Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to concentrate better, be less impulsive and calmer. They also get on with schoolwork. Some may experience a slight slowdown in growth and may experience an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
The medications are available in a variety of forms including tablets, capsules liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most well-known stimulant. It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These drugs enhance focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is often referred to by the term "secretary of the brain" because it assists in organizing and planning skills.
Stimulants are available in short-acting and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes and should be taken two or three times per day. Amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphetamines are more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates, however, they both function in the same way to improve concentration and attention. There are extended-release versions of some stimulant drugs. They can be a better option since they last between 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken once per day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquid to create drinks, while others are pills.
Finding the right medication may take a bit of time. Your doctor will be able to monitor your response to different types of medications and adjust the dosage if necessary. The use of medicines should be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes support and behavioral therapy.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to kick in however they can help you feel more in control and improve your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, so they can be more secure to use for an extended period of time. They also have less negative effects, including constipation, heartburn, and lessened sex drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's a selective reuptake norepinephrine inhibitor. Your doctor might prescribe other medication from this category such as the guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These older tricyclic antidepressants, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat ADHD. Doctors only suggest these drugs in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many side negative effects.
Your doctor can also prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications do not have immediate effects but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. adult add medication in a distinct drug class than the other options and can trigger some side effects such as headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor may also suggest the use of a small dose of an antidepressant, called bupropion (Wellbutrin), which isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but works well to improve concentration and decrease impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant but not usually serious adverse effects, such as hearing ringing or changes in vision.