Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to focus more effectively, have less impulsive, and are calmer. They also have a better time with schoolwork. Some sufferers may experience a slowdown in their growth, or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medications.
They are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine salts.
Stimulants
One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class known as stimulants. These medications help improve attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters within the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex that is often described as the brain's "secretary" because it helps in the planning and organization skills.
Stimulants come in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs have a peak effect in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken two or three times a day. Amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, but they both work similarly in improving attention and focus. Some stimulant medications are available in extended-release versions. These can be a better alternative since they last from 8 to 12 hours and are typically taken every day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to make beverages, while some are pills.
Finding the right medicine can take a bit of time. Your doctor will monitor your response to different types of medicines and adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medicines should be part of an overall treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to kick in however they can help you feel more in control and increase your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the as stimulants do, so they can be safer to use for a longer period of time. They also have less negative effects, including heartburn, constipation and a decreased sex drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor may prescribe other medication from this category, including guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family, like Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by physicians if stimulants or other non-stimulants do not work or if they cause too many side effects.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your doctor. These medications don't have a direct effect however they can reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. adhd for adults medication iampsychiatry in a different drug class than the other options and may cause certain side effects like shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also suggest the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help increase concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but usually not serious side effects such as ringing or changes in vision.