Best Medication For ADHD
Children and teenagers taking ADHD medication tend to focus more effectively, have less impulsive, and feel more calm. They also do better with schoolwork. Some sufferers may experience a slowdown in their growth, or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
There are a variety of medications, including tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class known as stimulants. These drugs help improve concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters within the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is often known as the "secretary of the brain" because it assists in organizing and planning abilities.
adult adhd medication come in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes and have to be taken 2 or 3 times a throughout the day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphetamines can be more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates however, they both function in the same way to improve concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release forms. They can be a better option because they last 8 to 12 hours and are typically taken once per day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquid to create a drink, and others are pills.
Finding the right medicine can take a bit of time. Your doctor will monitor your response to different types of medications and adjust the dosage if necessary. Medications should only be used as part of a complete treatment plan, which will include behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a more time to work, but it can help you feel in control, improve your concentration and impulsivity and help you focus. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the way that stimulants do, and therefore are safer to use over an extended period of time. They also have less adverse effects, like constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's a selective reuptake norepinephrine inhibitor. Your doctor may prescribe other medications from this group, including the guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that are available off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant group, such as Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only suggest these drugs in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many side consequences.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your doctor. These medicines don't have an immediate effect however they can help reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. They're in a distinct drug class from the other choices and may cause some side effects such as shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor might also recommend the use of a small dose of an antidepressant known as bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to improve concentration and decrease impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but usually not severe side effects, including hearing ringing, or changes in vision.