Best Medication For ADHD
Medication is a vital component of many treatment plans for ADHD. However, finding the right dosage and medication can take time. Be patient and communicate with your physician.
Stimulants are used to increase levels of chemicals in the brain that control behavior. They are available in both short-acting formulas and long-acting ones. Short-acting medications reach their peak within several hours and are taken 2-3 times per day. Long-acting medications last 8-12 hours and are typically taken daily.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most effective treatment for ADHD in children, but they're not always effective for adults. They improve activity in the parts of the brain that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most common stimulant used to treat ADHD in all ages. It is available in pill form and can be prescribed for children, teens, and adults. Doctors usually start with smaller doses and gradually increase the dosage. Inability to eat and difficulty getting to sleep are common adverse effects. If you find these side effects uncomfortable, consult your doctor for advice on ways to lessen or eliminate them.
Methylphenidate comes in immediate-release tablets, which are small doses taken twice or three times a day. Extended-release tablets are taken one time in the morning to release the medication throughout the entire day. adhd without medication www.iampsychiatry.com has approved Cotempla XR -ODT and Jornay - PM, two long-acting methylphenidate tablets that are designed to last longer in the body.
These medications can trigger heart palpitations as well as trouble sleeping particularly when taking large or long-acting doses. They can also increase depression and anxiety in some people.
Most people who use stimulants are monitored by a GP or specialist. They will fill out behavior ratings scales, watch your child or teen at classes and other daily activities. They will also look for signs of abuse or addiction, and check their height, weight as well as pulse and blood pressure. Doctors will also monitor the effectiveness of the medication by observing how the child or teen performs in different classes and noting any changes in their target goals.
It's not uncommon for someone to try a variety of medications before finding the one that is most effective and tolerable. It's also normal for people to take a break and re-start medications depending on their needs and major life events, such as getting an employment change or becoming parents.
The FDA has also approved four non-stimulant drugs for ADHD: Strattera (atomoxetine), Intuniv (guanfacine), Kapvay (clonidine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). These medications work on norepinephrine, not stimulants, and boost dopamine levels. This helps with the control of impulses and attention. These medications can cause an increase in appetite and agitation but the negative effects are not as severe as those triggered by stimulants.
Many people who do not respond to stimulant medications or experience uncontrollable side effects use atypical antidepressants, or tricyclic antidepressants "off-label". Bupropion, an antidepressant that is atypical, raises levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain and can cause less significant effects on ADHD symptoms than stimulants. Venlafaxine is an additional atypical medication that acts as an SNRI. It increases levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters. It may have a slight effect on ADHD symptoms. It is also prescribed to treat nerve pain that is associated with fibromyalgia, diabetes and other conditions. In certain instances, a specialist will recommend taking these drugs in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as other treatments. These medications can help the patient develop better strategies for coping and enhance their performance.