The Best Medication For ADHD Awards: The Most, Worst, And Weirdest Things We've Seen
Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate better, be less impulsive, and feel more relaxed. They also get on with schoolwork. Some suffer a slight slowing in growth and could be experiencing an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these drugs.
The medications are available in a variety of forms including tablets, capsules liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It is available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine salts.
Stimulants
One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These drugs improve focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often called the "secretary of the brain" because it assists in the planning and organizing abilities.
Stimulants are available in short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting medicines peak in 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken three or twice times per day. They include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, but they both work the same way in improving concentration and attention. Some stimulant medications are available in extended-release versions. They are a better option since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are generally taken only once a day. Some of these are a powder that is mixed with liquid to make a drink, and others are pills.
It may take some time to determine the appropriate medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will monitor how you respond to the various types of drugs and adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medicines should be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to start working however they can make you feel more in control and boost your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the same as stimulants do, and therefore are safer to use for longer periods of time. These medications can also have less 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 which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both medications in this class.
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. buy adhd medication uk are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant family, like Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only recommend these drugs if stimulants and other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many side effects.
Your doctor may also prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications don't have an immediate effect however they can help reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. They're in a different class from the other choices and can trigger certain side effects like shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also recommend the use of a small dose of an antidepressant called bupropion (Wellbutrin) that isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable, but generally not serious adverse effects, such as hearing ringing or changes in vision.