Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to focus better, be less impulsive, and are more relaxed. They also do better with schoolwork. Some individuals may experience a slight slowing in their growth, or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when they are taking these drugs.
There are many different types of medicines such as tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available in immediate-release dextroamphetamine amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These drugs help improve concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters in the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. iampsychiatry.uk are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex which is often called the brain's "secretary" because it aids in the planning and organization skills.
Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times a every day. These include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates, however, they both function in the same way to improve attention and focus. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release formulations. They are the best choice because they last between 8 to 12 hours, and are generally taken only daily. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to create drinks, while others are pills.
It may take some time to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will monitor your response to different types of medication and alter the dosage if necessary. The use of medication should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes support and behavioral therapy.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a more time to work, but it can help you feel more in control, improve your impulsivity and concentration, and improve your concentration. These medications don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do. They are therefore able to be employed for a longer duration. These medications also have less side negative effects like heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. The first medication to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera which is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both drugs in this class.
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family, like Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work, or if they cause too many side effects.
Your doctor can prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have immediate effects however they can help reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. They're in a different drug class from the other choices and may cause certain side effects like headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor may also suggest a low dose of an antidepressant called bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is not a FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but usually not serious side effects like ringing or changes in vision.