Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate more effectively, have less impulsive, and are more relaxed. They also get on with schoolwork. Some may experience a slight slowing of growth and be experiencing an increase in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medicines.
There are a variety of medication, including tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available in three forms: immediate release, extended-release and sustained-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a type of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These drugs aid in improving concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is often known as the "secretary of the brain" because it assists in the planning and organizing skills.
Stimulants are available in both short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting drugs have a peak effect in 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times a day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, however they both work the same way in improving attention and focus. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release forms. These can be a better option because they last up to 12 hours and are typically taken every day. Certain of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquids to make a beverage, while others are pills.
It may take a while to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will be able to monitor your reaction to different kinds of medication and alter the dosage if needed. The use of medications should be done in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan that will include behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a longer to take effect but it can make you feel more in control, improve your impulsivity and concentration, and improve your focus. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the same as stimulants do, which means they are safer to use over longer periods of time. They also have less adverse effects such as constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these medications that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine. These are both medications in this group.
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that are available off-label to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family, such as Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work or have too many adverse effects.
Viloxazine and atomoxetine are prescribed by your physician. medication for add adults don't have immediate effects, but they can help reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. They're in a different drug category than the other options and may cause certain side effects like shaky hands or headache. 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 improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable, but generally not serious, side effects, including hearing ringing, or changes in vision.