Best Medication For ADHD
Most teenagers and children who take ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. They also feel more calm and are able to get on with their school work. Some suffer a slight slowing of growth and have an increased blood pressure or heart rate when taking these drugs.
Medications are available in different forms including tablets, capsules liquid, patches and pills (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most well-known stimulant. It comes in three forms: immediate-release, extended-release and sustained-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These drugs aid in improving focus and attention by affecting certain neurotransmitters within the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it aids in the planning and organization skills.
Stimulants are available in both short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting medicines are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes and should be taken two or three times a day. They include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, but they both work similar ways to improve focus and attention. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release versions. These are a better choice because they last between 8 to 12 hours, and are typically taken every day. Some of these medications are powders that is mixed with liquid to make drinks, while others are pills.
Finding the right medication may take some time. Your doctor will monitor your reaction to different kinds of medications and adjust the dosage if needed. medication for add in adults of medication should be a part of a complete treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a more time to work, but it can help you feel more in control, improve your impulsivity and concentration and help you concentration. These medications do not affect norepinephrine or dopamine like stimulants do. They can therefore be employed for a longer duration. They can also be less prone to adverse effects, like constipation, heartburn and decreased sexual drive. The first medication to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera which is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. Your doctor may prescribe other medications from this group, including guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are available off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant group, like Tofranil (imipramine). medication for adhd adults are only prescribed by doctors when stimulants or other non-stimulants do not work or if they cause too many adverse side effects.
Your doctor may prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have an immediate effect, but help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. They're in a distinct drug category than the other options and can trigger certain side effects like headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor may also recommend a low-dose antidepressant, bupropion (Wellbutrin), that isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant, but generally not serious side effects, like hearing ringing or changes in vision.