Best Medication For ADHD
Most teenagers and children who are taking ADHD medication find they concentrate better, are less impulsive, feel calmer and more focused with their schoolwork. adhd medication list suffer a slight slowing of growth and have an increased blood pressure or heart rate when taking these drugs.
The medications are available in a variety of forms including tablets, capsules liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available in three forms: immediate-release, sustained-release and extended-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a type of drugs that is effective in treating ADHD. These drugs aid in improving focus and attention by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex region, which is often called the brain's "secretary" because it assists with organizing and planning skills.
Stimulants are available both in short-acting as well as long-acting dosages. The short-acting medicines peak in 30 to 45 minutes, and must be taken two or three times a day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, but they all work in the same way in improving concentration and attention. There are extended-release versions of a few stimulant drugs. They are the best choice because they last between 8 to 12 hours, and are generally taken only every day. Some of these are a powder that you mix with liquid to make drinks, while others are in pill form.
It may take a while to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will watch how you respond to the different types of drugs and adjust the dosage as needed. Medications should only be used as part of a complete treatment plan, which should include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little bit longer to work, but it can help you feel more in control, improve your impulsivity and concentration, and improve your focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the same as stimulants do, so they can be more secure to use over longer periods of time. They can also be less prone to side effects, such as constipation, heartburn, and lessened sex drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor may prescribe other medications from this group, including the guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that can be prescribed 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 fail to work or cause too many side effects.
Your doctor can also prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medicines do not have a direct effect however they can help reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. These drugs are part of a different class of drugs compared to other ones and may cause adverse effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also suggest a low-dose antidepressant, bupropion (Wellbutrin), that is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable, but generally not serious side effects, such as hearing ringing, or changes in vision.