Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who take ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. They also feel more calm and are able to get on with their school work. Some people may experience a slight slowing in their growth or a rise in heart rate or bloodpressure when they are taking these drugs.
There are a variety of medications, including tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It is available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine salts.
Stimulants
One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class known as stimulants. These drugs enhance focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is often known as the "secretary of the brain" because it assists in the planning and organizing abilities.
Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes and have to be taken two or three times a day. These include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, but they both function in similarly in improving concentration and attention. Some stimulant medications are available in extended-release forms. These are a better choice because they last for 8 to 12 hours, and are typically taken daily. Certain of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquids to create drinks, while others are pills.
It can take time to find the right medication for you or your child. Your doctor will observe how you respond to the different kinds of medications and will adjust the dosage if needed. Drugs should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that will include support and behavioral therapy services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to kick in however they can help you feel more in control and boost your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the as stimulants do, which means they can be safer to use for a longer period of time. These medications also be less prone to side effects such as constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor might prescribe other medicines from this class, including guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant group, such as Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by physicians if stimulants or other non-stimulants do not work or have too many adverse effects.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your physician. These medications don't have an immediate effect however they can reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. They're in a distinct drug category than the other options, and they can cause some side effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also suggest the use of a small dose of an antidepressant called bupropion (Wellbutrin) that is not a FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can treating adhd without medication help improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not usually serious side effects, including hearing ringing, or changes in vision.