Best Medication For ADHD
The majority of children and teens who are taking ADHD medication report that they focus better, are less impulsive, feel more calm and are able to get on with their school work. Some sufferers may experience a slowing of their growth or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure when taking these medications.
The medications are available in a variety of forms including tablets, capsules, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It is available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a type of drugs that can be effective in treating ADHD. These medications help improve concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters within the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex region that is often described as the brain's "secretary" because it helps in the planning and organization abilities.
Stimulants are available 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 a every day. Amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, however they all work in similar ways to improve concentration and attention. There are also extended-release versions of a few stimulant drugs. adhd medications for adults can be a better option since they last between 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken once per day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to make beverages, while some are pills.
It can take time to determine the appropriate medication for you or your child. Your doctor will monitor your reaction to different kinds of medication and alter the dosage as needed. The use of medicines should be a part of a complete treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to work, but it can help you feel in control, increase your concentration and impulsivity and increase your concentration. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, and therefore can be more secure to use over an extended period of time. Full Survey be less prone to side effects, such as constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera, and it's an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. Your doctor could prescribe additional medicines from this class, including Guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. Tricyclic antidepressants from the past like Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. These medications are only prescribed by doctors when stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many adverse side effects.
Your doctor can also prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have a direct effect but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. These medications are in a different class of drugs from other ones and may cause adverse effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also suggest the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin), that is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help improve concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant but usually not severe, side effects, such as ringing in the ears or changes in vision.