Best Medication For ADHD
The majority of children and teens who take ADHD medication find they concentrate better, are less impulsive, feel more calm and are able to get on with their schoolwork. Some sufferers may experience a slowing of their growth or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medications.
Medications are available in different forms including tablets, capsules, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most well-known stimulant. It comes in three forms: immediate release, sustained-release and extended-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that is effective in treating ADHD. These drugs improve concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is often referred to by the term "secretary of the brain" because it helps in organizing and planning skills.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken two or three times a throughout the day. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. simply click the following internet site may be a bit more potent and last longer than methylphenidates however they work in the same way to increase concentration and attention. There are also extended-release versions of certain stimulant drugs. These can be a better option because they last 8 to 12 hours and are typically taken every day. simply click the following internet site of these are powders that you mix with liquid to create a drink, while others are in pill form.
It may take a while to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will observe your response to different types of medicines and adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medicines should be a part of a complete treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little more time to work however it can help you feel more in control, improve your concentration and impulsivity and help you focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the way that stimulants do, which means they are safer to use over longer periods of time. These medications can also be less prone to side effects, such as constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera and is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both drugs in this group.
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that are prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant group, like Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only suggest these drugs in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many adverse effects.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your physician. These medicines do not have a direct effect however they can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. They're in a distinct drug class from the other choices and may cause certain side effects like headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor may also suggest a low dose of an antidepressant, called bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is not a FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but not always serious side effects, such as ringing or changes in vision.