Best Medication For ADHD
The majority of children and teens who are taking ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. They feel more calm and are able to get on with their schoolwork. Some people may experience a slight slowing of their growth or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medications.
There are a variety of medications such as tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine salts.
Stimulants
One of the best medications for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These drugs help improve attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters within the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often referred to by the term "secretary of the brain" because it assists in planning and organization abilities.
Stimulants are available in short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting medicines are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes and should be taken two or three times a day. These include methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines may be a bit stronger and last longer than methylphenidates however they work in the same way to increase attention and focus. Some stimulant medications are available in extended-release formulations. They are a better option since they last from 8 to 12 hours and are typically taken every day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to create drinks, while others are pills.
Finding the right medicine can take some time. Your doctor will monitor your response to different types of medications and adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medications should be done as part of a complete treatment plan that will include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a longer to take effect more info however it can help you feel in control, improve your impulsivity and concentration and increase your focus. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, which means they are safer to use for longer periods of time. They can also have fewer adverse effects, like heartburn, constipation and a reduced sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor could prescribe additional medicines from this class such as guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These older tricyclic antidepressants like Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. 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 may prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have immediate effects, but they can help reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. They're in a distinct drug class from the other choices and can trigger some adverse effects, such as shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor might also suggest the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not usually serious side effects like hearing loss or changes in vision.