Best Medication For ADHD
Children and teenagers taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate better, be less impulsive and calmer. They also get on with schoolwork. Some experience a minor slowdown in growth and may experience an increase in heart rate or blood pressure when taking these medications.
There are many different types of medication that include liquids, tablets, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most well-known stimulant. It is available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine salts.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a type of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These medications improve concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex which is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it aids with organizing and planning abilities.
Stimulants are available in short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting medicines have a peak effect in 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken three or twice times a day. Amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, but they both work similarly in improving focus and attention. There are also extended-release versions of a few stimulant drugs. They are a good option because they last 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken every day. Some of these medications are powders that is mixed with liquid to create a drink, while others are in pill form.
adhd adults medication may take a while to find the right medication for you or your child. Your doctor will observe how you react to different types of medications and will adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medications should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes support and behavioral therapy.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little more time to work, but it can help you feel in control, increase your concentration and impulsivity and help you focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, which means they are safer to use for longer periods of time. They can also be less prone to negative effects, including heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor could prescribe additional medications from this group which include guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are prescribed off-label 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 do not work or cause too many adverse side effects.
Your doctor can also prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications do not have immediate effects, but they can help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. They're in a distinct drug class than the other options and can trigger some side effects such as shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor might also suggest the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) which isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but not always serious side effects, such as the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.