Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who take ADHD medication notice they focus better and are less impulsive. They also feel calmer and more focused with their school work. Some may experience a slight slowing of growth and be experiencing an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these drugs.
Medications are available in different forms like capsules, tablets, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). The most frequently used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It comes in three forms: immediate-release, sustained-release and extended-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These medications improve focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is sometimes known as the "secretary of the brain" because it assists in organizing and planning abilities.
Stimulants are available both in short-acting and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs have a peak effect in 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times per day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphetamines may be a bit more potent and last longer than methylphenidates but both work in the same way to improve attention and focus. There are extended-release versions of a few stimulant drugs. These are a better choice because they last for 8 to 12 hours, and are generally taken only every day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquid to make drinks, while others are pills.
It may take a while to determine the appropriate medication for you or your child. Your doctor will be able to monitor your reaction to different kinds of medicines and adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medications should be done as part of a complete treatment plan that will include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little more time to work however it can help you feel more in control, increase your impulsivity and concentration and increase your concentration. These medications do not affect norepinephrine or dopamine the same way stimulants do. They are therefore able to be employed for a longer duration. These medications also be less prone to side effects, such as heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. The first medication to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera, and it's an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process. Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine. It is also known as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both medicines in this class.
Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. Tricyclic antidepressants from the past like Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat ADHD. Doctors only recommend these drugs if stimulants and other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many adverse negative effects.
Your doctor may also prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). adhd anxiety medication don't have a direct effect, but they can help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. adhd anxiety medication in a distinct drug class than the other options and can trigger certain side effects like shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also suggest taking a low dose of an antidepressant called bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help improve concentration and decrease impulsivity. It can cause unpleasant but usually not severe, side effects, like hearing ringing, or changes in vision.