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ADHD Medication – How Ritalin Helps Kids Manage ADHD ADHD medication can help children manage their symptoms. Doctors prescribe two main types of medications to treat ADHD: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants increase the amounts of two brain chemicals—norepinephrine and dopamine—that help kids focus. These are the first option for kids and teens with ADHD. Long-acting stimulant formulations Many people with ADHD begin treatment by taking stimulant medications. They are extremely effective in improving attention and concentration for 70-80% of people who have ADHD. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests starting with a medication that is FDA-approved. Only prescription medications are available, and should be taken exactly according to the prescription. Vitamins and supplements sold over the counter to treat ADHD are not backed by scientific evidence and may cause harmful side effects if used together with prescription medications. There are many long-acting stimulant products that offer specific delivery systems and various time-action profiles. These medications allow clinicians to target specific times of day that are the most challenging for patients. For instance, patients who have trouble completing morning tasks can benefit from long-acting stimulants such as Dexedrine Spansules, Dextroamphetamine/AMPH patch (Xelstrym), or the newer extended-release oral medication Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine). Long-acting ADHD medication enters the bloodstream slower and is less likely to cause adverse reactions than short-acting ADHD medication. They last between 8 and 16 hours based on the medication. The longer duration also lets the medication provide an overall effect that is consistent throughout the day which makes them a great option for adults. Long-acting ADHD medication can trigger adverse effects, such as changes in appetite, stomach upset or a rise in heartbeat. Other side effects include tics and minor delays in growth. These are only temporary and generally disappear as the body adjusts. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used long-acting ADHD medication. It is the active ingredient in Ritalin as well as other similar medications. It is a stimulant that increases levels of dopamine within the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in motivation, cognition, and also in executing actions. The most popular stimulant drugs for ADHD include methylphenidates, amphetamines and atomoxetine. All of them are classified as “methylphenidates,” although some are made in different ways. Certain medications are absorbed via the skin while others are administered orally or intravenously. Short-acting stimulant formulations There are many stimulant medications available to treat ADHD. These include all the forms of methylphenidate, such as Ritalin, Focalin and Metadate as well as amphetamines like Adderall, Dexedrine and Vyvanse. A doctor may also prescribe atomoxetine, which works a little different from stimulants and lasts a bit longer. There are even some antidepressants that are atypical and work well to control ADHD symptoms, for instance Wellbutrin (bupropion) and the two antihypertensives Catapres as well as Tenex (clonidine). Stimulant drugs are effective in increasing neurotransmitter levels within the brain. This improves concentration and reduce restlessness in children and adults with ADHD. The medication also reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. Stimulants can cause adverse effects such as dry mouth and blurred vision. Certain people may also feel more irritable and anxiety. Some people have trouble sleeping when they take these drugs. A major concern with these drugs is that they may cause a “rebound effect” when the effects diminish. These drugs can cause high blood pressure and a higher heart rate in certain individuals. They are safe and effective for adults if they are prescribed by their physician. The best type of stimulant medication for someone who suffers from ADHD is one that is taken in the morning before school or work. These are known as long-acting stimulants. This form of the medication can help reduce symptoms and avoid an increase in symptoms. Other types of the medication can be taken during the day as needed. Short-acting tablets are absorbed quickly and reach their peak in the body. People who require regular doses may have to take more than one tablet per day. This can be inconvenient for people with ADHD. Stimulants are the most popular and widely used treatment for ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. adhd medication list are the most effective drugs to reduce ADHD symptoms. They can have serious and life-threatening side effects if taken incorrectly or in excess doses. They can also increase the chances of developing depression and mental health disorders. Nonstimulant medications Nonstimulant drugs are a viable alternative to stimulant drugs, such as Ritalin in the event that they aren't working or have adverse effects that are too serious. These drugs are less addictive and abuse-prone than stimulants. They work by increasing the levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine. These medications are usually prescribed by doctors who specialize in mental health issues or psychiatrists. They can be prescribed in conjunction with a treatment plan that includes psychosocial treatment and lifestyle modifications. Nonstimulant medications may take a longer time to start working than stimulants. They may also require a higher dose to reach the same level of effectiveness. They are prescribed in capsules or tablets and are taken with or without food. They are more likely to cause stomach upset or change heart rate and blood pressure. They can also be at risk of developing interactions with other drugs and therefore, careful monitoring is required. Certain ADHD medications can be applied as patches on the skin. These are great for people who forget to take their medication, or have difficulty swallowing tablets. They are also useful for children who are tactilely sensitive and don't want taking their medicine via mouth. The patch is only suitable for children who are able to apply it consistently. Finding the ideal dosage schedule, frequency, and medication can take some time. It is crucial to be honest with your physician about how you or your child reacts to the medication. Keep a log of your symptoms, or those of your child and any changes in medication. There are always side effects of taking any medication. This includes stomach upset, insomnia, increased heart rate, and weight loss in certain people. Children and adolescents who are taking stimulant medications can suffer a decrease in their growth rate. It is not usually significant. Some individuals may experience anxiety or tics. A small proportion of them may suffer from a severe reaction to the medication. If you or your child is suffering from severe symptoms, visit an emergency physician immediately. Only take the medication as directed by your physician. If you have any leftover medication, ask your pharmacist about a prescription drug take-back program or mix it with coffee grounds or cat litter and take it away. Antidepressants Many people who are prescribed stimulant medications for ADHD also receive nonstimulant or antidepressant drugs. These medications can help calm the mind and control some of the side effects of stimulants, such as decreased appetite or difficulty sleeping. In general, medications that are not stimulant are less likely to cause depression than stimulants. They can also be beneficial in treating anxiety and bipolar disorder, which are sometimes associated with ADHD. Stimulants used to treat ADHD can be misused and abused. Teens and kids with ADHD might take them to increase their alertness or reduce their appetites to lose weight. Others may take them to get “high.” Stimulants are Schedule I drugs with a high chance of addiction. However, when they're properly prescribed and taken by adults, they won't increase the risk of addiction. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used for ADHD is a type of stimulant. It increases activity in brain areas that control behavior and attention. It is available in tablets that release immediately (small doses taken two to three times a day) and a modified-release tablets that release the drug throughout the day. It's also available as a chewable or liquid form. Some people who take stimulant medication for ADHD experience a short period of fatigue, a bad mood, and increased activity when the medication has worn off. This is known as the rebound effect. These symptoms can be reduced by changing the time you take your medication or altering your dose. Another option for adults suffering from ADHD is guanfacine. This is available as a long-acting drug Intuniv. This blood pressure medication is a kind of alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist, and has been found to be extremely effective in decreasing impulsive and hyperactive behaviors in adults. It doesn't appear to be as effective in reducing the symptoms of inattention, though. Finding the right ADHD medication for your child or you will take time. Your doctor may start with small doses, and gradually increase them until you find a combination that controls your symptoms while causing the least number of adverse effects. You will need to see your GP regularly for regular checkups and determine if the dosage should be adjusted.