Best Medication For ADHD
Most teenagers and children who are taking ADHD medication notice they focus better and are less impulsive. They feel more calm and are able to get on with their school work. Some people may experience a slight slowing in their growth or a rise in heart rate or bloodpressure while taking these medications.
The medications are available in a variety of forms like capsules, tablets liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine with extended release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a type of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These medications improve focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is often referred to by the term "secretary of the brain" because it aids in the planning and organizing skills.
Stimulants are available both in short-acting and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times a throughout the day. These include methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are stronger and last longer, however they all work in the same way in improving focus and attention. There are also extended-release versions of a few stimulant medications. These are a better choice because they last between 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken daily. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquid to create a drink, while others are pills.
It may take a while to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will be able to monitor your reaction to different kinds of medication and alter the dosage if needed. The use of medicines should be a part of a complete treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to begin working however they can help you feel more in control and boost your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, and therefore can be safer to use over longer periods of time. These medications can also have less side negative effects like constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. adhd without medication is the first medication that was approved by 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 medications in the tricyclic antidepressant group, such as Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only suggest these drugs if stimulants and other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many adverse effects.
Your doctor may prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications do not have a direct effect however they can help reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. They're in a different class than the other options and can trigger some side effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also recommend a low-dose antidepressant, bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help increase concentration and decrease impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not usually serious side effects such as the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.