Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to focus more effectively, have less impulsive, and feel more relaxed. They also have a better time with schoolwork. Some individuals may experience a slight slowing of their growth or a rise in blood pressure or heart rate when they are taking these drugs.
medication for adult add are available in a variety of forms including tablets, capsules, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most well-known stimulant. It comes in three forms: immediate-release, sustained-release and extended-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These drugs help improve attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex region that is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it helps with planning and organizational skills.
Stimulants are available both in short-acting as well as long-acting dosages. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times a throughout the day. These include methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines can be more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates however they work in the same way to increase concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release versions. These are a better choice because they last between 8 to 12 hours, and are generally taken only every day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to make a beverage, 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 different types of drugs and alter the dosage as required. The use of medications should be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to begin working but they can make you feel more in control and boost your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the same as stimulants do, which means they can be more secure to use over a longer period of time. These medications also have less adverse effects such as constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual 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 may prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine. These are both drugs in this class.
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are available off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant family such as Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors will only recommend these medications in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many adverse effects.
Your doctor can also prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have an immediate impact but they may help reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. These medications belong to a different class of drugs compared to other ones and may cause side effects like shaky hand or headache. Your doctor may also recommend an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), that isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but can increase concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant but not usually serious side effects, like hearing ringing or changes in vision.