Best Medication For ADHD
The majority of children and teens who take ADHD medication find they concentrate better, are less impulsive, feel calmer and more focused with their school work. medication for adult add may experience a slight slowdown in their growth or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure while taking these medications.
There are a variety of medications, including tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most frequently used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available in three forms: immediate-release sustained-release and extended-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a type of drugs that is effective in treating ADHD. These drugs enhance focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex region 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 medications are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes, and must be taken twice or three times a day. Amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphetamines may be a bit stronger and last longer than methylphenidates however, they both function in the same way to improve attention and focus. There are also extended-release versions of a few stimulant medications. They are a better option since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are generally taken only once a day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to create a beverage, while others are pills.
It may take a while to determine the appropriate medication for you or your child. Your doctor will observe how you respond to the different types of drugs and adjust the dosage if needed. Medications should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which should include behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to work but it can make you feel more in control, increase your concentration and impulsivity and increase your focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, which means they can be more secure to use for an extended period of time. They also have less side effects such as constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. The first drug to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera, and it's an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process. Your doctor might prescribe other medicines from this class which include Guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that are available off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant group, like Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only suggest these drugs if stimulants and other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many adverse negative effects.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your physician. These medications don't have immediate effects, but they can help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. medication for adult adhd belong to a different class of drugs compared to the others and can trigger negative side effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also suggest an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but can increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but usually not serious side effects, such as the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.