Best Medication For ADHD
The majority of children and teens who take ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. click the following internet page feel calmer and more focused with their schoolwork. Some people may experience a slight slowing in their growth, or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medications.
Medications are available in different forms like capsules, tablets, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available in three forms: immediate release, extended-release, and sustained-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that is effective in treating ADHD. These medications help improve concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is often called the "secretary of the brain" because it assists in the planning and organizing abilities.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken twice or three times a day. They include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are stronger and last longer, however they all work in the same way in improving attention and focus. There are also extended-release versions of certain stimulant medications. They are a good option since they last between 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken once per day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquid to create a drink, while others are pills.
Finding the right medication can take some time. Your doctor will watch how you respond to the various types of medications and will adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medications should be done as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that will include support and behavioral therapy services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to start working, but can help you feel more in control and increase your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the same as stimulants do, which means they are safer to use for longer periods of time. They also have less adverse effects, like heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these medications that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both medicines within this category.
Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. Tricyclic antidepressants from the past, such as Tofranil(imipramine), are used to treat ADHD. Doctors will only recommend these medications in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many adverse negative effects.
Your doctor can also prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medicines do not have a direct effect, but help reduce impulsivity and improve concentration over time. They're in a different drug class than the other options and may cause some adverse effects, such as shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor might also suggest an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), that isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but can improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but usually not serious side effects like the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.