The Best Medication For ADHD Awards: The Best, Worst And The Most Unlikely Things We've Seen

Best Medication For ADHD

Children and teenagers taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate more effectively, have less impulsive and calmer. They also get on with schoolwork. Some may experience a slight slowdown in growth and may experience an increase in heart rate or blood pressure when taking these drugs.

There are many different types of medications, including tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available in three forms: immediate release, extended-release, and sustained-release.

Stimulants

One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class known as stimulants. These medications improve focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex which is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it assists with organizing and planning skills.

Stimulants come 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 a every day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphetamines can be stronger and last longer than methylphenidates however, they both function in the same way to increase attention and focus. There are also extended-release versions of some stimulant medications. These can be a better alternative since they last from 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken every day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquid to create drinks, while others are in pill form.

It may take some time to find the right medication for you or your child.  best adhd medication for adults uk  will monitor your reaction to different kinds of medication and alter the dosage if needed. The use of medications should be done in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan, which should include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.

Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to kick in but they can help you feel more in control and increase your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These medications do not affect dopamine or norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do. They are therefore able to be utilized for a longer period of time. They also have less 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, including the guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).

There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family, such as Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only recommend these drugs when stimulants and other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many adverse consequences.

Your doctor can also prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have an immediate impact, but they can help reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. They're in a different class than the other options and may cause some adverse effects, such as headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor may also recommend the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin), that isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help increase concentration and decrease the impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but usually not serious side effects such as the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.