Best Medication For ADHD
Most teenagers and children who take ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. They feel calmer and more focused with their school work. Some people may experience a slight slowdown in their growth or a rise in blood pressure or heart rate when they are taking these drugs.
They are available in various forms including tablets, capsules liquid, patches and pills (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
Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that can be effective in treating ADHD. These drugs aid in improving focus and attention by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex region that is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it aids with planning and organizational skills.
Stimulants come in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs peak in 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times per day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, however they all work in similarly in improving focus and attention. There are extended-release versions of a few stimulant drugs. They are a good alternative since they last from up to 12 hours and are usually taken once per day. Some of these medications are a powder that is mixed with liquid to create drinks, while others are pills.
Finding the right medicine can take a bit of time. Your doctor will observe how you respond to the different kinds of drugs and adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medicines should be part of a complete treatment plan that includes support and behavioral therapy.
best adhd medication for adults uk -stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to start working, but can make you feel more in control and increase your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These medications do not affect dopamine or norepinephrine the same way stimulants do. They can therefore be used for a longer time. They can also have fewer side effects, such as constipation, heartburn, and lessened sexual drive. The first medication to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera, and it's a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine. It is also known as Intuniv or clonidine, which are both drugs within this category.
Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These older tricyclic antidepressants, such as Tofranil(imipramine), are used to treat ADHD. These drugs are only prescribed by doctors when stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many side effects.
Your doctor can also prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications don't have immediate effects however they can reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. These medications are in a different class of drugs compared to the others and can trigger adverse effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also recommend the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin), that is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but can increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but not usually serious side effects, such as hearing loss or changes in vision.