Best Medication For ADHD
Most teenagers and children who are taking ADHD medication report that they focus better and are less impulsive. They also feel more calm and are able to get on with their schoolwork. Some experience a minor slowing in growth and could experience an increase in heart rate or blood pressure when taking these drugs.
The medications are available in a variety of forms like capsules, tablets liquid, patches and pills (such as Daytrana). The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). medication for adult add comes in three forms: immediate release, extended-release, and sustained-release.
Stimulants
One of the best medications for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These drugs improve focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often called the "secretary of the brain" because it aids in planning and organization abilities.
Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes, and must be taken two or three times a 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, but both work in the same way to improve attention and focus. There are extended-release versions of certain stimulant drugs. They are the best choice because they last for 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken once a day. Certain of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquids to create drinks, while others are pills.
Finding the right medication can take a bit of time. Your doctor will watch how you respond to the various types of medications and will alter the dosage as required. The use of medication should be part of a complete treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to begin working but they can make you feel more in control and boost your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These medications don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do. They are therefore able to be used for a longer time. They can also be less prone to adverse effects, like heartburn, constipation and a decreased sex drive. The first drug to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera and is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine. It is also known as Intuniv or clonidine, which are both medications in this group.
Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label are also available to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant group, such as Tofranil (imipramine). These drugs are only prescribed by physicians if stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many side effects.
Your doctor can also prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications do not have immediate effects but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. They're in a different class than the other options and can trigger some adverse effects, such as shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor may also recommend a low-dose antidepressant, bupropion (Wellbutrin), that is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can improve concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable, but generally not serious, side effects, such as hearing ringing or changes in vision.
