medication for adult adhd For ADHD
Children and teenagers taking ADHD medication tend to focus better, be less impulsive, and are more calm. They also get on with schoolwork. Some sufferers may experience a slowing in their growth or a rise in blood pressure or heart rate when they are taking these drugs.
There are many different types of medications such as tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It is available in three forms: immediate-release sustained-release and extended-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that is effective in treating ADHD. These drugs enhance focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex which is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it assists with planning and organizational skills.
Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs have a peak effect in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken twice or three times per day. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphetamines can be more potent and last longer than methylphenidates however, they both function in the same way to improve concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release versions. They can be a better option since they last between 8 to 12 hours and are typically taken every day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquid to make a drink, and others are in pill form.
Finding the right medicine can take a while. Your doctor will monitor your reaction to different kinds of medications and adjust 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 begin working, but can help you feel more in control and boost your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the as stimulants do, and therefore can be more secure to use for an extended period of time. These medications can also have less adverse effects such as constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera, and it's an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine. It is also known as Intuniv or clonidine. These are both medicines in this class.
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are available off-label to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant group, like Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by physicians if stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or if they cause too many adverse side effects.
Your doctor can also prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have an immediate effect, but help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. They're in a different class than the other options, and they can cause some side effects such as shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor might also suggest an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can cause unpleasant but not usually serious, side effects, like ringing in the ears or changes in vision.