Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to concentrate better, be less impulsive and calmer. They also get on with schoolwork. Some individuals may experience a slight slowdown in their growth or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medications.
Medications are available in different forms, including capsules, tablets liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most popular stimulant. It comes in three forms: immediate-release extended-release, and sustained-release.
Stimulants
One of the best medications for ADHD is a class known as stimulants. These drugs help improve attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters within the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex region that is often called the brain's "secretary" because it assists with planning and organizational abilities.
Stimulants are available in short-acting as well as long-acting dosages. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken two or three times per every day. These include methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are stronger and last longer than methylphenidates however they work in the same way to improve concentration and attention. There are extended-release versions of some stimulant drugs. They are the best choice because they last for 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken once a day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to make beverages, while some are pills.
It may take a while to find the right medication for you or your child. Your doctor will be able to monitor your reaction to different kinds of medicines and adjust the dosage if necessary. The use of medication should be part of a complete treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to begin working, but can help you feel more in control and improve your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the same as stimulants do, so they can be more secure to use over a longer period of time. They also have less negative effects, including heartburn, constipation and a reduced sex drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. look at this web-site 's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine, which are both drugs within this category.
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant family such as Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by physicians if stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work, or if they have too many adverse effects.
Your doctor can prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have a direct effect, but they can help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. These drugs are part of a different class of drugs than the others and can cause side effects like shaky hand or headache. Your doctor may also suggest the use of a small dose of an antidepressant called bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help improve concentration and decrease impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but usually not serious side effects such as ringing or changes in vision.