Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate more effectively, have less impulsive, and feel calmer. They also do better 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.
They are available in various forms like capsules, tablets liquid, patches and pills (such as Daytrana). The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). 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 of drugs known as stimulants. These medications help improve attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often known as the "secretary of the brain" because it helps in planning and organization skills.
Stimulants are available in short-acting as well as long-acting dosages. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times a every day. Amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphetamines can be stronger and last longer than methylphenidates however, they both function in the same way to increase concentration and attention. Some stimulant medications are available in extended-release versions. These are a better choice because they last for 8 to 12 hours and are typically taken every day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquid to create drinks, while others are pills.
Finding the right medicine can take a bit of time. Your doctor will watch how you respond to the different kinds of drugs and alter the dosage as required. The use of medications should be done in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan that will include support and behavioral therapy services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to kick in however they can help you feel more in control and increase your impulsivity, concentration and focus. medication for add in adults iampsychiatry don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the as stimulants do, which means they can be more secure to use for a longer period of time. These medications can 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 selective norepinephrine. Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both medications in this group.
Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These older tricyclic antidepressants, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat ADHD. Doctors only recommend these drugs in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many side negative effects.
Your doctor can also prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have an immediate impact but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. They're in a different drug class from the other choices, and they can cause some side effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also recommend the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin), that isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help increase concentration and decrease the impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but usually not serious side effects like the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.