Best Medication For ADHD

Children and teenagers taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate more effectively, have less impulsive, and are more calm. They also have a better time with schoolwork. Some people may experience a slight slowdown in their growth or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure when taking these medications.

There are a variety of medication, including tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It is available in three forms: immediate-release, extended-release, and sustained-release.

Stimulants

Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These drugs aid in improving concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters in the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex region, which 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 need to be taken two or three times a day. Amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among them. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, however they both work similarly in improving concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release versions. They are a good alternative 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 make a beverage, while others are pills.

Finding the right medicine can take a while. Your doctor will monitor how you respond to the different types of medications and will adjust the dosage as needed. Drugs should only be used in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan, which should include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.

Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to start working however they can help you feel more in control and increase your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, so they can be safer to use over a longer period of time. These medications also have less side negative effects like heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. The first medication to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera, and it's an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process. Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine. It is also known as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both medications within this category.

There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These older tricyclic antidepressants like Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat ADHD. These drugs are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants do not work or cause too many adverse side effects.

Viloxazine and atomoxetine are prescribed by your doctor. These drugs don't have a direct effect but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. They're in a distinct drug category than the other options and may cause some side effects such as headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor may also recommend the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin), that isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help increase concentration here and decrease the impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not always serious side effects such as ringing or changes in vision.