Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to focus more effectively, have less impulsive and calmer. They also have a better time with schoolwork. Some may experience a slight slowdown in growth and may experience an increase in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medicines.
Medications are available in different forms including tablets, capsules liquid, patches and pills (such as Daytrana). The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It comes in three forms: immediate-release, extended-release and sustained-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that can be effective in treating ADHD. These medications improve focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex region that is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it assists with planning and organizational abilities.
Stimulants are available both in short-acting as well as long-acting dosages. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken 2 or 3 times a day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphetamines may be a bit more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates but both work in the same way to improve attention and focus. There are extended-release versions of certain stimulant medications. 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 you mix with liquids to create a beverage, while others are pills.
It may take a while to find the right medication for you or your child. Your doctor will monitor your reaction to different kinds of medication and alter the dosage if necessary. The use of medications should be done as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which should include behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to kick in however they can make you feel more in control and improve your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These medications do not affect dopamine or norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do. They can therefore be employed for a longer duration. They can also have fewer adverse effects, like constipation, heartburn, and reduced sexual drive. The first drug 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 might prescribe other medication from this category such as the guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that are available off-label to treat ADHD. These website are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant group, like Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only recommend these drugs if stimulants and other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many adverse consequences.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your doctor. These drugs don't have immediate effects but they may help reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. These drugs are part of a different class of drugs compared to the others and can trigger negative side effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also recommend a low-dose antidepressant, bupropion (Wellbutrin), that is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but usually not serious side effects like the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.