Best Medication For ADHDMost teenagers and children who are taking ADHD medication find they concentrate better, are less impulsive, feel calmer and more focused with their school work. Some individuals may experience a slight slowing of their growth or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
Medications are available in different forms including tablets, capsules liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most well-known stimulant. It comes in three forms: immediate release, extended-release and sustained-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that can be effective in treating ADHD. These drugs help improve concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters in the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is sometimes known as the "secretary of the brain" because it aids in planning and organization abilities.
Stimulants are available both in short-acting and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken two or three times per day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphetamines can be more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates, however, they both function in the same way to increase attention and focus. Some stimulant medications are available in extended-release formulations. They are a good alternative since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken once per day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to create beverages, while some are pills.
Finding the right medication can take some time. Your doctor will watch how you react to different kinds of medications and will adjust the dosage as needed. Drugs should only be used as part of a complete treatment plan, which should include behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant
common adhd medications uk medication takes a little bit longer to work however it can help you feel more in control, increase your impulsivity and concentration and help you focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in like stimulants do. They can therefore be used for a longer time. These medications also be less prone to side effects such as constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual 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 could
prescribe adhd medication guanfacine. It is also known as Intuniv or clonidine. These are both drugs in this group.
Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants are also available to treat
adhd medication names list. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant group, such as Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors will only recommend these medications if stimulants and other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many side effects.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your physician. These medications do not have an immediate impact but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. They're in a distinct drug category than the other options and can trigger some side effects such as shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor might also recommend a low dose of an antidepressant, called bupropion (Wellbutrin), which isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can cause unpleasant but not usually serious, side effects, including hearing ringing, or changes in vision.