Best Medication For ADHD
The majority of children and teens who take ADHD medication report that they focus better and are less impulsive. They also feel calmer and more focused with their schoolwork. Some may experience a slight slowdown in growth and may be experiencing an increase in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medicines.
There are a variety of medications that include liquids, tablets, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine salts.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a type of drugs that is effective in treating ADHD. These medications help improve focus and attention by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is often called the brain's "secretary" because it helps in the planning and organization skills.
Stimulants are available in short-acting and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken 2 or 3 times per throughout the day. These include methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are stronger and last longer, however they both work the same way in improving attention and focus. There are also extended-release versions of certain stimulant drugs. medication for adult adhd are a good alternative since they last from up to 12 hours and are usually taken every day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to create beverages, while some are pills.
Finding the right medication may take a bit of time. Your doctor will observe how you respond to the various types of drugs and adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medications should be done as part of a complete treatment plan that will include support and behavioral therapy services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a more time to work but it can make you feel in control, increase your concentration and impulsivity and increase your focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, and therefore can be more secure to use over longer periods of time. These medications also be less prone to side effects, such as constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. The first medication to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera and is an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process. Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine, which are both medications within this category.
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family such as Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors will only recommend these medications if stimulants and other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many adverse effects.
Your doctor may also prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications don't have a direct effect, but they can help reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. They're in a distinct drug class than the other options and may cause certain side effects like headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor may also suggest the use of a small dose of an antidepressant known as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant but not usually serious side effects, like hearing ringing or changes in vision.