Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who take ADHD medication report that they focus better and are less impulsive. They feel calmer and more focused with their schoolwork. Some experience a minor slowing in growth and could be experiencing an increase in heart rate or blood pressure when taking these drugs.
There are a variety of medication such as tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine with extended release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These medications help improve concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters within the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex region, which is often called the brain's "secretary" because it assists in the planning and organization skills.
Stimulants are available in both short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken 2 or 3 times a day. These include methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines can be more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates, but both work in the same way to increase concentration and attention. There are also extended-release versions of certain stimulant medications. These are a better choice because they last between 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken daily. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to make a beverage, while others are pills.
Finding the right medication can take a while. Your doctor will watch how you respond to the various types of medications and will adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medication should be a part of an overall treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to begin working but they can help you feel more in control and boost your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the same as stimulants do, which means they can be more secure to use for longer periods of time. They also have less adverse 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 called Strattera and is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Your doctor could prescribe additional medication from this category, including guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
Off- add adhd medication , non-stimulant antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. Tricyclic antidepressants from the past like Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat ADHD. These drugs are only prescribed by doctors when stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or if they have too many adverse effects.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your physician. These medications do not have a direct effect however they can reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. These drugs are part of a different class of drugs than other ones and may cause negative side effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also suggest a low-dose antidepressant, bupropion (Wellbutrin), that is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can increase concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but usually not serious side effects like the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.