Best Medication For ADHD
Most teenagers and children who take ADHD medication report that they focus better and are less impulsive. They feel more calm and are able to get on with their schoolwork. Some may experience a slight slowing in growth and could experience an increase in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medicines.
Medications are available in different forms including tablets, capsules, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These drugs enhance focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is sometimes called the "secretary of the brain" because it assists in organizing and planning skills.
Stimulants are available in both short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes and have to be taken two or three times a day. These include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, however they both function in the same way in improving attention and focus. There are also extended-release versions of certain stimulant drugs. These can be a better option because they last 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken every day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to make a beverage, while others are pills.
Finding the right medication can take a bit of time. Your doctor will observe how you respond to the different kinds of medications and will adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medications should be done as part of a complete treatment plan that will include support and behavioral therapy services.
adhd without medication -stimulant ADHD medication takes a little bit longer to work, but it can help you feel in control, increase your impulsivity and concentration and help you concentration. These medications do not alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do. They are therefore able to be used for a longer time. They also have less adverse negative effects like constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera and is 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 in this group.
Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These antidepressants with tricyclic chemistry, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. Doctors only suggest these drugs if stimulants and other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many side negative effects.
Viloxazine or Atomoxetine may be prescribed by your doctor. These medications do not have a direct effect but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. These medications belong to a different class of drugs from other ones and may cause negative side effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also suggest a low dose of an antidepressant, called bupropion (Wellbutrin) that is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but not always serious side effects like ringing or changes in vision.