Best Medication For ADHD
Children and teenagers taking ADHD medication tend to focus better, be less impulsive, and are calmer. They also get on with schoolwork. Some suffer a slight slowdown in growth and may have an increased heart rate or blood pressure while taking these medicines.
The medications are available in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available in three forms: immediate-release extended-release, and sustained-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class known as stimulants. These drugs improve focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex region that is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it assists with organizing and planning skills.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken 2 or 3 times per throughout the day. They include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines may be a bit more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates, but both work in the same way to increase concentration and attention. There are extended-release versions of certain stimulant medications. They can be a better option since they last between 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken daily. Some of these medicines are a powder that is mixed with liquid to create a drink, and others are in pill form.
It can take time to find the right medication for you or your child. Your doctor will be able to monitor your reaction to different kinds of medicines and adjust the dosage if needed. Drugs should only be used as part of a complete treatment plan, which will include support and behavioral therapy services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a longer to take effect but it can make you feel in control, increase your concentration and impulsivity and help you focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the way that stimulants do, so they are safer to use for a longer period of time. These medications can also have less side negative effects like heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. medication for add adults might prescribe guanfacine. It is also known as Intuniv or clonidine. These are both medications in this group.
Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These antidepressants with tricyclic chemistry, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants do not work or if they cause too many adverse side effects.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your doctor. These medications don't have an immediate impact, but they can help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. These medications belong to a different class of drugs from the others and can trigger side effects like shaky hand 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 the impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but not always serious side effects, such as the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.