Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to focus more effectively, have less impulsive and more calm. They also have a better time with schoolwork. Some suffer a slight slowing of growth and have an increased heart rate or blood pressure when taking these drugs.
They are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. adult adhd medication Iam Psychiatry comes 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 improve focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is often known as the "secretary of the brain" because it helps in organizing and planning skills.
Stimulants come in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken 2 or 3 times per day. They include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines can be 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 certain stimulant medications. They can be a better option because they last up to 12 hours and are usually taken every day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to make drinks, while others are pills.
It can take time to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will be able to monitor your reaction to different kinds of medications and adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medications should be a part of a complete treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a more time to work, but it can help you feel more in control, increase your concentration and impulsivity and help you focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the as stimulants do, which means they are safer to use for longer periods of time. They also have less negative effects, including constipation, heartburn, and lessened sexual drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor could prescribe additional medicines from this class such as the guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant family such as Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors will only recommend these medications in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many side consequences.
Your doctor can also prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications do not have a direct effect but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. These medications are in a different class of drugs compared to the others and can cause negative side effects, such as 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 but can be effective to improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can cause unpleasant but not usually serious side effects, like hearing ringing or changes in vision.