Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate more effectively, have less impulsive, and are more calm. They also get on with schoolwork. Some people may experience a slight slowing in their growth or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medications.
There are a variety of medication, including tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It comes in three forms: immediate-release extended-release and sustained-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These drugs improve focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is sometimes referred to by the term "secretary of the brain" because it aids in organizing and planning skills.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken 2 or 3 times per day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, however they both work similar ways to improve attention and focus. There are also extended-release versions of some stimulant medications. These can be a better option since they last between up to 12 hours and are usually taken every day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to create a beverage, while others are pills.
Finding the right medication can take some time. Your doctor will observe how you respond to the different types of drugs and adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medication should be a part of an overall treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and support.
Non-stimulant adhd inattentive type medication medication takes a bit longer to begin working, but can help you feel more in control and increase your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the way that stimulants do, which means they can be safer to use over the counter adhd medication a longer period of time. These medications also have less side effects such as heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine, which adhd medication is the best are both medications in this class.
Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These older tricyclic antidepressants, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. These medications are only prescribed by physicians if stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or if they have too many adverse effects.
Your doctor may prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medicines do not have a direct effect however they can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. These medications are in a different class of drugs than 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 anxiety medication treatment but can increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant but usually not severe, side effects, including hearing ringing, or changes in vision.