Best Medication For ADHD
Children and teenagers taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate more effectively, have less impulsive, and feel more relaxed. They also get on with schoolwork. Some may experience a slight slowing of growth and be experiencing an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these drugs.
They are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It comes in three forms: immediate release, extended-release, and sustained-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class known as stimulants. These drugs help improve attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters within the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is often known as the "secretary of the brain" because it assists in planning and organization abilities.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs have a peak effect in 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken three or twice times per day. medication for adhd include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, however they both function in the same way in improving focus and attention. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release versions. They are the best choice because they last for 8 to 12 hours and are typically taken daily. Some of these medicines are a powder that you mix with liquid to create a drink, while others are in pill form.
Finding the right medication can take a bit of time. Your doctor will be able to monitor your reaction to different kinds of medication and alter the dosage if needed. The use of medications should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to begin working, but can make you feel more in control and boost your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the same as stimulants do, which means they can be more secure to use over a longer period of time. They can also be less prone to side effects, such as heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera, and it's an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine, which are both medications in this class.
Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant group, like Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors will only recommend these medications in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many side negative effects.
Your doctor may also prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medicines do not have a direct effect however they can help reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. They're in a different category than the other options and can trigger certain side effects like shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor might also recommend taking a low dose of an antidepressant, called bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but works well to improve concentration and decrease impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but usually not serious side effects, such as the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.