Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who are taking ADHD medication report that they focus better and are less impulsive. They also feel calmer and more focused with their school work. Some individuals may experience a slight slowing of their growth or a rise in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
The medications are available in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most popular stimulant. It is available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine salts.
Stimulants
One of the best medications for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These drugs help improve focus and attention by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex that is often called the brain's "secretary" because it helps with organizing and planning abilities.
Stimulants are available both in short-acting and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes and have to be taken two or three times a throughout the day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among them. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, but they both work the same way in improving concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release versions. These are a better choice because they last for 8 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.
It may take a while to find the right medication for you or your child. Your doctor will monitor how you respond to the different kinds of drugs and adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medicines should be a part of an overall treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little more time to work but it can make you feel more in control, increase your concentration and impulsivity, and improve your focus. These medications don't affect norepinephrine or dopamine like stimulants do. They are therefore able to be used for a longer time. They can also have fewer side effects, such as heartburn, constipation and a decreased sex drive. Strattera is the first of these medications that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor may prescribe other medications from this group such as the guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label are also available to treat ADHD. These older tricyclic antidepressants like Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. Doctors only recommend these drugs in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many adverse consequences.
Your doctor may prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications don't have an immediate impact but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. These medications belong to a different class of drugs compared to the others and can trigger side effects like shaky hand or headache. Your doctor may also recommend an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), that isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but can increase concentration and decrease the impulsivity. adhd medication for adults uk can cause unpleasant but not usually serious, side effects, including ringing in the ears or changes in vision.