Best Medication For ADHD
Most teenagers and children who take ADHD medication notice they focus better, are less impulsive, feel calmer and more focused with their school work. Some people may experience a slight slowdown in their growth or a rise in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
There are a variety of medication that include liquids, tablets, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). The most frequently used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine salts.
Stimulants
One of the best medications for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These drugs enhance concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine as well as dopamine. 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 come in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times a day. They include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines can be stronger and last longer than methylphenidates, however they work in the same way to increase concentration and attention. There are extended-release versions of some stimulant drugs. They are a good option since they last between 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken daily. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to create drinks, while others are pills.
Finding adhd and medication can take a while. Your doctor will observe how you react to different kinds of medications and will alter the dosage as required. Drugs should only be used as part of a complete treatment plan that will include support and behavioral therapy services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little more time to work but it can make you feel in control, improve your concentration and impulsivity, and improve your concentration. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine the same as stimulants do, so they can be more secure to use over a longer period of time. These medications also have less side effects such as constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these medications that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor might prescribe other medications from this group which include guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These antidepressants with tricyclic chemistry like Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. These medications are only prescribed by physicians if stimulants or other non-stimulants do not work or if they have too many adverse effects.
Your doctor may prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications don't have an immediate effect however they can reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. These drugs are part of a different class of drugs compared to the others and can cause negative side effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also recommend a low dose of an antidepressant called bupropion (Wellbutrin) that isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but works well to improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but usually not serious side effects, such as the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.