Best Medication For ADHD
The majority of children and teens who take ADHD medication report that they focus better and are less impulsive. They also feel more calm and are able to get on with their schoolwork. Some suffer a slight slowing in growth and could have an increased blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
They are available in various forms including tablets, capsules liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most frequently used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that can be effective in treating ADHD. These drugs improve concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex that is often described as the brain's "secretary" because it assists with organizing and planning skills.
Stimulants come in short- and long-acting doses. add adult medications -acting medicines have a peak effect in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken three or twice times a day. They include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines may be a bit stronger and last longer than methylphenidates but both work in the same way to improve attention and focus. There are extended-release versions of a few stimulant medications. They are a good option because they last 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken once per day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to make drinks, while others are pills.
It may take a while to determine the appropriate medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will watch how you respond to the different types of medications and will adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medications should be part of a complete treatment plan that includes support and behavioral therapy.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to start working but they can help you feel more in control and boost your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These medications do not alter dopamine or norepinephrine in like stimulants do. They can therefore be used for a longer time. These medications can also be less prone to side effects, such as heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine. It is also known as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both drugs in this group.
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are available off-label to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family like Tofranil (imipramine). These drugs are only prescribed by doctors when stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or if they have too many adverse effects.
Your doctor can prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications don't have an immediate impact however they can reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. They're in a distinct drug class from the other choices and can trigger certain side effects like shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor may also recommend an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help increase concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but not always serious side effects, such as ringing or changes in vision.