Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who are taking ADHD medication find they concentrate better, are less impulsive, feel calmer and more focused with their school work. just click the following article may experience a slowdown in their growth, or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure when they are 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 is available in three forms: immediate release, extended-release and sustained-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These medications improve focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex region which is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it assists with planning and organizational skills.
Stimulants are available in both short-acting and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken two or three times a every day. These include methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, but they all work in similarly in improving attention and focus. There are extended-release versions of certain stimulant medications. They can be a better option because they last 8 to 12 hours and are typically taken once per day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquid to create drinks, while others are pills.
It may take some time to determine the appropriate medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will be able to monitor your response to different types of medicines and adjust the dosage as needed. Medications should only be used as part of a complete treatment plan, which will include support and behavioral therapy services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a more time to work, but it can help you feel more in control, improve your impulsivity and concentration and help you concentration. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, and therefore are safer to use for longer periods of time. These medications also have less 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 it's a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Your doctor may prescribe other medicines from this class, including 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 group, such as Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only recommend these drugs in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many adverse negative effects.
Viloxazine and atomoxetine are prescribed by your physician. These drugs don't have immediate effects but they may help reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. These drugs are part of a different class of drugs than other ones and may cause negative side effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also recommend the use of a small dose of an antidepressant known as bupropion (Wellbutrin) that is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but usually not serious side effects, such as ringing or changes in vision.