Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate more effectively, have less impulsive, and feel more relaxed. They also get on with schoolwork. Some individuals may experience a slight slowdown in their growth, or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medications.
There are many different types of medicines such as tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most frequently used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine salts.
Stimulants
Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that is effective in treating ADHD. These drugs improve focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is sometimes referred to by the term "secretary of the brain" because it aids in organizing and planning skills.
Stimulants are available in short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken 2 or 3 times a every day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphetamines can be more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates, however they work in the same way to improve attention and focus. There are also extended-release versions of some stimulant medications. They are the best choice since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are generally taken only every day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to make drinks, while others are pills.
Finding the right medication can take some time. Your doctor will monitor how you respond to the different kinds of medications and will alter the dosage as required. The use of medications should be part of an overall treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a more time to work, but it can help you feel in control, improve your impulsivity and concentration, and improve your focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, which means they are safer to use for a longer period of time. These medications can also have less side effects, such as heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor could prescribe additional medications from this group such as guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label are also available to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant family like Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors will only recommend these medications when stimulants and other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many adverse consequences.
Your doctor may also prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medicines don't have immediate effects however they can reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. These medications belong to a different class of drugs compared to the others and can trigger negative side more info effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also recommend an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), that isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but can increase concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not usually serious adverse effects, including hearing ringing, or changes in vision.