Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to focus more effectively, have less impulsive, and are more relaxed. They also have a better time with schoolwork. Some individuals may experience a slight slowing of their growth, or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure when they are taking these drugs.
There are many different types of medication, including tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It is available in three forms: immediate-release, sustained-release and extended-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These drugs help improve concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often called the "secretary of the brain" because it aids in the planning and organizing abilities.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken two or three times a every day. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphetamines are more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates but both work in the same way to increase concentration and attention. Some stimulant medications are available in extended-release forms. They can be a better alternative since they last from 8 to 12 hours and are typically taken daily. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to make drinks, while others are pills.
Finding the right medication can take a while. Your doctor will observe how you respond to the different kinds of medications and will adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medications should be a part of a complete treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to work but it can make you feel more in control, increase your concentration and impulsivity and help you focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, and therefore are safer to use for an extended period of time. They can also be less prone to negative effects, including constipation, heartburn, and decreased sex drive. Strattera is the first of these medications that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor may prescribe other medication from this category such as the guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also adhd treatment without medication -stimulant antidepressants that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant family like Tofranil (imipramine). These drugs are only prescribed by doctors when stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many side effects.
Your doctor can also prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications do not have immediate effects but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. They're in a different drug category than the other options, and they can cause some adverse effects, such as headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor might also suggest the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but can improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but not always serious side effects such as hearing loss or changes in vision.