Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to concentrate better, be less impulsive, and are more relaxed. They also do better with schoolwork. Some individuals may experience a slight slowdown in their growth or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure when they are taking these drugs.
There are many different types of medicines such as tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most well-known stimulant. It is available in three forms: immediate release, extended-release and sustained-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These drugs improve focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex, which is often called the brain's "secretary" because it aids with planning and organizational skills.
Stimulants are available in short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting medicines are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes, and need to be taken three or twice times a day. Amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphetamines are more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates, however they work in the same way to increase attention and focus. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release forms. They are the best choice because they last between 8 to 12 hours and are generally taken only once a day. Certain of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquids to make beverages, while some are pills.
It can take time to determine the appropriate medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will be able to monitor your response to different types of medication and alter the dosage if needed. Medications should only be used as part of a complete treatment plan, which will include behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to start working, but can help you feel more in control and increase your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These medications do not affect norepinephrine or dopamine like stimulants do. They are therefore able to be employed for a longer duration. They can also have fewer negative effects, including heartburn, constipation and a reduced sexual drive. The first medication to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera and is an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process. Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both medicines within this category.
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that are prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. Tricyclic antidepressants from the past like Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat ADHD. Doctors only suggest these drugs in cases where stimulants or click here other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many adverse effects.
Viloxazine and atomoxetine are prescribed by your physician. These medications do not have a direct effect, but help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. They're in a different category than the other options and may cause some side effects such as shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor may also recommend the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin), that is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but usually not serious side effects such as the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.