Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to concentrate more effectively, have less impulsive and more relaxed. They also get on with schoolwork. Some sufferers may experience a slowing in their growth or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure when they are taking these drugs.
There are many different types of medication that include liquids, tablets patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most well-known stimulant. It's 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 aid in improving concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters in the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often known as the "secretary of the brain" because it helps in 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 two or three times per day. They include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines can be stronger and last longer than methylphenidates, but both work in the same way to improve attention and focus. There are extended-release versions of a few stimulant drugs. They are a better option since they last from 8 to 12 hours and are generally taken only once a day. Some of these are a powder that you mix with liquid to create drinks, while others are in pill form.
Finding the right medication can take a bit of time. Your doctor will watch how you respond to the various types of medications and will adjust the dosage as needed. Drugs should only be used in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan, which will include behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to start working, but can help you feel more in control and improve your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in like stimulants do. They can therefore be used for a longer time. These medications also have less adverse effects such as heartburn, constipation and a decreased 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 could prescribe additional medicines from here this class which include Guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label are also available to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant group, like Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by doctors when stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work, or if they cause too many adverse side effects.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your doctor. These medications do not have a direct effect, but help reduce the impulsivity of people and increase 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 might also recommend taking a low dose of an antidepressant known as bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is not a FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can cause unpleasant but not usually serious adverse effects, such as hearing ringing or changes in vision.