Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to focus better, be less impulsive, and feel more relaxed. They also do better with schoolwork. Some individuals may experience a slight slowing of their growth, or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
The medications are available in a variety of forms like capsules, tablets, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available in three forms: immediate-release, sustained-release and extended-release.
Stimulants
One of the best medications for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These drugs enhance concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex which is often described as the brain's "secretary" because it aids with organizing and planning skills.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes and have to be taken two or three times per day. These include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer than methylphenidates, however they work in the same way to increase concentration and attention. There are extended-release versions of certain stimulant medications. They are a good option because they last 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken once per day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to create drinks, while others are pills.
Finding the right medication can take some time. Your doctor will observe how you respond to the different kinds of medications and will adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medications should be done in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan, which should include support and behavioral therapy services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to kick in but they can help you feel more in control and boost your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine like stimulants do. They can therefore be employed for a longer duration. These medications also be less prone to side effects, such as heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. relevant web page may prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both medications in this group.
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant group, such as Tofranil (imipramine). These drugs are only prescribed by physicians if stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many side effects.
Viloxazine and atomoxetine are prescribed by your doctor. These medicines do not have a direct effect however they can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. These medications are in a different class of drugs from the others and can trigger adverse effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also suggest a low-dose antidepressant, bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant but not usually serious adverse effects, like hearing ringing, or changes in vision.