Best Medication For ADHD

The majority of children and teens who are taking ADHD medication notice they focus better, are less impulsive, feel calmer and get on with their school work. Some sufferers may experience a slowing of 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). The most frequently used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available in immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine salts.

Stimulants

One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class known as stimulants. These medications improve focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex that is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it aids in the planning and organization abilities.

Stimulants come in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes and have to be taken two or three times per throughout the day. These include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, but they both work similar ways to improve concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release formulations. They are the best choice since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are typically taken every day. Certain of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquids to create a beverage, while others are pills.

Finding the right medication may take a bit of time. Your doctor will monitor how you respond to the various types of drugs and adjust the dosage if needed. Drugs should only be used in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan that here will include behavioral therapy and support services.

Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to kick in, but can make you feel more in control and boost your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These medications do not affect norepinephrine or dopamine the same way that stimulants do. They can therefore be employed for a longer duration. These medications can also have less adverse effects such as constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's a selective reuptake norepinephrine inhibitor. Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine, which are both drugs in this group.

Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant group, 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 adverse side effects.

Your doctor may also prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have an immediate effect however they can reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. They're in a different class than the other options and may cause certain side effects like headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor might also suggest a low-dose antidepressant, bupropion (Wellbutrin), that isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but usually not serious side effects, such as the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.