Watch Out: How Best Medication For ADHD Is Taking Over And What To Do About It
most effective adhd medication for adults For ADHD
The majority of children and teens who take ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. They feel more calm and are able to get on with their schoolwork. Some sufferers may experience a slowing in their growth or a rise in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
There are a variety of medications that include liquids, tablets, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). The most frequently used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available in immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine with extended release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These medications improve concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex region that is often described as the brain's "secretary" because it helps with planning and organizational skills.
Stimulants are available both in short-acting as well as long-acting dosages. The short-acting medicines peak in 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken three or twice times a day. Amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among them. Amphetamines can be more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates however, they both function in the same way to increase concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release formulations. They can be a better alternative since they last from up to 12 hours and are usually taken every day. Some of these medicines are powders that is mixed with liquid to make a drink, while others are in pill form.
Finding the right medication may take a bit of time. Your doctor will watch how you respond to the various types of medications and will alter the dosage as required. The use of medications should be part of an overall treatment plan that includes support and behavioral therapy.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to kick in but they can make you feel more in control and improve your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. most effective adhd medication for adults don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the as stimulants do, so they are safer to use for a longer period of time. They can also have fewer adverse effects, like heartburn, constipation and a lessened sex drive. Strattera is the first of these medications that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine. These are both medicines in this group.
Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. Tricyclic antidepressants from the past like Tofranil(imipramine), are used to treat ADHD. Doctors only recommend these drugs if stimulants and other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many side negative effects.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your doctor. These drugs do not have a direct effect however they can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. They're in a different class from the other choices, and they can cause certain side effects like shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor may also recommend the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin), that isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant but not usually serious, side effects, including hearing ringing, or changes in vision.