Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who take ADHD medication report that they focus better, are less impulsive, feel calmer and more focused with their schoolwork. Some experience a minor slowdown in growth and may be experiencing an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
There are a variety of medications that include liquids, tablets 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
One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These medications help improve concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters within the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is often known as the "secretary of the brain" because it assists in the planning and organizing skills.
Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken two or three times per day. They include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, but they both function in similar ways to improve focus and attention. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release formulations. They are a good option since they last between 8 to 12 hours and are typically taken once per day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to make a beverage, while others are pills.
It may take some time to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will watch how you respond to the different types of medications and will alter the dosage as required. The use of medicines should be part of an overall treatment plan that includes support and behavioral therapy.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a more time to work but it can make you feel in control, improve your concentration and impulsivity, and improve your concentration. These medications don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine like stimulants do. They can therefore be used for a longer time. These medications also have less adverse effects such as constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine, which are both drugs within this category.
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant group, like Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only recommend these drugs if stimulants and other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many adverse effects.
www.iampsychiatry.uk or Atomoxetine may be prescribed by your doctor. These medications do not have an immediate impact but they may help reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. These medications belong to a different class of drugs than the others and can cause adverse effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also suggest the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but can increase concentration and decrease impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but not usually serious side effects, such as ringing or changes in vision.