Best Medication For ADHD
Children and teenagers taking ADHD medication tend to focus more effectively, have less impulsive, and feel calmer. They also get on with schoolwork. Some may experience a slight slowdown in growth and may have an increased heart rate or blood pressure when taking these drugs.
There are a variety of medicines, including tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most well-known stimulant. It is available in three forms: immediate release, sustained-release and extended-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that is effective in treating ADHD. These drugs improve focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex region which is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it assists with planning and organizational abilities.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs peak in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken two or three times per day. These include methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. adhd and depression medication can be more potent and last longer than methylphenidates, however they work in the same way to improve concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release forms. These can be a better option since they last between 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken once per day. Some of these medicines are powders that is mixed with liquid to make drinks, while others are in pill form.
It may take a while to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will watch how you react to different kinds of drugs and alter the dosage as required. The use of medications should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to kick in but they can make you feel more in control and increase your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, which means they can be safer to use over longer periods of time. They also have less adverse effects such as heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine. These are both medications in this group.
Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant family such as Tofranil (imipramine). These drugs are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or if they have too many adverse effects.
Your doctor may prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs do not have a direct effect however they can help reduce impulsivity and improve concentration over time. These medications belong to a different class of drugs from the others and can cause side effects like shaky hand or headache. Your doctor might also recommend the use of a small dose of an antidepressant, called bupropion (Wellbutrin) that is not a FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but works well to increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but not always serious side effects, such as the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.