Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who are taking ADHD medication report that they focus better, are less impulsive, feel calmer and more focused with their school work. Some individuals may experience a slight slowing of their growth or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
There are many different types of medications, including tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It comes in three forms: immediate release, sustained-release and extended-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. adhd medication for adults improve concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex that is often described as the brain's "secretary" because it assists in the planning and organization skills.
Stimulants are available in short-acting as well as long-acting dosages. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken 2 or 3 times a every day. These include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are stronger and last longer, however they both work similarly in improving concentration and attention. related web-site are available in extended-release formulations. They are a better option because they last for 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken every day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to create beverages, while some are pills.
Finding the right medication can take a bit of time. Your doctor will watch how you respond to the various types of medications and will alter the dosage as required. The use of medications should be a part of a complete treatment plan that includes support and behavioral therapy.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to kick in but they can make you feel more in control and increase your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the way that stimulants do, and therefore are safer to use for an extended period of time. These medications also have less adverse negative effects like constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor might prescribe other medicines from this class, including guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that are available off-label to treat ADHD. These older tricyclic antidepressants, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. These medications are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or have too many adverse effects.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your physician. These medicines don't have immediate effects however they can reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. These medications are in a different class of drugs than the others and can cause negative side effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also recommend taking a low dose of an antidepressant, called bupropion (Wellbutrin) that is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable, but generally not serious, side effects, such as ringing in the ears or changes in vision.