Top Medications for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
For those of you who do not already know, ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This psychological disorder causes hyperactivity, inability to concentrate, and impulsive behavior in children and even adults. Various medications are often prescribed to help patients manage the difficult symptoms associated with the disorder. There are generally three types of medicines that cover ADHD. The top five prescribed medicines come from these categories of stimulants, non stimulants, and antidepressants.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medicines for ADHD. This class of medicines work on the central nervous system. They stimulate it and at the same time, they calm the patient. The two most popular of these psychostimulants are used in treating children and adult ADHD patients. Ritalin is probably the most well known ADHD medication available. Other medications include Adderall, Vyvanse, and Concerta. These drugs work by increasing the amounts of dopamine in the body.
Daytrana is the second top prescribed medicine for ADHD. It is different from the other stimulant medications in that it is not taken orally. Daytrana is the very first FDA approved skin patch that can be prescribed to treat ADHD.
Non stimulant are also a commonly prescribed medication for patients with ADHD. Atomoxetine was the first of the non stimulants that was FDA approved for treating adult ADHD patients. This non stimulant medicine is effective in increasing the amounts of dopamine and norepinephrine found in a patient's body.
The final two of the top prescribed medicines for sufferers of ADHD are antidepressants. However, the FDA does not directly approve the use of antidepressants for ADHD treatment in adults. It is not uncommon for a doctor to prescribe them anyway. Wellbutrin is the top antidepressant medication prescribed to ADHD patients. The other one is a form of tricyclics. Both medications build up the patients' levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
