Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms may start to develop in a child during his preschool years and may continue until the child becomes an adult. In the passing of years, doctors and scientists have created medicines intended for the purpose of helping treat ADHD patients. An ADHD medicine plays a great role in alleviating the discomfort caused by the disorder in patients.
Many ADHD medicines have been manufactured in order to help treat ADHD cases. Some of these medicines are stimulants designed to help control ADHD symptoms. The following are some of ADHD medicines commonly used by doctors.
Dextroamphetamine. This ADHD medicine is a stimulant which comes in two forms: extended-release capsules and tablets. The extended-release capsules of this ADHD medicine are specifically intended to release the medication slowly. Some brand names of dextroamphetamine are Dextrostat and Dexedrine.
Methylphenidate. This is the most commonly prescribed medicine for ADHD. Used also in the treatment of narcolepsy, lethargy, obesity, neural insult, and depression, this ADHD medicine is a psychostimulant which has a mild stimulating effect in the central nervous system. The most common brand names of this medicine for ADHD are Ritalin and Concerta. Ritalin is the most widely used of the two.
D- and l-amphetamin racemic mixture. Brand name under this generic medicine for ADHD is Adderall. Adderall is available in two types of formulation: extended release and immediate release. Adderall is thought to increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
Pemoline. A brand name for this ADHD medicine is Cylert. Pemoline has a similar effect to methylphenidate: It inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and increases the release of norepinephrine and dopamine in the central nervous system.
Buproprion. This medicine for ADHD is an antidepressant. A brand name for this ADHD medicine is Wellbutrin.
Atomoxetine. This medication which is used to treat ADHD is a non-stimulant drug. It is sold under the brand name Stratera. Unlike other medicines for ADHD, atomoxetine has less potential for abuse. However, the efficacy of this drug has not yet been studied on children who are under age six.
Imipramine. This drug is an antidepressant. A brand name for this is Tofranil.
Clonidine. This drug is usually used in conjunction with stimulants in the treatment of ADHD. A brand name for this Catapres.
Desipramine. This ADHD medicine has an antidepressant effect. A brand name for this is Norpramin.
Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall, Cylert, Dexedrine, and Dextrostat may have a stimulating effect in some people but when given to children and adults who have ADHD, they produce a calming effect.
All drugs may have side effects on the patient taking them. It is important that if any side effect is noticed after taking the drug, the doctor should be consulted. The doctor may change the dose of the ADHD medicine or he may change the medication altogether. Moreover, it is imperative that the medicine for ADHD is taken as directed by the doctor. Following the doctors advice is very important. If the ADHD medicine is not at all working in the patient, talk to the doctor about it.
Jennifer Kaplan has written several articles on ADHD and ADHD alternative treatments. On some of her articles, she has discussed the benefits that ADHD patients can get from ADHD alternative treatment.
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