Best Medication For ADHD
Most teenagers and children who take ADHD medication notice they focus better and are less impulsive. They feel calmer and more focused with their school work. Some may experience a slight slowing of growth and experience an increase in heart rate or blood pressure when taking these medications.
There are a variety of medications such as tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It is available in three forms: immediate release, extended-release, and sustained-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These medications help improve attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. medication for adult add are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex, which is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it assists with planning and organizational skills.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines have a peak effect in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken three or twice times a day. They include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, but they all work in the same way in improving concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release formulations. They can be a better option because they last up to 12 hours, and are usually taken once per day. Some of these medicines are powders that is mixed with liquid to create a drink, and others are pills.
It can take time to determine the appropriate medication for you or your child. Your doctor will be able to monitor your response to different types of medication and alter the dosage if needed. The use of medication should be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to start working, but can help you feel more in control and improve your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine the same as stimulants do, so they are safer to use over an extended period of time. These medications also have less adverse effects such as heartburn, constipation and a decreased 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 might prescribe other medications from this group, including the guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These antidepressants with tricyclic chemistry like Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants do not work, or if they have too many adverse effects.
Your doctor may prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications do not have immediate effects however they can reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. They're in a different category than the other options and may cause some side effects such as headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor might also suggest an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), that is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but not always serious side effects such as hearing loss or changes in vision.