Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate more effectively, have less impulsive and more relaxed. They also get on with schoolwork. Some may experience a slight slowing of growth and be experiencing an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these drugs.
There are a variety of medications, including tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine with extended release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class known as stimulants. These medications help improve focus and attention by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex that is often called the brain's "secretary" because it aids in the planning and organization skills.
Stimulants are available both in short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times a day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among them. Amphetamines can be more potent and last longer than methylphenidates, but both work in the same way to improve attention and focus. Some stimulant medications are available in extended-release formulations. These can be a better alternative since they last from 8 to 12 hours and are typically taken daily. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to make a beverage, while others are pills.
Finding the right medicine can take a while. Your doctor will observe your response to different types of medications and adjust the dosage if needed. Medications should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that will include behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to begin working, but can help you feel more in control and improve your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. medication for adhd uk don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine the same way stimulants do. They are therefore able to be employed for a longer duration. These medications can also be less prone to side effects such as constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera and is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine, which are both medicines within this category.
Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label are also available to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family such as Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only recommend these drugs if stimulants and other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many adverse effects.
Viloxazine or Atomoxetine may be prescribed by your doctor. These medications do not have a direct effect, but help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. These medications are in a different class of drugs from the others and can trigger side effects like shaky hand or headache. Your doctor might also suggest a low-dose antidepressant, bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can increase concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but usually not serious side effects such as hearing loss or changes in vision.