Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to focus more effectively, have less impulsive and more relaxed. They also get on with schoolwork. Some individuals may experience a slight slowing of their growth, or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure when they are 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 is available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine with extended release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These medications help improve attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex region, which is often described as the brain's "secretary" because it assists with organizing and planning abilities.
Stimulants are available both in short-acting and long-acting dosages. adhd medication online -acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes and have to be taken two or three times per every day. These include methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines can be stronger and last longer than methylphenidates, however, they both function in the same way to increase concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release formulations. These can be a better option because they last up to 12 hours, and are usually taken daily. Some of these are a powder that is mixed with liquid to create a drink, while others are in pill form.
It may take some time to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will observe your reaction to different kinds of medication and alter the dosage as needed. Medications should only be used in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan, which should include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to begin working but they can help you feel more in control and improve your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These medications do not affect norepinephrine or dopamine the same way that stimulants do. They are therefore able to be used for a longer time. They also have less adverse negative effects like heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera and is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both medications in this group.
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant group, such as Tofranil (imipramine). These drugs are only prescribed by physicians if stimulants or other non-stimulants do not work, or if they cause too many adverse side effects.
Your doctor may prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications do not have a direct effect, but they can help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. They're in a distinct drug class from the other choices, and they can cause certain side effects like shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor might also recommend a low dose of an antidepressant, called bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not usually serious side effects, such as hearing loss or changes in vision.