Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to concentrate more effectively, have less impulsive and more relaxed. They also do better with schoolwork. Some sufferers may experience a slowing in their growth or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure when taking these medications.
They are available in various forms including tablets, capsules, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most popular stimulant. It comes in three forms: immediate-release sustained-release and extended-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These medications improve concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is sometimes known as the "secretary of the brain" because it helps in the planning and organizing abilities.
Stimulants are available both in short-acting as well as long-acting dosages. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken 2 or 3 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 a few stimulant drugs. These are a better choice because they last between 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken daily. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquid to make a drink, and others are in pill form.
It can take time to determine the appropriate medication for you or your child. Your doctor will monitor how you respond to the various types of drugs and adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medications should be done in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan, which should include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little longer to take effect but it can make you feel more in control, increase your concentration and impulsivity and help you concentration. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine the same as stimulants do, and therefore can be safer to use over a longer period of time. They also have less side effects, such as heartburn, constipation and a reduced sexual drive. The first drug to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera and is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine. It is also known as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both medications in this group.
Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These older tricyclic antidepressants like Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat ADHD. Doctors only suggest these drugs when stimulants and other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many adverse consequences.
adhd medications uk iampsychiatry or Atomoxetine may be prescribed by your doctor. These medications don't have a direct effect, but they can help reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. These drugs are part of a different class of drugs from the others and can cause 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 the risk of impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but not usually serious side effects like hearing loss or changes in vision.