Best Medication For ADHD
The use of medication is an integral part of the majority of treatment plans for ADHD. However, finding the right medication and dose can take time. Be patient and openly communicate with your GP.
Stimulants are used to increase levels of brain chemicals which help regulate behavior. They are available in both short-acting and long-acting formulations. Short-acting medicines peak after a few hours and need to be taken three times per day. Long-acting medication lasts between 8 and 12 hours, and is usually taken only once a day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the best medication for ADHD in children, but they are not always effective for adults. They increase activity in parts of the brain that regulate the attention span and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used stimulant used to treat ADHD for people of all ages. It is available to teenagers, children and adults in pill form. Doctors usually start with smaller doses and gradually increase the dosage. Inability to eat and difficulty getting to sleep are common side effects. If these side effects are troubling, talk to your doctor to determine how to minimize or eliminate them.
Methylphenidate is available as immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 2 or 3 times a day) and extended-release tablets that are taken once in the morning and release medication throughout the day. The FDA has approved Cotempla XR -ODT and Jornay - PM, two long-acting methylphenidate tablets that are designed to last longer in the body.
These drugs can cause heart palpitations and trouble sleeping particularly when taking large or long-acting doses. They can also cause anxiety and depression in some people.
People who are addicted to stimulants need to be monitored by their physician or specialist. They'll fill out a behavioral rating scales, observe the child or teenager at school and during other daily activities, look for indications of addiction or abuse and also check the person's height, weight, pulse and blood pressure. In addition doctors will be able to monitor how well the medication is working by observing the child or teen's performance throughout various classes and noticing changes in the person's target goals.
It is not uncommon for people to try several drugs before settling on the most effective and well-liked one. It's also normal for people to stop and restart medication based on their requirements and significant life events like finding an employment change or becoming a parent.
The FDA has approved four non-stimulant ADHD drugs: Strattera, Intuniv, Kapvay and Qelbree. Contrary to stimulants that increase levels of dopamine, these drugs alter norepinephrine, which is a different brain chemical that assists in improving concentration and control of impulses. Like relevant internet page , they can cause agitation, loss of appetite and sleep issues, however these adverse effects are less serious than those caused by the stimulants.
Many people who have not responded to stimulant medications or experience uncontrollable side effects take a variety of other medicines "off-label" for ADHD, including atypical antidepressants and tricyclic antidepressants. Bupropion, a type of atypical antidepressant, increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. It is also known to have less of an effect on ADHD symptoms than stimulants. Venlafaxine is a different atypical drug that acts as an SNRI. It raises levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters. It can have a mild effect on ADHD symptoms. It is prescribed for nerve pain caused by fibromyalgia and diabetes. In certain cases, doctors will recommend that these medications be utilized in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapy and other treatments. These can help the person to improve their coping abilities and improve functioning in their lives.