Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to concentrate better, be less impulsive, and are calmer. They also have a better time with schoolwork. Some may experience a slight slowdown in growth and may experience an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
The medications are available in a variety of forms like capsules, tablets liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most frequently used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It comes in three forms: immediate release, sustained-release and extended-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a type of drugs that can be effective in treating ADHD. These medications help improve concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters within the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex region, which is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it aids with organizing and planning skills.
Stimulants are available both in short-acting as well as long-acting dosages. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken 2 or 3 times a day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer than methylphenidates however, they both function in the same way to improve concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release formulations. These can be a better alternative since they last from up to 12 hours and are usually taken every day. Some of these medications are a powder that you mix with liquid to make a drink, and others are in pill form.
Finding the right medication may take a bit of time. Your doctor will watch how you respond to the different types of drugs and alter the dosage as required. The use of medications should be part of an overall treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little longer to take effect, 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 like stimulants do. They are therefore able to be used for a longer time. These medications also be less prone to side effects such as heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first here of these drugs that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor may prescribe other medication from this category such as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These antidepressants with tricyclic chemistry, such as Tofranil(imipramine), are used to treat ADHD. Doctors will only recommend these medications when stimulants and other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many adverse consequences.
Your doctor can also prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have a direct effect however they can reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. These medications belong to a different class of drugs than other ones and may cause adverse effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also recommend an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), that is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help increase concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but usually not serious side effects like ringing or changes in vision.