Best Medication For ADHD
Most teenagers and children who are taking ADHD medication find they concentrate better, are less impulsive, feel more calm and are able to get on with their school work. Some experience a minor slowing in growth and could 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). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most popular stimulant. It is available in three forms: immediate-release extended-release and sustained-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that can be effective in treating ADHD. These medications improve focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often known as the "secretary of the brain" because it assists in organizing and planning abilities.
Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs peak in 30 to 45 minutes, and must 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 work in the same way to increase concentration and attention. There are extended-release versions of a few stimulant medications. These can be a better alternative since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken daily. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to make drinks, while others are pills.
It may take a while to determine the appropriate medication for you or your child. Your doctor will observe how you react to various types of drugs and adjust the dosage as needed. Medications should only be used as part of a complete treatment plan, which will include behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little more time to work, but it can help you feel more in control, increase your impulsivity and concentration, and improve your focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the as stimulants do, so they can be safer to use over a longer period of time. These medications also have less side effects such as constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's a selective reuptake norepinephrine inhibitor. adult add medication could prescribe additional medicines from this class which include guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that are available off-label to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family like Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work, or if they cause too many adverse side effects.
Your doctor may also prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have a direct effect but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. These medications belong to a different class of drugs than the others and can cause adverse effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also recommend taking a low dose of an antidepressant, called bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not a FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but works well to improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant, but generally not serious adverse effects, including hearing ringing, or changes in vision.