Hyperactivity and impulsivity are two signs of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that are treated with ADHD medication. ADHD medications work by increasing the concentration of chemicals called neurotransmitters in your brain. It could take some time to find the right ADHD medication for you, but once you do, your symptoms ought to get better.

What is medicine for ADHD?

For many people, wearing spectacles helps with eye concentration. ADHD medication also helps people with the disorder focus. The medication helps them concentrate, block out distractions, and control their behavior. Medication is not a cure for ADHD. But while you or your child is taking medication, it can help lessen symptoms of ADHD, which will improve your performance.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a number of medication kinds to treat ADHD. For children as young as six, many of the medications can be used to treat ADHD.

What is the purpose of an ADHD medication?

The effects of ADHD medications differ depending on the type. All ADHD medications, however, work by increasing the concentration of essential chemicals called neurotransmitters in the brain. Among these neurotransmitters are norepinephrine and dopamine. Increasing these neurotransmitter levels can alleviate some of the symptoms associated with ADHD, such as: Improving attention span.

lowering excessive agitation.

managing impulsive actions.

Controlling executive dysfunction.

The effects of ADHD drugs vary from person to person. You or your child may not benefit from what works for someone else. Furthermore, it's possible that the first ADHD drug you or your child tries isn't the best option. It might not work as intended or have unpleasant side effects. Alternately, you might be on the right drug but require a bigger dosage.

Whether your child takes prescription or over-the-counter medications, be sure to let your provider know about all of them. Additionally, let your healthcare professional know if you take any supplements and how much you eat in a day of caffeinated beverages. Certain drug combinations can negatively impact the body.

To determine which drug and dosage is best for you or your kid, your healthcare practitioner may need to experiment with a few different options. In order to strike the ideal balance between the advantages and disadvantages of the medicine, your doctor will monitor you or your kid and change the dosage.

Most people find that taking an ADHD medication relieves their symptoms after they discover the proper one and dosage. The hyperactivity, attention span, and impulsive behaviour problems go better.

What are the different types of ADHD medications?

Both stimulants and non-stimulants are included in ADHD drugs. Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed by medical professionals.

Stimulants

The most popular class of prescription drugs used by medical professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. Stimulants, despite their name, do not increase your level of stimulation. Instead, they function by raising your brain's concentrations of two chemicals, known as neurotransmitters:norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are crucial for maintaining motivation, focus, and attentiveness. Research indicates that when the appropriate stimulant drug and dosage are found, symptoms in about 80% of children with ADHD improve.

Since stimulants are categorised as prohibited substances, there is a chance they will be misused or lead to drug use problems. However, using stimulant medications is safe as long as your provider is watching over you. To prevent consequences from an undiscovered heart rhythm issue, your provider might do an electrocardiogram (EKG) screening before prescribing you a stimulant.

There are states in the US with rules that severely limit the amount of stimulant drugs you can be prescribed at one time. For instance, you might only be able to obtain a supply that lasts for 30 days before needing a refill.

There are two forms of stimulants:

Immediate-release (short-acting)

These stimulants are often used as needed. They have a maximum duration of four hours. People with ADHD may experience "the crash" or "the rebound effect" when they are tapering off of a short-acting stimulant dosage. It usually entails a sudden drop in energy and frequently results in extreme hunger. Some people suffer from severe sadness or mood swings.

Extended-release (intermediate-acting or long-acting):

 These stimulants are usually taken once daily in the morning. Some endure up to sixteen hours, while others only last six to eight hours. Longer-acting ADHD drugs may lessen "ups and downs" during the day and lessen the need for additional dosages at work or school.

Many take an immediate-release dose in the mid- to late-afternoon to complement their extended-release medication, which is taken in the morning. When the effects of the earlier dose start to wear off, this additional dose might help cover the late afternoon and evening hours.

Methylphenidates and amphetamines are the two drug groups into which the majority of stimulants belong. Drug categories combine drugs based on shared characteristics, like approved uses or active components.

Non-stimulants

Unlike stimulants, which are prohibited substances, non-stimulants are prescription drugs. This implies that you are less prone to abuse them or grow dependent on them. They function by raising norepinephrine levels in the brain.

Compared to stimulants, non-stimulant ADHD treatments take longer to start working. It can take three to four weeks for you to fully experience the effects of these medications if you are taking them regularly. But these drugs can also help you become less impulsive and more focused. They have a maximum 24-hour workday.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe a non-stimulant for various reasons, including:

Stimulants do not work.

The stimulant side effects you experience are unbearable.

To maximise its potency, they wish to experiment with combining it with a stimulant.

The number of non-stimulants for the treatment of ADHD is currently decreasing. These medications are mostly alpha-2 adrenergic agonists or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants have not been expressly approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. For the treatment of ADHD, medical professionals will occasionally prescribe them either by themselves or in conjunction with a stimulant. The antidepressants that doctors usually recommend for ADHD affect your brain's dopamine and norepinephrine levels. Tricyclics and norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors are the two most popular medication groups.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of antidepressants that only affect serotonin levels in the brain, have not been proven to be helpful in treating the primary symptoms of ADHD. However, if you also suffer from a mental illness like depression or anxiety, they may be beneficial when used in conjunction with stimulants.