Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to focus more effectively, have less impulsive, and feel more calm. They also get on with schoolwork. Some suffer a slight slowing of growth and experience an increase in heart rate or blood pressure when taking these medications.
Medications are available in different forms including tablets, capsules liquid, patches and pills (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 can be effective in treating ADHD. These drugs aid in improving focus and attention by affecting certain neurotransmitters within the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often referred to by the term "secretary of the brain" because it helps in the planning and organizing abilities.
Stimulants are available in short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting medications have a peak effect in 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken three or twice times per day. They include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. medications for adhd in adults are more potent and last longer, however they both work similarly in improving attention and focus. Some stimulant medications are available in extended-release formulations. They are a good alternative since they last from up to 12 hours and are typically taken every day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to create beverages, while some are pills.
Finding the right medicine can take some time. Your doctor will observe your reaction to different kinds of medicines and adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medication should be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to start working however they can make you feel more in control and increase your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These medications don't affect norepinephrine or dopamine the same way that stimulants do. They are therefore able to be utilized for a longer period of time. They also have less adverse effects, like constipation, heartburn, and reduced sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine. These are both medications in this class.
Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These older tricyclic antidepressants, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. Doctors only suggest these drugs in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many side effects.
Viloxazine and atomoxetine are prescribed by your physician. These medicines do not have a direct effect however they can reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. They're in a different class from the other choices and may cause some side effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also suggest a low-dose antidepressant, bupropion (Wellbutrin), that is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not always serious side effects, such as hearing loss or changes in vision.