Best Medication For ADHD
The majority of children and teens who take ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. They also feel calmer and get on with their school work. Some sufferers may experience a slowing of their growth or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
There are a variety of medications, including tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). The most frequently used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class known as stimulants. These drugs enhance focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex which is often described as the brain's "secretary" because it assists in the planning and organization skills.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes and have to be taken 2 or 3 times per day. Amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphetamines may be a bit stronger and last longer than methylphenidates however they work in the same way to improve concentration and attention. There are also extended-release versions of certain stimulant medications. They are a good alternative since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken every day. Certain of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquids to create a beverage, while others are pills.
Finding the right medicine can take a bit of time. Your doctor will observe how you react to different types of drugs and adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medication should be a part of an overall treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to kick in, but can make you feel more in control and boost your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine the same way stimulants do. They are therefore able to be utilized for a longer period of time. They can also be less prone to negative effects, including constipation, heartburn and lessened sexual drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's a selective reuptake norepinephrine inhibitor. Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine. It is also known as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both medicines within this category.
medications for adhd -stimulant, off-label antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant group, like Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only suggest these drugs when stimulants and other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many side effects.
Viloxazine and atomoxetine are prescribed by your doctor. These drugs do not have a direct effect however they can help reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. They're in a distinct drug category than the other options and can trigger some adverse effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also suggest taking a low dose of an antidepressant known as bupropion (Wellbutrin), which isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but not always serious side effects such as the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.