Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who are taking ADHD medication report that they focus better and are less impulsive. They feel calmer and get on with their schoolwork. Some may experience a slight slowing in growth and could be experiencing an increase in heart rate or blood pressure when taking these medications.
Medications are available in different forms like capsules, tablets, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). The most commonly 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 are effective in treating ADHD. These medications improve concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often known as the "secretary of the brain" because it helps in planning and organization abilities.
Stimulants are available in short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting drugs have a peak effect in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken three or twice times per day. Amphetamines like 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 concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release versions. They are the best choice because they last for 8 to 12 hours and are typically taken every day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to create a beverage, while others are pills.
It may take some time to determine the appropriate medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will watch how you respond to the various types of drugs and adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medicines should be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes support and behavioral therapy.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a longer to take effect however it can help you feel in control, improve your impulsivity and concentration and increase your concentration. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, so they are safer to use over an extended period of time. They also have less adverse effects, like constipation, heartburn, and reduced 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 might prescribe other medications from this group, including guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. medication adhd adults iampsychiatry with tricyclic chemistry like Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. These drugs are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many side effects.
Viloxazine or Atomoxetine may be prescribed by your doctor. These medications do not have an immediate impact however they can reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. They're in a different drug category than the other options, and they can cause some adverse effects, such as shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor may also recommend a low-dose antidepressant, bupropion (Wellbutrin), that is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but can increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant but not usually serious adverse effects, including hearing ringing, or changes in vision.