Best Medication For ADHD
Most teenagers and children who take ADHD medication notice they focus better, are less impulsive, feel calmer and get on with their school work. Some may experience a slight slowing in growth and could be experiencing an increase in heart rate or blood pressure when taking these drugs.
There are many different types of medication that include liquids, tablets, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It comes in three forms: immediate-release extended-release, and sustained-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These medications help improve attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is sometimes called the "secretary of the brain" because it assists in the planning and organizing abilities.
Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken 2 or 3 times a throughout the day. They include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are stronger and last longer than methylphenidates but both work in the same way to improve attention and focus. There are also extended-release versions of a few stimulant medications. They are a better option since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken daily. Some of these are a powder that is mixed with liquid to create a drink, and others are pills.
It may take some time to find the right medication for you or your child. Your doctor will be able to monitor your reaction to different kinds of medication and alter the dosage if needed. The use of medications should be done as part of a complete treatment plan that will include support and behavioral therapy services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to work however it can help you feel more in control, improve your impulsivity and concentration and increase your concentration. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, and therefore are safer to use over an extended period of time. They also have less adverse effects, like heartburn, constipation and a reduced sex drive. The first medication to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera and is an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process. Your doctor could prescribe additional medications from this group, including the guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are available off-label to treat ADHD. These antidepressants with tricyclic chemistry, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. Doctors only suggest these drugs in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many adverse negative effects.
Your doctor can prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). adhd medications uk don't have immediate effects but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. They're in a distinct drug class from the other choices, and they can cause some side effects such as headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor might also recommend a low dose of an antidepressant called bupropion (Wellbutrin) which isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but works well to increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant, but generally not serious adverse effects, including hearing ringing or changes in vision.