Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who take ADHD medication notice they focus better and are less impulsive. They also feel calmer and more focused with their schoolwork. watch this video suffer a slight slowdown in growth and may experience an increase in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medicines.
There are a variety of medication such as tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). The most frequently used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available in three forms: immediate-release, extended-release, and sustained-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These drugs aid in improving focus and attention by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex region that is often called the brain's "secretary" because it aids with organizing and planning skills.
Stimulants are available both in short-acting and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes and should be taken twice or three times a day. adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication include methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are stronger and last longer than methylphenidates however they work in the same way to increase attention and focus. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release formulations. These can be a better option because they last up to 12 hours and are typically taken once per day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquid to create a drink, and others are pills.
It may take some time to determine the appropriate medication for you or your child. Your doctor will monitor how you react to various types of medications and will alter the dosage as required. 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 little bit longer to work however it can help you feel more in control, increase your concentration and impulsivity, and improve your focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, and therefore can be safer to use for an extended period of time. They also have less adverse negative effects like constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine, which are both medicines in this group.
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are available off-label to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant group, such as Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only recommend these drugs when stimulants and other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many side consequences.
Your doctor can also prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications don't have a direct effect but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. They're in a different drug class from the other choices, and they can cause some adverse effects, such as headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor might also suggest an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can cause unpleasant, but generally not serious, side effects, such as hearing ringing or changes in vision.