Best Medication For ADHD
The majority of children and teens who take ADHD medication notice they focus better, are less impulsive, feel calmer and get on with their schoolwork. Some individuals may experience a slight slowdown in their growth or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when they are taking these drugs.
There are a variety of medicines that include liquids, tablets patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most popular stimulant. It is available in three forms: immediate-release extended-release and sustained-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class known as stimulants. These medications improve focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex that is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it helps with organizing and planning skills.
Stimulants come in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes and have to be taken two or three times a every day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among them. Amphetamines may be a bit stronger and last longer than methylphenidates however, they both function in the same way to improve concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release formulations. These are a better choice since they last from 8 to 12 hours and are typically taken every day. Certain of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquids to make drinks, while others are pills.
Finding the right medication may take some time. Your doctor will monitor how you respond to the different types of drugs and adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medicines should be part of a complete treatment plan that includes support and behavioral therapy.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to work, but it can help you feel in control, improve your concentration and impulsivity and help you concentration. check here These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the as stimulants do, so they can be safer to use over longer periods of time. They also have less negative effects, including heartburn, constipation and a decreased sex drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor could prescribe additional medications from this group which include guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant family, like Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only suggest these drugs in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many side negative effects.
Your doctor can also prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications do not have a direct effect however they can reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. These medications are in a different class of drugs than other ones and may cause negative side effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also suggest an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), that isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant but usually not severe adverse effects, including hearing ringing or changes in vision.