Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to concentrate better, be less impulsive and more calm. They also do better with schoolwork. Some may experience a slight slowdown in growth and may be experiencing an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
adhd for adults medication are available in different forms including tablets, capsules liquid, patches and pills (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It comes in three forms: immediate-release, sustained-release and extended-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a type of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These drugs help improve focus and attention by affecting certain neurotransmitters within the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex that is often called the brain's "secretary" because it aids with organizing and planning abilities.
Stimulants come in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications have a peak effect in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken twice or three times a day. They include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, but they both work the same way in improving concentration and attention. There are extended-release versions of some stimulant medications. They are a better option because they last between 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken once a day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquid to make a drink, and others are pills.
It may take some time to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will observe your response to different types of medications and adjust the dosage as needed. Drugs should only be used in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan, which will include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little bit longer to work however it can help you feel in control, increase your impulsivity and concentration and help you concentration. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the as stimulants do, so they are safer to use for an extended period of time. They can also be less prone to negative effects, including constipation, heartburn and decreased sexual drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera which is an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process. Your doctor could prescribe additional medication from this category which include Guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are available off-label to treat ADHD. Tricyclic antidepressants from the past like Tofranil(imipramine), are used to treat ADHD. These drugs are only prescribed by doctors when stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work, or if they have too many adverse effects.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your doctor. These medications don't have an immediate effect, but help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. These medications are in a different class of drugs from other ones and may cause side effects like shaky hand or headache. Your doctor may also suggest taking a low dose of an antidepressant known as bupropion (Wellbutrin) that is not a FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to improve concentration and decrease impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not always serious side effects such as ringing or changes in vision.