Best Medication For ADHD
The majority of children and teens who are taking ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. They also feel calmer and more focused with their school work. Some experience a minor slowing in growth and could experience an increase in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medicines.
There are many different types of medications, including tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It comes in three forms: immediate-release extended-release and sustained-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that is effective in treating ADHD. These medications improve focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex which is often described as the brain's "secretary" because it helps with organizing and planning abilities.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken 2 or 3 times a every day. These include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, but they both work similarly in improving attention and focus. There are extended-release versions of a few stimulant medications. They are a better option because they last between 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken once a day. Some of these are a powder that you mix with liquid to make a drink, while others are pills.
Finding the right medicine can take some time. Your doctor will watch how you react to various types of drugs and adjust the dosage as needed. Medications should only be used as part of a complete treatment plan, which should include support and behavioral therapy services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little longer to take effect, but it can help you feel more in control, increase your impulsivity and concentration and increase your concentration. These medications do not alter dopamine or norepinephrine in like stimulants do. They are therefore able to be employed for a longer duration. They also have less adverse effects, like constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these medications that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. adhd medication for adults 's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. adhd medication side effects might prescribe guanfacine. It is also known as Intuniv or clonidine, which are both medications within this category.
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are available off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant family like Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only suggest these drugs if stimulants and other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many side negative effects.
Your doctor may prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have immediate effects but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. They're in a different category than the other options and can trigger some adverse effects, such as headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor may also recommend an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help increase concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity. It can cause unpleasant, but generally not serious side effects, like hearing ringing or changes in vision.