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 heart rate or blood pressure when taking these medications.
There are a variety of medication such as tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available in three forms: immediate-release sustained-release and extended-release.
Stimulants
One of the best medications for ADHD is a class known as stimulants. These medications help improve attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters within the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it assists with organizing and planning skills.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes and should be taken twice or three times per day. They include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, however they both function in the same way in improving focus and attention. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release formulations. They are a better option since they last from 8 to 12 hours and are generally taken only daily. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to make drinks, while others are pills.
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 adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medications should be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes support and behavioral therapy.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to begin working but they can make you feel more in control and boost your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These medications do not alter dopamine or norepinephrine in like stimulants do. They are therefore able to be utilized for a longer period of time. They also have less side negative effects like 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 other medications from this group which include Guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label are also available to treat ADHD. These older tricyclic antidepressants like Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat ADHD. These drugs are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or have too many adverse effects.
Viloxazine or Atomoxetine may be prescribed by your doctor. These medications do not have a direct effect however they can 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 side effects such as headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor might also recommend a low dose of an antidepressant called bupropion (Wellbutrin), which isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help improve concentration and decrease impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant but usually read more not severe adverse effects, including ringing in the ears or changes in vision.