Best Medication For ADHD
Children and teenagers taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate more effectively, have less impulsive, and are calmer. They also do better with schoolwork. Some may experience a slight slowing of growth and be experiencing an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
There are many different types of medication such as tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. 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 drugs help improve focus and attention by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex region, which is often called the brain's "secretary" because it helps in the planning and organization skills.
Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken two or three times a day. These include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines can be more potent and last longer than methylphenidates however, they both function in the same way to increase concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release formulations. They are the best choice because they last for 8 to 12 hours and are generally taken only once a day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to make a beverage, while others are pills.
It may take some time to determine the appropriate medication for you or your child. Your doctor will watch how you react to various types of medications and will alter the dosage as required. The use of medication should be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to begin working but they can make you feel more in control and improve your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, and therefore can be more secure to use for a longer period of time. They can also have fewer side effects, such as heartburn, constipation and a decreased sex drive. The first drug to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Your doctor could prescribe additional medicines from this class such as guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant family like Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only suggest these drugs if stimulants and other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many adverse consequences.
Your doctor can also prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't 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 than other ones and may cause adverse effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also recommend the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin), that isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but can increase concentration and decrease the impulsivity. adhd and depression medication can cause unpleasant, but generally not serious side effects, including hearing ringing or changes in vision.