Best Medication For ADHD

Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to focus better, be less impulsive and more relaxed. They also do better with schoolwork. Some experience a minor slowing of growth and have an increased blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medicines.

There are a variety of medications, including tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most popular stimulant. It's available in immediate-release dextroamphetamine amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine with extended release.

Stimulants

One of the best medications for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These drugs improve focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex which is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it aids with organizing and planning abilities.


Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times per day. Amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among them. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer than methylphenidates but both work in the same way to improve concentration and attention. There are extended-release versions of some stimulant medications. These can be a better option because they last up to 12 hours, and are usually taken every day. Some of these medicines are powders that is mixed with liquid to create a drink, while others are in pill form.

Finding the right medication may take a bit of time. Your doctor will watch how you react to different types of medications and will adjust the dosage as needed. Drugs should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which will include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.

Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to work but it can make you feel in control, increase your impulsivity and concentration and increase your concentration. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the way that stimulants do, so they can be safer to use for an extended period of time. These medications also have less adverse effects, such as heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor may prescribe other medication from this category which include guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).

There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that are prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These older tricyclic antidepressants, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. Doctors will only recommend these medications in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many adverse negative effects.

most effective adhd medication for adults may prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medicines do not have a direct effect however they can help reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. These medications are in a different class of drugs than other ones and may cause adverse 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 however it can help improve concentration and decrease impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant but not usually serious adverse effects, including ringing in the ears or changes in vision.