Best Medication For ADHD
Most teenagers and children who are taking ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. They feel calmer and more focused with their schoolwork. Some people may experience a slight slowdown in their growth or a rise in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medications.
They are available in various forms like capsules, tablets, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These medications improve focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex region that is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it helps with organizing and planning abilities.
Stimulants are available in short-acting and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken two or three times per throughout the day. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, however they both function in similarly in improving focus and attention. There are also extended-release versions of some stimulant medications. They are a better option because they last for 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.
It may take some time to find the right medication for you or your child. Your doctor will watch how you respond to the different types of drugs and alter the dosage as required. Medications should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which should include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to begin working however they can make you feel more in control and boost your concentration, impulsivity and focus. medication for adhd adults don't affect norepinephrine or dopamine the same way stimulants do. They can therefore be employed for a longer duration. They can also be less prone to adverse effects, like constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these medications that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine. It is also known as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both medications in this group.
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that are available off-label to treat ADHD. Tricyclic antidepressants from the past like Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat ADHD. Doctors only recommend these drugs when stimulants and other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many adverse negative effects.
Your doctor may also prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medicines do not have a direct effect however they can reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. These medications belong to a different class of drugs than the others and can trigger side effects like shaky hand or headache. Your doctor may also recommend an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but can increase concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but not usually serious side effects like the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.