Best Medication For ADHD
The majority of children and teens who are taking ADHD medication report that they focus better and are less impulsive. They also feel calmer and more focused with their school work. Some sufferers may experience a slowing of their growth or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
They are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It is available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine with extended 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, often referred to by the term "secretary of the brain" because it aids in organizing and planning skills.
Stimulants come in short- and long-acting doses. medications for adhd in adults -acting medicines peak in 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken twice or three times a day. These include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are stronger and last longer, however they both work similar ways to improve focus and attention. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release forms. These are a better choice since they last from 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken every day. Some of these medications are powders that is mixed with liquid to make a drink, and others are in pill form.
It can take time to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will watch how you respond to the different types of medications and will adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medications should be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little more time to work however it can help you feel in control, increase your impulsivity and concentration and help you focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, which means they are safer to use over an extended period of time. These medications can also be less prone to side negative effects like heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these medications that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's a selective reuptake norepinephrine inhibitor. Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine. It is also known as Intuniv or clonidine, which are both drugs in this group.
Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label are also available to treat ADHD. These older tricyclic antidepressants, such as Tofranil(imipramine), are used to treat ADHD. Doctors only recommend these drugs when stimulants and other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many side negative effects.
Your doctor can prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications don't have immediate effects but they may help reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. These drugs are part of a different class of drugs from the others and can cause 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) that is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but works well to improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can cause unpleasant but not usually serious adverse effects, such as ringing in the ears or changes in vision.