Best Medication For ADHD
Children and teenagers taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate better, be less impulsive, and feel more calm. They also get on with schoolwork. Some individuals may experience a slight slowdown in their growth or a rise in heart rate or bloodpressure while taking these medications.
The medications are available in a variety of forms including tablets, capsules, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It comes in three forms: immediate release, extended-release, and sustained-release.
Stimulants
One of the best medications for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These drugs enhance concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex region, which is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it aids with planning and organizational abilities.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken 2 or 3 times a throughout the day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphetamines can be more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates however, they both function in the same way to improve attention and focus. There are extended- best adhd medication for adults uk of a few stimulant medications. These are a better choice since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are typically taken once a day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquid to create a drink, while others are pills.
It can take time to determine the appropriate medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will monitor how you react to different types of drugs and adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medicines should be a part of a complete treatment plan that includes support and behavioral therapy.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little bit longer to work but it can make you feel in control, improve your concentration and impulsivity, and improve your concentration. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the way that stimulants do, so they are safer to use for longer periods of time. They also have less side effects, such as constipation, heartburn and lessened sexual drive. The first drug to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera, and it's an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine. These are both medications in this class.
Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant group, such as Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by doctors when stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work or if they have too many adverse effects.
Your doctor may prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications don't have immediate effects however they can help reduce impulsivity and improve concentration over time. These drugs are part of a different class of drugs from the others and can trigger side effects like shaky hand or headache. Your doctor may also suggest taking a low dose of an antidepressant known as bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not usually serious, side effects, such as ringing in the ears or changes in vision.