Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate more effectively, have less impulsive, and feel more calm. They also have a better time with schoolwork. Some sufferers may experience a slowdown in their growth or a rise in blood pressure or heart rate when they are taking these drugs.
There are a variety of medicines, including tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine with extended release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These drugs enhance focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex region which is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it helps with planning and organizational abilities.
Stimulants are available both in short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes and have to be taken 2 or 3 times per throughout the day. They include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, however they all work in similarly in improving focus and attention. There are extended-release versions of a few stimulant medications. They can be a better option since they last between 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken daily. Certain of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquids to make a beverage, while others are pills.
Finding the right medication can take a while. Your doctor will watch how you react to various types of drugs and adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medication should be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes support and behavioral therapy.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to kick in, but can help you feel more in control and improve your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't affect norepinephrine or dopamine like stimulants do. They can therefore be utilized for a longer period of time. These medications can also have less side negative effects like constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. The first drug to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera, and it's a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine. It is also known as Intuniv or clonidine, which are both drugs within this category.
Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant family, like Tofranil (imipramine). These drugs are only prescribed by physicians if stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work or if they cause too many side effects.
Your doctor may prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have immediate effects, but they can help reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. These medications belong to a different class of drugs than the others and can cause negative side effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also suggest the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin), that isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. adhd treatment without medication may cause some uncomfortable, but generally not serious side effects, such as hearing ringing, or changes in vision.