Best Medication For ADHD
The majority of children and teens who are taking ADHD medication notice they focus better, are less impulsive, feel calmer and get on with their schoolwork. Some sufferers may experience a slowing in their growth, or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
Medications are available in different forms like capsules, tablets 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 are effective in treating ADHD. These drugs aid in improving focus and attention by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex region that is often described as the brain's "secretary" because it aids in the planning and organization abilities.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken 2 or 3 times a day. Amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphetamines are more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates however they work in the same way to improve attention and focus. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release versions. They are a good alternative since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken every day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to make drinks, while others are pills.
It may take a while to find the right medication for you or your child. Your doctor will be able to monitor your reaction to different kinds of medication and alter the dosage if needed. Medications should only be used as part of a complete treatment plan that will include behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to begin working, but can help you feel more in control and increase your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't affect norepinephrine or dopamine like stimulants do. They are therefore able to be used for a longer time. They can also have fewer negative effects, including heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera, and it's an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine. These are both drugs in this class.
Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These older tricyclic antidepressants like Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications are only prescribed by physicians if stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work or if they have too many adverse effects.
Your doctor may also prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications do not have immediate effects but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. These medications are in a different class of drugs from the others and can trigger negative side effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also suggest an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD read more treatment, but can improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can cause unpleasant, but generally not serious adverse effects, such as hearing ringing, or changes in vision.