Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate more effectively, have less impulsive, and are calmer. They also get on with schoolwork. Some sufferers may experience a slowing in their growth or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure when taking these medications.
The medications are available in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most well-known stimulant. It comes in three forms: immediate release, extended-release and sustained-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a type of drugs that is effective in treating ADHD. These drugs help improve concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex that is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it aids in the planning and organization abilities.
Stimulants come in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times a day. These include methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, however they all work in similar ways to improve concentration and attention. There are extended-release versions of a few stimulant medications. They are a good option because they last 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken daily. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to make drinks, while others are pills.
It may take a while to find the right medication for you or your child. Your doctor will monitor how you react to different kinds of drugs and adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medications should be done in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan, which will include behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little longer to take effect, but it can help you feel in control, increase your impulsivity and concentration and help you focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine the same as stimulants do, which means they can be safer to use for longer periods of time. They also have less side negative effects like constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's a selective reuptake norepinephrine inhibitor. Your doctor may prescribe other medications from this group which include guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant group, like Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by physicians if stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work, or if they cause too many side effects.
Viloxazine and atomoxetine are prescribed by your physician. add adult medications I Am Psychiatry don't have a direct effect, but they can help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. These medications are in a different class of drugs from other ones and may cause negative side effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also recommend the use of a small dose of an antidepressant known as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but usually not severe side effects, including hearing ringing or changes in vision.