Best Medication For ADHD

The majority of children and teens who are taking ADHD medication report that they focus better and are less impulsive. They also feel calmer and get on with their school work. Some experience a minor slowdown in growth and may experience an increase in heart rate or blood pressure when taking these drugs.

There are many different types of medications such as tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most well-known stimulant. It comes in three forms: immediate release, sustained-release and extended-release.

Stimulants

One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These medications improve concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often referred to by the term "secretary of the brain" because it helps in planning and organization skills.

Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times a day. These include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, but they all work in similar ways to improve attention and focus. Some stimulant medications are available in extended-release versions. These can be a better option since they last between up to 12 hours and are usually taken every day. Some of these are powders that is mixed with liquid to create drinks, while others are in pill form.

Finding the right medicine can take a while. Your doctor will monitor your reaction to different kinds of medications and adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medicines should be a part of an overall treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and support.

Non-stimulant Adhd Medication Prescription Uk medications can take a bit longer to start working, but can make you feel more in control and improve your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine the same as stimulants do, which means they can be more secure to use for an extended period of time. These medications can also have less adverse effects such as constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera which is an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process. Your doctor may prescribe other medication from this category such as guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).

Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label can also be prescribed to treat adhd medications. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family such as Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many side effects.

Viloxazine or Atomoxetine may be prescribed by your doctor. These drugs don't have an immediate impact but they may help reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. These medications belong to a different class of drugs than other ones and may cause side effects like shaky hand or headache. Your doctor might also recommend a low dose of an antidepressant known as bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is not a FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but works well to increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not always serious side effects like hearing loss or changes in vision.