Best Medication For ADHD
Most teenagers and children who take ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. They also feel calmer and more focused with their schoolwork. Some individuals may experience a slight slowdown in their growth or a rise in heart rate or bloodpressure when they are taking these drugs.
There are a variety of medicines such as tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most popular stimulant. medications for adhd in adults in immediate-release dextroamphetamine amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine with extended release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class known as stimulants. These drugs improve focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex region, which is often described as the brain's "secretary" because it aids in the planning and organization abilities.
medications for adhd are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken two or three times per day. These include methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer than methylphenidates but both work in the same way to increase attention and focus. There are also extended-release versions of a few stimulant drugs. These are a better choice because they last between 8 to 12 hours and are typically taken once a day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to create beverages, while some are pills.
It may take a while to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will monitor your response to different types of medications and adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medication should be a part of a complete treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little more time to work, but it can help you feel in control, improve your concentration and impulsivity and increase your concentration. These medications don't affect norepinephrine or dopamine like stimulants do. They can therefore be employed for a longer duration. These medications also be less prone to side effects such as constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera and is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine, which are both medicines within this category.
Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant family 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 may be prescribed by your doctor. These medications don't have immediate effects, but they can help reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. These medications are in a different class of drugs than the others and can trigger side effects like shaky hand or headache. Your doctor may also suggest taking a low dose of an antidepressant, called bupropion (Wellbutrin), which isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant but usually not severe adverse effects, such as hearing ringing, or changes in vision.