Best Medication For ADHD
The majority of children and teens who are taking ADHD medication report that they focus better and are less impulsive. They feel calmer and get on with their schoolwork. Some individuals may experience a slight slowing of their growth or a rise in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medications.
The medications are available in a variety of forms including tablets, capsules liquid, patches and pills (such as Daytrana). The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine with extended release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These drugs aid in improving attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters within the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex region which 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 dosages. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes and have to be taken 2 or 3 times a day. These include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are stronger and last longer, however they all work in the same way in improving attention and focus. There are extended-release versions of a few stimulant drugs. They can be a better option since they last between 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken once per day. 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 you or your child. Your doctor will observe how you react to different kinds of medications and will alter the dosage as required. The use of medications should be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to start working but they can help you feel more in control and improve your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, so they can be safer to use for a longer period of time. They can also have fewer negative effects, including heartburn, constipation and a reduced sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's a selective reuptake norepinephrine inhibitor. Your doctor may adhd medication uk for adults prescribe other medications from this group such as the guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that are prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant family, like Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only recommend these drugs when stimulants and 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 a direct effect but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. These medications are in a different class of drugs compared to other ones and may cause negative side effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also suggest an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), that is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but not usually serious side effects such as the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.