Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to concentrate better, be less impulsive, and feel more relaxed. They also have a better time with schoolwork. Some individuals may experience a slight slowing of their growth or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure when taking these medications.
They are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets liquid, patches and pills (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available in immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that is effective in treating ADHD. These drugs aid in improving attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters within the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often referred to by the term "secretary of the brain" because it aids in organizing and planning skills.
Stimulants are available in short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken two or three times a day. Amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among them. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, however they all work in similar ways to improve focus and attention. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release formulations. These are a better choice since they last from 8 to 12 hours and are generally taken only once a day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to create beverages, while some are pills.
It can take time to determine the appropriate medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will monitor your reaction to different kinds of medicines and adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medications should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to start working, but can help you feel more in control and improve your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the as stimulants do, so they are safer to use for a longer period of time. These medications also be less prone to side effects such as constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera which is an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process. Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine. It is also known as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both drugs within this category.
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant family like Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors will only recommend these medications in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many side consequences.
Your doctor may also prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have a direct effect however they can reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. more info These medications belong to a different class of drugs than the others and can cause negative side effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also recommend the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin), that isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can improve concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not usually serious side effects such as the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.