Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to focus more effectively, have less impulsive, and feel more calm. They also get on with schoolwork. Some sufferers may experience a slowdown in their growth or a rise in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
The medications are available in a variety of forms like capsules, tablets, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It is available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.
Stimulants
One of the best medications for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These drugs help improve focus and attention by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often known as the "secretary of the brain" because it helps in the planning and organizing skills.
Stimulants are available both in short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting medicines peak in 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times a day. These include methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines may be a bit stronger and last longer than methylphenidates, but both work in the same way to increase attention and focus. There are also extended-release versions of certain stimulant drugs. They are a better option because they last between 8 to 12 hours, and are typically taken every day. Some of these are a powder that is mixed with liquid to create a drink, and others are pills.
Finding the right medicine can take a bit of time. Your doctor will be able to monitor your reaction to different kinds of medicines and adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medicines should be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes support and behavioral therapy.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to begin working but they can help you feel more in control and boost your concentration, impulsivity and focus. medication for adult add don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the as stimulants do, and therefore can be safer to use over longer periods of time. These medications can also have less side negative effects like constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. medication for adult adhd of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera which is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. Your doctor may prescribe other medications from this group which include the guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are available off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant family such as Tofranil (imipramine). These drugs are only prescribed by doctors when stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work, or if they have too many adverse effects.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your physician. These drugs don't have an immediate effect, but help reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. These medications belong to a different class of drugs from the others and can trigger side effects like shaky hand or headache. Your doctor might also suggest the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) which isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help increase concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable, but generally not serious, side effects, like ringing in the ears or changes in vision.