Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to focus better, be less impulsive, and feel calmer. They also do better with schoolwork. adhd medications for adults may experience a slight slowing of growth and be experiencing an increase in heart rate or blood pressure while taking these medicines.
They are available in various forms like capsules, tablets, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It comes in three forms: immediate-release, sustained-release and extended-release.
Stimulants
One of the best medications for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These medications improve focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex region that is often described as the brain's "secretary" because it assists in the planning and organization 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 2 or 3 times a every day. They include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines can be more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates, however, they both function in the same way to increase concentration and attention. There are extended-release versions of certain stimulant medications. These are a better choice because they last for 8 to 12 hours, and are generally taken only once a day. Certain of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquids to create a beverage, while others are pills.
Finding the right medicine can take a while. Your doctor will observe your response to different types of medications and adjust the dosage if necessary. The use of medications should be done as part of a complete treatment plan, which should include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to work, but it can help you feel in control, increase your impulsivity and concentration, and improve your concentration. These medications don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine like stimulants do. They can therefore be used for a longer time. These medications can also have less side effects such as constipation, heartburn, and decreased 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 could prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine. These are both medications in this class.
Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family such as Tofranil (imipramine). adhd medication for adults will only recommend these medications if stimulants and other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many side effects.
Viloxazine and atomoxetine are prescribed by your doctor. These medications do not have a direct effect but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. These medications are 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 an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can increase concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not always serious side effects like the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.