Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who take ADHD medication report that they focus better, are less impulsive, 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 heart rate or bloodpressure when they are taking these drugs.
There are many different types of medicines such as tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It comes 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 drugs enhance concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often called the "secretary of the brain" because it assists in the planning and organizing 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 two or three times a day. These include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, but they both work similar ways to improve focus and attention. Some stimulant medications are available in extended-release versions. These can be a better option since they last between 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken every day. Some of these are powders that is mixed with liquid to make a drink, and others are in pill form.
Finding the right medication can take a bit of time. Your doctor will monitor how you respond to the different types of medications and will alter the dosage as required. The use of medications should be done as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that will include support and behavioral therapy services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to work, but it can help you feel in control, increase your impulsivity and concentration, and improve your focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the way that stimulants do, so they can be more secure to use over longer periods of time. for beginners be less prone to side negative effects like constipation, heartburn, and 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 might prescribe other medications from this group, including guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that are available 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 fail to work, or if they cause too many side effects.
Your doctor may prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have an immediate effect however they can help reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. They're in a different drug class from the other choices and may cause some adverse effects, such as headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor may also recommend the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but can increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not always serious side effects like ringing or changes in vision.