Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate better, be less impulsive, and feel calmer. They also get on with schoolwork. Some experience a minor slowing in growth and could be experiencing an increase in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medicines.
There are many different types of medications, including tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most popular stimulant. It is available in three forms: immediate-release, extended-release, and sustained-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class known as stimulants. These drugs help improve attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters within the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex, which is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it assists in the planning and organization abilities.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines have a peak effect in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken three or twice times a day. They include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, but they both function in similar ways to improve attention and focus. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release forms. They can be a better alternative since they last from 8 to 12 hours and are typically taken daily. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquid to create a drink, while others are in pill form.
It may take some time to find the right medication for you or your child. Your doctor will watch how you react to different types of drugs and adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medication should be a part of a complete treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
adhd medications uk -stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to begin working however they can help you feel more in control and boost your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, which means they can be safer to use for longer periods of time. They can also have fewer adverse effects, like constipation, heartburn and decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor may prescribe other medication from this category such as the guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label are also available to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant family, like Tofranil (imipramine). These drugs are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many adverse side effects.
Your doctor can prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications do not have immediate effects, but they can help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. They're in a different drug category than the other options, and they can cause certain side effects like headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor may also recommend the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) which isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable, but generally not serious, side effects, like hearing ringing or changes in vision.