Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who take ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. They also feel calmer and more focused with their schoolwork. Some people may experience a slight slowing of their growth or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure when taking these medications.
There are a variety of medicines such as tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It comes in three forms: immediate-release sustained-release and extended-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that can be effective in treating ADHD. These drugs help improve focus and attention by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex region, which is often called the brain's "secretary" because it helps with organizing and planning abilities.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines have a peak effect in 30 to 45 minutes, and must be taken two or three times per day. Amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among them. Amphetamines can be stronger and last longer than methylphenidates however they work in the same way to improve concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release forms. They are a better option because they last between 8 to 12 hours, and are typically taken once a day. Certain of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquids to create beverages, while some are pills.
Finding the right medicine can take some time. Your doctor will be able to monitor your reaction to different kinds of medications and adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medicines should be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a more time to work but it can make you feel more in control, increase your concentration and impulsivity and increase your focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, so they can be safer to use over longer periods of time. These medications can also be less prone to side effects, such as constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. medication for adult adhd to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera and is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Your doctor might prescribe other 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 medications within the tricyclic antidepressant family such as Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by doctors when stimulants or other non-stimulants do not work or cause too many adverse side effects.
Your doctor can prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have immediate effects, but they can help reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. These medications belong to a different class of drugs from the others and can trigger side effects like shaky hand or headache. Your doctor might also suggest the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can increase concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but not always serious side effects, such as the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.