Best Medication For ADHD
Medication is a vital component of most treatment strategies for ADHD. Finding the right medication and dosage will take time. Be patient and communicate openly with your GP or a specialist.
Stimulants work by increasing levels of brain chemicals that control behavior. They are available in short-acting and longer-acting versions. Short-acting medications are at their peak in several hours and are usually taken three times a day. Long-acting medication lasts 8-12 hours, and is usually taken once a day.
Stimulants
Adults might not benefit from stimulants, despite the fact they are beneficial for children. They increase activity in the parts of the brain responsible for the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular stimulant used to treat ADHD in all age groups. It is available in pills and is prescribed for teens, children and adults. Doctors begin with small doses and then gradually increase them. Some side effects include loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. If you notice any of these symptoms consult your physician about ways to lessen or eliminate them.
Methylphenidate is available as immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 2 or 3 times per day) and extended-release tablets which are taken once in the morning and release the 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 drugs can cause heart palpitations and insomnia, especially when taking large or long-acting doses. Some sufferers may also experience anxiety or depression while taking these medications.
The majority of people who use stimulants are monitored by a GP or specialist. They will complete behavioral ratings scales, observe your child or teen at school and other daily activities. They will also look for indications of addiction or abuse and assess their height, weight as well as pulse and blood pressure. In addition doctors will be able to monitor how the medication is working by watching the child's or teen's performance in various classes and observing changes in the person's target goals.
It's not unusual for people to try a variety of medications before settling on one that is most efficient and comfortable. It's also common for people to switch off and restart medications depending on their needs and major life events, such as finding an employment change or becoming a parent.
adhd medications has also approved four non-stimulant drugs for ADHD: Strattera (atomoxetine), Intuniv (guanfacine), Kapvay (clonidine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Contrary to stimulants that increase levels of dopamine, these drugs affect norepinephrine, a different brain chemical that helps improve the ability to focus and control impulses. Like stimulants, they can cause agitation, loss of appetite and sleep disturbances, however these side effects are less severe than those caused by stimulants.
Many people who haven't been able to respond to stimulant medication or suffer from unacceptably adverse side effects are prescribed a variety of other medications "off-label" for ADHD, including tricyclic antidepressants and atypical antidepressants. Bupropion, which is a kind of antidepressant that is not typical, increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. It is also known to have more modest effects on ADHD symptoms than stimulants. Venlafaxine, a different antidepressant that is atypical is an SNRI which increases serotonin and norepinephrine. It can have mild effects on ADHD symptoms. It is also prescribed for nerve pain that is associated with fibromyalgia and diabetes. In certain instances, doctors will recommend that these medications be employed in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapies and other treatments. These medications can assist patients to develop better coping techniques and enhance their functioning.