Best Medication For ADHD
Most teenagers and children who are taking ADHD medication report that they focus better and are less impulsive. They feel calmer and more focused with their school work. Some people may experience a slight slowdown in their growth or a rise in heart rate or bloodpressure when taking these medications.
Medications are available in different forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It comes in three forms: immediate release, extended-release and sustained-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class known as stimulants. These drugs aid in improving concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex that is often called the brain's "secretary" because it helps with planning and organizational skills.
Stimulants come in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs have a peak effect in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken three or twice times a day. They include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, but they all work in similarly in improving focus and attention. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release forms. They are a better option since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken daily. Some of these medications are a powder that is mixed with liquid to create a drink, and others are in pill form.
Finding the right medicine can take some time. Your doctor will watch how you react to different kinds of medications and will alter the dosage as required. more.. should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that will include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to kick in, but can make you feel more in control and improve your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the as stimulants do, so they can be more secure to use over longer periods of time. They can also be less prone to negative effects, including constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's a selective reuptake norepinephrine inhibitor. Your doctor could prescribe additional medicines from this class, including guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are available off-label to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family like Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by physicians if stimulants or other non-stimulants do not work, or if they cause too many side effects.
Viloxazine and atomoxetine are prescribed by your doctor. These medicines do not have a direct effect however they can reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. These drugs are part of a different class of drugs than other ones and may cause side effects like shaky hand or headache. Your doctor might also recommend the use of a small dose of an antidepressant, called bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not a FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but usually not serious side effects, such as ringing or changes in vision.