Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate more effectively, have less impulsive, and feel calmer. They also have a better time with schoolwork. Some sufferers may experience a slowing in their growth, or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medications.
Medications are available in different forms including tablets, capsules liquid, patches and pills (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine salts.
Stimulants
Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that can be effective in treating ADHD. These medications help improve focus and attention by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex region, which is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it assists with planning and organizational abilities.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes and have to be taken 2 or 3 times a day. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, however they both function in the same way in improving attention and focus. Some stimulant medications are available in extended-release forms. These are a better choice because they last between 8 to 12 hours, and are typically taken daily. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to make a beverage, while others are pills.
Finding the right medication may take a bit of time. Your doctor will click here monitor your response to different types of medications and adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medication should be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to kick in but they can help you feel more in control and improve your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These medications do not alter dopamine or norepinephrine in like stimulants do. They are therefore able to be employed for a longer duration. They also be less prone to side negative effects like heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. The first drug to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera, and it's an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. Your doctor could prescribe additional medicines from this class, including the guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These antidepressants with tricyclic chemistry like Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat ADHD. Doctors will only recommend these medications in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many adverse effects.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your physician. These medications don't have immediate effects but they may help reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. They're in a distinct drug category than the other options and can trigger some adverse effects, such as headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor may also suggest the use of a small dose of an antidepressant called bupropion (Wellbutrin) which isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant, but generally not serious side effects, like hearing ringing, or changes in vision.