Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to concentrate more effectively, have less impulsive, and feel more relaxed. They also get on with schoolwork. Some individuals may experience a slight slowing in their growth, or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medications.
Medications are available in different forms, including capsules, tablets liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most well-known stimulant. It is available in three forms: immediate-release extended-release, and sustained-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a type of drugs that can be effective in treating ADHD. These drugs enhance focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often referred to by the term "secretary of the brain" because it assists in the planning and organizing abilities.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken 2 or 3 times per every day. They include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, however they both work similar ways to improve concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release versions. They are the best choice since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are generally taken only once a day. Certain of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquids to create beverages, while some are pills.
It may take some time to determine the appropriate medication for you or your child. Your doctor will be able to monitor your response to different types of medications and adjust the dosage if necessary. Drugs should only be used in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan that will include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to start working, but can make you feel more in control and improve your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine the same as stimulants do, and therefore can be more secure to use over an extended period of time. They also have less negative effects, including constipation, heartburn, and lessened sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor could prescribe additional medicines from this class such as guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family, like Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by doctors when stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work, or if they have too many adverse effects.
Your doctor can prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications don't have immediate effects but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. These medications are in a different class of drugs from the others and can cause negative side effects, such as shaky hands or headache. adhd treatment without medication might also recommend taking a low dose of an antidepressant, called bupropion (Wellbutrin) that is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but works well to improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but usually not severe, side effects, including hearing ringing, or changes in vision.