Best Medication For ADHD

Most children and teenagers who are taking ADHD medication report that they focus better and are less impulsive. They feel calmer and get on with their school work. Some suffer a slight slowdown in growth and may have an increased heart rate or blood pressure while taking these medicines.

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


Stimulants

Stimulants are a class of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These medications improve concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is often called the "secretary of the brain" because it aids in organizing and planning skills.

adhd adult medication are available in both short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken 2 or 3 times per every day. They include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines can be more potent and last longer than methylphenidates however, they both function in the same way to increase attention and focus. There are extended-release versions of some stimulant medications. These are a better choice because they last between 8 to 12 hours, and are typically taken every day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquid to make a drink, and others are pills.

It may take a while to find the right medication for you or your child. Your doctor will watch how you react to different kinds of drugs and adjust the dosage if needed. Medications should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that will include support and behavioral therapy services.

Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little more time to work but it can make you feel more in control, increase your impulsivity and concentration, and improve your concentration. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine the same as stimulants do, which means they can be safer to use over longer periods of time. They also have less adverse effects such as constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor could prescribe additional medicines from this class, including Guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).

There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These older tricyclic antidepressants, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. Doctors only suggest these drugs in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many adverse consequences.

Viloxazine and atomoxetine are prescribed by your physician. These medicines don't have immediate effects however they can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. 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 a low-dose antidepressant, bupropion (Wellbutrin), that is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can improve concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity. It can cause unpleasant but usually not severe adverse effects, such as hearing ringing or changes in vision.