Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who take ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. They feel calmer and get on with their school work. Some sufferers may experience a slowing in their growth, or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure when they are taking these drugs.
There are a variety of medications that include liquids, tablets patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most popular stimulant. It's available in immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that is effective in treating ADHD. These drugs aid in improving focus and attention by affecting certain neurotransmitters within the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex which is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it helps with organizing and planning skills.
Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes and have to be taken 2 or 3 times a day. They include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, however they both work the same way in improving concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release forms. They are a better option because they last for 8 to 12 hours, and are typically taken every day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to make a beverage, while others are pills.
It can take time to find the right medication for you or your child. Your doctor will monitor how you respond to the various types of medications and will adjust the dosage as 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 little longer to take effect however it can help you feel more in control, increase your impulsivity and concentration and help you concentration. These medications do not affect norepinephrine or dopamine 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 medications that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor could prescribe additional medicines from this class which include the guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family like Tofranil (imipramine). These drugs are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or if they cause too many side effects.
Your doctor may also prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have a direct effect, but they can help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. They're in a different drug class from the other choices, and they can cause some side effects such as shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor might also suggest an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), that is not FDA approved for website ADHD treatment, but can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant, but generally not serious, side effects, such as hearing ringing, or changes in vision.