Best Medication For ADHD

Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to concentrate more effectively, have less impulsive, and feel more calm. They also do better with schoolwork. Some individuals may experience a slight slowdown in their growth or a rise in blood pressure or heart rate when they are taking these drugs.

There are a variety of medications that include liquids, tablets, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It comes in three forms: immediate-release, sustained-release and extended-release.

Stimulants

Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These drugs improve concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex region that is often described as the brain's "secretary" because it assists with organizing and planning skills.

Stimulants are available both in short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting drugs peak in 30 to 45 minutes, and must be taken twice or three times per day. These include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines can be more potent and last longer than methylphenidates, but both work in the same way to improve attention and focus. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release versions. They can be a better option because they last 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken every day. Some of these are a powder that you mix with liquid to make drinks, while others are in pill form.

Finding the right medicine can take a while. Your doctor will watch how you respond to the different types of medications and will adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medications should be a part of an overall treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.

Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to begin working, but can help you feel more in control and boost your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These medications do not affect norepinephrine or dopamine the same way stimulants do. They are therefore able to be employed for a longer duration. These medications can also have less side effects, such as constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. The first medication to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera which is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. Your doctor might prescribe other medication from this category, including Guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).

There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that are available off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant family, such as Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only suggest these drugs when stimulants and other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many adverse effects.

Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your physician. These medications don't have immediate effects however they can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. These medications are more info in a different class of drugs compared to the others and can trigger negative side effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also recommend the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin), that isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but usually not serious side effects such as the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.