Best Medication For ADHD
The use of medication is an integral part of many treatment plans for ADHD. Finding the right dosage and medication may take a while. Be patient and be open with your doctor or specialist.
Stimulants raise the levels of the chemicals that regulate behavior in the brain. They are available in both short-acting and longer-acting versions. Short-acting drugs have their peak within several hours and are typically taken 3-4 times a day. Long-acting medicines last between 8 and 12 hours and are typically taken daily.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the best medication for ADHD in children, however they are not always effective in adults. They increase activity in parts of the brain that regulate the attention span and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most common stimulant used to treat ADHD in all ages. It is taken in pills and is prescribed for children, teens and adults. Doctors usually start with small doses and gradually increase the dosage. The side effects can include a the loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. If you find these side effects bothersome, speak to your doctor for advice on how to minimize or eliminate them.
Methylphenidate comes in immediate-release tablets that are tiny doses taken three or twice times per day. Extended-release tablets are taken one time in the morning to release medication throughout the day. The FDA has approved Cotempla XR -ODT and Jornay - PM, two methylphenidate tablets that are designed to last longer in the body.
These medications can trigger heart palpitations and difficulties sleeping, especially if used in large doses or in combination with a long-acting drug. Some sufferers may also experience anxiety and depression when taking these drugs.
The majority of people who use stimulants are monitored by a doctor or specialist. They will fill out behavior ratings scales, observe your child or teen in classes and other daily activities. They will also be on the lookout for signs of abuse or addiction and assess their height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure. Doctors will also check the effectiveness of the medication by monitoring how the child or teen performs in various classes and noticing any changes in their goals.
It's not unusual for people to try several medications before they find the most effective and tolerated one. It's commonplace for people to alter their medication depending on their requirements or life-changing events such as getting an employment change or having children.
adhd no medication has also approved four non-stimulant drugs for ADHD: Strattera (atomoxetine), Intuniv (guanfacine), Kapvay (clonidine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). These medications work on norepinephrine instead of stimulants which boost dopamine levels. This helps with the control of impulses and attention. These medications can also cause an increase in appetite and agitation but the negative effects aren't as severe as those triggered by stimulants.
Many people who have not had a positive response to stimulant medications or suffer from unacceptably adverse side effects, take a range of other medicines "off-label" for ADHD which include tricyclic antidepressants as well as atypical antidepressants. Bupropion is a kind of atypical antidepressant which increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. It may have a less significant effect on ADHD symptoms than stimulants. Venlafaxine, another atypical antidepressant, is an SNRI, that increases levels of serotonin and norepinephrine and may have a mild effect on ADHD symptoms. It is also prescribed for nerve pain associated with fibromyalgia and diabetes. In some cases, a specialist will recommend taking these drugs in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapies and other treatments. They can help the patient to improve their coping abilities and improve their performance in their lives.