Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who take ADHD medication notice they focus better and are less impulsive. They also feel more calm and are able to get on with their schoolwork. Some people may experience a slight slowing of their growth or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure when they are taking these drugs.
Medications are available in different forms including tablets, capsules, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most well-known stimulant. It comes in three forms: immediate release, extended-release, and sustained-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a type of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These drugs improve concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is sometimes known as the "secretary of the brain" because it assists in planning and organization skills.
Stimulants are available both 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 them. Amphetamines are stronger and last longer, but they both function in similar ways to improve focus and attention. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release versions. They are a good option since they last between up to 12 hours and are usually taken daily. Some of these medicines are powders that is mixed with liquid to create a drink, while others are pills.
Finding the right medication may take some time. Your doctor will observe your reaction to different kinds of medication and alter the dosage as needed. The use of medicines should be part of an overall treatment plan that includes support and behavioral therapy.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a longer to take effect but it can make you feel more in control, improve your concentration and impulsivity and help you focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way stimulants do. They can therefore be utilized for a longer period of time. These medications also be less prone to side effects, such as constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is adhd and medication called Strattera, and it's an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process. Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine. These are both medications within this category.
Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label are also available to treat ADHD. These antidepressants with tricyclic chemistry, such as Tofranil(imipramine), are used to treat ADHD. These drugs are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many adverse side effects.
Viloxazine and atomoxetine are prescribed by your doctor. These medications do not have a direct effect however they can reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. These medications belong to a different class of drugs compared to the others and can trigger adverse effects such as shaky hands or headache. 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 the impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not usually serious, side effects, such as ringing in the ears or changes in vision.