Best Medication For ADHD

Most teenagers and children who take ADHD medication notice they focus better, are less impulsive, feel more calm and are able to get on with their school work. Some people may experience a slight slowing of their growth or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure while taking these medications.

Medications are available in different forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). The most frequently used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It comes in three forms: immediate release, extended-release and sustained-release.

Stimulants

Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that is effective in treating ADHD. These medications help improve concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters within the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is sometimes referred to by the term "secretary of the brain" because it helps in planning and organization skills.

Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times per throughout the day. These include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines can be more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates, however, they both function in the same way to improve concentration and attention. There are extended-release versions of a few stimulant drugs. They are a better option because they last between 8 to 12 hours, and are generally taken only daily. Some of these medications are a powder that you mix with liquid to create a drink, and others are pills.

Finding the right medication may take a bit of time. Your doctor will observe how you respond to the different kinds of medications and will alter the dosage as required. The use of medicines should be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes support and behavioral therapy.

Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to kick in, but can make you feel more in control and boost your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way stimulants do. They can therefore be used for a longer time. These medications also have less side negative effects like constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera, and it's an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process. Your doctor may prescribe other medications from this group such as the guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).

There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that can more info be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. Tricyclic antidepressants from the past, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. These drugs are only prescribed by doctors when stimulants or other non-stimulants do not work, or if they cause too many side effects.

Your doctor can also prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications do not have a direct effect, but they can help reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. These drugs are part of a different class of drugs compared to other ones and may cause adverse effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also suggest taking a low dose of an antidepressant called bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is not a FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but not usually serious side effects, such as the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.