Best Medication For ADHD
The majority of children and teens who are taking ADHD medication notice they focus better and are less impulsive. They also feel calmer and more focused with their school work. Some people may experience a slight slowing in their growth or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure when taking these medications.
There are many different types of medicines that include liquids, tablets, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most well-known stimulant. It's available in immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. 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 brain's pre-frontal cortex that is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it aids with planning and organizational abilities.
Stimulants come in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken 2 or 3 times a every day. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among them. Amphetamines can be more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates however they work in the same way to increase attention and focus. There are extended-release versions of some stimulant medications. These can be a better option since they last between up to 12 hours and are typically taken every day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquid to make a drink, and others are pills.
Finding the right medication can take a while. Your doctor will be able to monitor your response check here to different types of medication and alter the dosage if needed. Medications should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which should include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to kick in but they can make you feel more in control and boost your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These medications don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine like stimulants do. They are therefore able to be utilized for a longer period of time. They also have less side effects, such as heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Your doctor might prescribe other medication from this category which include guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. Tricyclic antidepressants from the past, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. Doctors only recommend these drugs in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many adverse effects.
Your doctor can also prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications don't have a direct effect, but they can help reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. They're in a different drug class than the other options and can trigger certain side effects like shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also recommend a low dose of an antidepressant known as bupropion (Wellbutrin), which isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant, but generally not serious adverse effects, like hearing ringing or changes in vision.