Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate better, be less impulsive, and feel calmer. They also have a better time with schoolwork. Some suffer a slight slowdown in growth and may be experiencing an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these drugs.
They are available in various forms like capsules, tablets, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available in three forms: immediate-release sustained-release and extended-release.
Stimulants
One of the best medications for ADHD is a class known as stimulants. These drugs help improve concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex that is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it assists in the planning and organization abilities.
Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times a day. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphetamines may be a bit more potent and last longer than methylphenidates, however, they both function in the same way to increase attention and focus. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release formulations. They are the best choice because they last between 8 to 12 hours, and are typically taken once a day. Some of these medicines are a powder that is mixed with liquid to make a drink, while others are in pill form.
Finding the right medicine can take a bit of time. Your doctor will watch how you react to different types of medications and will adjust the dosage here if needed. The use of medications should be done as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which will include support and behavioral therapy services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little bit longer to work, but it can help you feel in control, improve your impulsivity and concentration and increase your concentration. These medications do not affect dopamine or norepinephrine like stimulants do. They are therefore able to be used for a longer time. They also have less adverse effects, like constipation, heartburn and decreased sex drive. The first medication 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 might prescribe other medications from this group which include the guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant family, like Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only suggest these drugs when stimulants and other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many adverse consequences.
Viloxazine or Atomoxetine may be prescribed by your physician. These medicines do not have a direct effect however they can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. These medications belong to a different class of drugs from other ones and may cause side effects like shaky hand or headache. Your doctor might also recommend taking a low dose of an antidepressant, called bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to improve concentration and decrease impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant but not usually serious, side effects, including ringing in the ears or changes in vision.