Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who take ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. They also feel calmer and get on with their school work. medication adhd adults may experience a slight slowdown in their growth, or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
Medications are available in different forms like capsules, tablets liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most popular stimulant. It is available in three forms: immediate release, sustained-release and extended-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a type of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These medications improve focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often referred to by the term "secretary of the brain" because it aids in the planning and organizing abilities.
Stimulants are available both in short-acting as well as long-acting dosages. The short-acting drugs peak in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken twice or three times per day. These include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, but they all work in similarly in improving focus and attention. There are also extended-release versions of certain stimulant medications. They are a better option since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are generally taken only every day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to create a beverage, while others are pills.
It may take a while to determine the appropriate medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will monitor your response to different types of medications and adjust the dosage if necessary. The use of medications should be a part of an overall treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to kick in however they can help you feel more in control and boost your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do. They are therefore able to be utilized for a longer period of time. They also have less adverse negative effects like constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera, and it's an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process. Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both drugs in this class.
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that are prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant family like Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors will only recommend these medications if stimulants and other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many side consequences.
Your doctor can also prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications do not have an immediate impact, but they can help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. They're in a different drug class from the other choices and may cause certain side effects like shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also suggest the use of a small dose of an antidepressant known as bupropion (Wellbutrin) that isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not usually serious, side effects, including ringing in the ears or changes in vision.