Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate more effectively, have less impulsive, and feel calmer. They also have a better time with schoolwork. Some sufferers may experience a slowdown in their growth or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure while taking these medications.
Medications are available in different forms like capsules, tablets liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It is available in three forms: immediate-release sustained-release and extended-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These medications improve focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is sometimes referred to by the term "secretary of the brain" because it aids in the planning and organizing skills.
Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times a day. These include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer than methylphenidates, however they work in the same way to increase concentration and attention. Some stimulant medications are available in extended-release forms. They can be a better option because they last 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken daily. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to make beverages, while some are pills.
Finding the right medication may take some time. Your doctor will observe your reaction to different kinds of medicines and adjust the dosage as needed. Drugs should only be used in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan that will include behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to start working, but can make you feel more in control and increase your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, which means they can be more secure to use for an extended period of time. They also be less prone to side effects such as constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's a selective reuptake norepinephrine inhibitor. Your doctor might prescribe other medication from this category such as 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. Doctors only recommend these drugs when stimulants and other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many adverse negative effects.
Your doctor may prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have immediate effects however they can reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. These medications belong to a different class of drugs than other ones and may cause adverse effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also recommend an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help increase concentration and decrease impulsivity. medication for adult add may cause some uncomfortable but not usually serious side effects such as the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.