9 Prescription Drugs For People With ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral condition that most commonly appears in childhood and is characterized by short attention span, distractibility, impulsivity, disorganization, and hyperactivity. There is nothing worse than someone with ADHD being unprepared. And we all have so much on our minds nowadays. That's why there are doctors prescribing drug medications to help people with this condition. The list above are the 9 prescribed drugs commonly prescribed by doctors.
1. Concerta
Concerta helps control symptoms of ADHD by affecting chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, which are involved in regulating mood and behavior.
Methylphenidate affects two types of neurotransmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine. Dopamine is associated with pleasure, motivation and focus. Norepinephrine affects heart rate, blood pressure, appetite and physical reactions such as sweating or shivering in response to stress or fear.
Methylphenidate works by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine available in certain parts of the brain that control attention, emotion and movement. It also increases activity between nerve cells in those areas, which improves communication between them. This helps reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity associated with ADHD behaviors like fidgeting or talking too much without thinking about what you're saying first.
2. Focalin XR
Focalin XR is a prescription drug for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is a controlled substance, which means that you need to get it from your doctor and get a prescription for it.
Focalin XR comes in capsules that contain the active ingredient dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride. Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride is an amphetamine related compound. Amphetamines are central nervous system stimulants that treat ADHD by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain.
The exact mechanism of action of Focalin XR is not known, but it is believed that it works by increasing the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine in the synapse, which then increases their effects on postsynaptic neurons by preventing their reuptake into nerve terminals.[1]
Focalin XR should be taken with food each morning at about the same time each day. It comes as a capsule that you take by mouth with water and swallow whole but do not split or crush it. The capsules should be swallowed whole but do not chew or cut them open because this may cause an overdose of medicine or make you sick or high.
3.Adderall XR
Adderall is the brand name for the combination drug that contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts. The XR version of this medication contains two different forms of amphetamine salts, which allow for a longer duration of action.
Adderall works by stimulating several parts of the brain at once, including the frontal cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus. These areas are involved in regulating mood, emotions and memory function. Stimulation of these regions can help improve attention span and focus while reducing hyperactive behavior or impulsivity.
The effects of Adderall XR can last between 6-8 hours when taken as prescribed by your doctor. The effects may be stronger if you take more than one pill at once or if you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
4. Evekeo
Evekeo is a prescription medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. The drug is indicated for use in patients aged 18 and older who have either been diagnosed with ADHD or who have symptoms of the condition but have not been previously diagnosed with it.
Evekeo is an extended-release amphetamine, which means that it works by increasing the concentration of dopamine and norepinephrine — two chemicals in the brain that help control behavior and cognition — to improve focus and attention span.
Side effects associated with Evekeo include nausea, insomnia, dizziness and headache. If you experience any of these side effects or others while taking this drug, contact your doctor right away.
Evekeo comes in tablet form and should be taken once daily at the same time each day (usually between 6 am and noon). The maximum recommended dose is 30 mg/day.
It is important to note that, you should not take Evekeo if you have ever had an allergic reaction to amphetamine-based drugs like Ritalin or Adderall, have high blood pressure, heart disease or if you have had a stroke or heart attack within the past six months.
5. Vyvanse
Vyvanse is a prescription medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that is part of the stimulant class. It has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2007, and it's also available as a generic drug in some countries. Vyvanse is used to treat ADHD symptoms in adults and children ages 6 years and older.
Vyvanse comes as a capsule to swallow whole or chew. It can also be crushed if swallowed whole doesn't work for you.
The effects of Vyvanse usually last about 12 hours after taking it in the morning. If your doctor recommends taking two doses a day, take them several hours apart from each other — not together in one dose.
6. Quillivant XR
It is a long-acting form of methylphenidate, a medication that has been used for decades to treat ADHD.
Quillivant XR is approved for children and adults who are at least 6 years old. Quillivant XR comes in capsule form and is taken orally once daily. The capsules may be swallowed whole or opened and mixed with applesauce, yogurt or water. The capsules should be taken with food and not on an empty stomach.
The recommended starting dose of Quillivant XR is 10 milligrams (mg) once daily in the morning. Your doctor may adjust your dosage based on your response to treatment and any side effects you may experience while taking Quillivant XR.
Quillivant XR should be taken at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor first because stopping too soon can cause withdrawal symptoms such as depression, irritability, trouble sleeping and more severe symptoms such as seizures or psychosis (severe mental illness).
7. Strattera
Strattera is a prescription drug for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s not habit-forming and it doesn’t contain amphetamines. Strattera works by increasing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain that affect behavior.
Strattera can help improve attention span, concentration and impulse control. It can also help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity in children and teens with ADHD. The medicine may also be used to treat symptoms of depression or anxiety in adults.
Strattera is usually taken once daily at bedtime, although it can also be taken twice daily. You should take your dose at the same time every day either right before you go to bed or first thing in the morning because this will help you remember when to take it without having to keep looking at a clock or calendar all day long.
You may have trouble falling asleep while taking Strattera, so don’t use alcohol or other sleep aids until you know how they affect you when combined with this medicine.
8. Dexedrine
Dexedrine is a brand name for dextroamphetamine, a stimulant similar to amphetamine. Stimulants like these make people feel more alert and awake.
In children with ADHD, Dexedrine may help them pay attention in class or during homework assignments. The drug can also be used to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder where people feel tired during the day or obesity in adults who are overweight with ADHD.
In adults with ADHD, Dexedrine may help them better control their behavior at home and at work by helping them focus on tasks they need to do instead of getting distracted by things around them.
It’s important to note that Adderall can lead to addiction if abused by someone without ADHD or narcolepsy. The use of Adderall with alcohol or other drugs can lead to overdose and death.
9. Ritalin
Ritalin is a prescription drug that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. It is a central nervous system stimulant that increases blood flow to the brain and improves concentration, focus, and impulse control. The drug is also used off-label for the treatment of narcolepsy, depression, and obesity.
Ritalin works by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain that help regulate moods, emotions, and behavior (dopamine). This increased amount of dopamine makes it easier for people with ADHD to focus on tasks at hand. The effects of Ritalin last four to six hours, which means users need multiple doses each day.
Ritalin is not addictive when used as prescribed by a doctor because it does not cause tolerance or withdrawal symptoms when discontinued. However, if someone with ADHD uses other drugs such as cocaine while taking Ritalin they may experience an increase in anxiety symptoms; they may also experience symptoms similar to those caused by withdrawal from nicotine or alcohol use (e.g., agitation).
Medications can be a powerful tool when it comes to treating ADHD. Although there are potential side effects that come with taking most medications, they can also be very beneficial. The bottom line is finding the right drug for you. Exploring your options by trying different medications is a good idea, particularly since some may work better than others depending on your particular symptoms. Even though choices can seem overwhelming, addressing your ADHD through medication is an important step in improving your daily life and the lives of those around you.
