Best Medication For ADHD
Children and teenagers taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate better, be less impulsive and more calm. They also do better with schoolwork. Some sufferers may experience a slowdown in their growth, or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure when taking these medications.
There are many different types of medication that include liquids, tablets, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). adhd medications uk (methylphenidate) is the most popular stimulant. It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine with extended release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These medications help improve attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often referred to by the term "secretary of the brain" because it helps in organizing and planning abilities.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs peak in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken two or three times a day. Amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among them. Amphetamines can be stronger and last longer than methylphenidates however, they both function in the same way to increase concentration and attention. There are also extended-release versions of some stimulant drugs. They are a good alternative since they last from 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken daily. Certain of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquids to create beverages, while some are pills.
It may take a while to determine the appropriate medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will monitor your response to different types of medications and adjust the dosage if needed. Medications should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that will include support and behavioral therapy services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to work but it can make you feel in control, increase your concentration and impulsivity and help you focus. These medications do not alter dopamine or norepinephrine in like stimulants do. They are therefore able to be employed for a longer duration. They also have less adverse effects, like heartburn, constipation and a decreased sex drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both drugs within this category.
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant group, such as Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only suggest these drugs in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many side effects.
Your doctor can also prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications do not have immediate effects however they can reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. adult add medications in a distinct drug class than the other options, and they can cause certain side effects like headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor might also recommend the use of a small dose of an antidepressant, called bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is not a FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant but not usually serious side effects, including hearing ringing, or changes in vision.