concerned about side effects or wish to avoid the medication for other reasons.

Behavior therapy can be a good option for many people. Behavior therapy is a method of teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors, and reducing unwanted negative behaviors.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents of children under 6 years old receive training in behavioral management. This can help you learn strategies and skills for helping your child.

AAP recommends ADHD medication in conjunction with behavioral therapy after age 6. It may involve a continuation of the parent training on behavior management, for children aged 6 to 12, and other forms of behavior therapy in children aged 12 and older.

The school can also play a significant role in the treatment plan for your child. The AAP suggests adding behavioral interventions to your child's class. You should monitor your child's behavior and make adjustments as needed.

How long do I or my child have to take ADHD medication?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a lifelong condition that has no cure. This is not the same as taking antibiotics to treat an infection. To manage your ADHD symptoms, you'll need to continue taking the medication.

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