Best Medication For ADHD
The majority of children and teens who take ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. They also feel calmer and get on with their school work. Some experience a minor slowing of growth and have an increased blood pressure or heart rate when taking these drugs.
Medications are available in different forms including tablets, capsules liquid, patches and pills (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.
medication for adhd uk are a class of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These drugs enhance focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex that is often described as the brain's "secretary" because it helps with organizing and planning abilities.
Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times per every day. Amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphetamines are stronger and last longer, but they all work in the same way in improving focus and attention. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release versions. They are the best choice because they last between 8 to 12 hours, and are typically taken every day. Some of these medicines are a powder that you mix with liquid to make a drink, and others are pills.
Finding the right medication may take some time. Your doctor will monitor how you respond to the different types of drugs and alter the dosage as required. The use of medicines should be part of a complete treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to kick in, but can help you feel more in control and increase your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't affect norepinephrine or dopamine like stimulants do. They can therefore be employed for a longer duration. They also be less prone to side effects such as constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. The first medication to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera, and it's an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process. Your doctor may prescribe other medications from this group which include Guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that are available off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant group, such as Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors will only recommend these medications in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many adverse negative effects.
Your doctor may also prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications do not have immediate effects, but they can help reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. These drugs are part of a different class of drugs than other ones and may cause side effects like shaky hand or headache. Your doctor may also suggest taking a low dose of an antidepressant known as bupropion (Wellbutrin) that is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but works well to improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant, but generally not serious, side effects, such as hearing ringing, or changes in vision.