Best Medication For ADHD

Children and teenagers taking ADHD medication tend to focus more effectively, have less impulsive, and feel calmer. They also have a better time with schoolwork. Some suffer a slight slowing in growth and could experience an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.

There are adult adhd medication of medicines such as tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available in immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.

Stimulants

Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These drugs aid in improving attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters within the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex region, which is often called the brain's "secretary" because it assists with organizing and planning skills.


Stimulants are available in short-acting as well as long-acting dosages. The short-acting medicines are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times a day. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphetamines may be a bit more potent and last longer than methylphenidates but both work in the same way to increase concentration and attention. There are extended-release versions of certain stimulant medications. They are the best choice because they last between 8 to 12 hours and are typically taken once a day. Some of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquid to create a drink, and others are in pill form.

It can take time to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will observe your response to different types of medications and adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medication should be part of an overall treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.

Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to kick in however they can help you feel more in control and improve your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, and therefore can be safer to use over a longer period of time. They can also be less prone to negative effects, including constipation, heartburn, and reduced sexual drive. The first drug to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera and is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both medications in this class.

Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant group, such as Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only recommend these drugs when stimulants and other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many side effects.

Your doctor can prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications don't have immediate effects however they can reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. They're in a distinct drug class from the other choices, and they can cause some side effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also suggest a low dose of an antidepressant, called bupropion (Wellbutrin), which isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but not always serious side effects like ringing or changes in vision.