Best Medication For ADHD
Most teenagers and children who are taking ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. They feel calmer and more focused with their schoolwork. Some experience a minor slowing of growth and experience an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
There are a variety of medicines, including tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available in three forms: immediate-release, sustained-release and extended-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These medications improve concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is often called the "secretary of the brain" because it helps in organizing and planning abilities.
Stimulants are available in both short-acting as well as long-acting dosages. The short-acting medicines peak in 30 to 45 minutes, and must be taken twice or three times per day. These include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, however they both work the same way in improving focus and attention. There are extended-release versions of some stimulant medications. They are the best choice because they last for 8 to 12 hours, and are typically taken once a day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to make drinks, while others are pills.
Finding the right medication can take a while. Your doctor will watch how you respond to the various types of drugs and adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medicines should be a part of an overall treatment plan that includes support and behavioral therapy.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little longer to take effect but it can make you feel more in control, improve your concentration and impulsivity and increase your focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the way that stimulants do, which means they are safer to use for a longer period of time. These medications can also have less more info adverse effects such as heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's a selective reuptake norepinephrine inhibitor. Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine. These are both drugs within this category.
Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These antidepressants with tricyclic chemistry, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. These medications are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work, or if they have too many adverse effects.
Viloxazine and atomoxetine are prescribed by your physician. These medications don't have immediate effects but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. They're in a different class from the other choices, and they can cause some side effects such as shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor might also recommend a low dose of an antidepressant, called bupropion (Wellbutrin) that is not a FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not always serious side effects such as hearing loss or changes in vision.