Best Medication For ADHD
Most teenagers and children who take ADHD medication report that they focus better, are less impulsive, feel calmer and get on with their school work. Some sufferers may experience a slowdown in their growth or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when they are taking these drugs.
They are available in various forms like capsules, tablets liquid, patches and pills (such as Daytrana). The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available in immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine with extended release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a type of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These drugs enhance concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often called the "secretary of the brain" because it assists in the planning and organizing skills.
Stimulants are available in both short-acting and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken two or three times a day. These include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer than methylphenidates, however they work in the same way to increase attention and focus. There are extended-release versions of certain stimulant medications. These can be a better option because they last up to 12 hours and are usually taken daily. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquid to make a drink, and others are in pill form.
It can take time to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will observe your reaction to different kinds of medication and alter the dosage if necessary. The use of medication should be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes support and behavioral therapy.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little more time to work, but it can help you feel more in control, increase your concentration and impulsivity and increase your concentration. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, which means they are safer to use for a longer period of time. They can also be less prone to side effects, such as constipation, heartburn, and decreased sex drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor may prescribe other medicines from this class such as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These antidepressants with tricyclic chemistry, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat ADHD. These drugs are only prescribed by physicians if stimulants or other non-stimulants do not work or if they cause too many adverse side effects.
Your doctor can also prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have an immediate impact however they can reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. They're in a different class from the other choices, and they can cause some side effects such as shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor may also suggest a low dose of an antidepressant called bupropion (Wellbutrin) that is not a FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help click here improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not usually serious side effects like ringing or changes in vision.