Best Medication For ADHD
Most teenagers and children who take ADHD medication report that they focus better, are less impulsive, feel more calm and are able to get on with their school work. Some people may experience a slight slowdown in their growth, or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when they are taking these drugs.
There are a variety of medications such as tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most popular stimulant. It is available in three forms: immediate release, extended-release, and sustained-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that is effective in treating ADHD. These drugs aid in improving concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters within the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is sometimes known as the "secretary of the brain" because it helps in organizing and planning skills.
Stimulants are available in both short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken two or three times per every day. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among them. Amphetamines are stronger and last longer than methylphenidates however, they both function in the same way to improve concentration and attention. There are extended-release versions of certain stimulant medications. These are a better choice because they last between 8 to 12 hours and are generally taken only every day. Some of these medicines are powders that is mixed with liquid to make drinks, while others are pills.
It can take time to find the right medication for you or your child. Your doctor will monitor how you react to different types of medications and will adjust the dosage as needed. Medications should only be used as part of a complete treatment plan that will include behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to start working, but can help you feel more in control and boost your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These medications don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine like stimulants do. They are therefore able to be employed for a longer duration. They also have less side effects, such as 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. adhd uk medication might prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both drugs in this group.
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that are available off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant group, such as Tofranil (imipramine). These drugs are only prescribed by doctors when stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or if they cause too many side effects.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your doctor. These drugs don't have immediate effects however they can reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. These medications are in a different class of drugs from other ones and may cause side effects like shaky hand or headache. Your doctor may also suggest taking a low dose of an antidepressant called bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not a FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant, but generally not serious side effects, like hearing ringing or changes in vision.