Best Medication For ADHD

Most teenagers and children who take 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 slowing in growth and could be experiencing an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these drugs.

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

Stimulants

Stimulants are a class of drugs that is effective in treating ADHD. These medications help improve attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters within the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is sometimes called the "secretary of the brain" because it helps in the planning and organizing abilities.

Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken two or three times per every day. These include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, however they both work similar ways to improve concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release forms. These are a better choice because they last for 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken daily. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquid to create drinks, while others are in pill form.

It may take a while to find the right medication for adhd and odd for you or your child. Your doctor will monitor how adhd medication works you respond to the different types of medications and will alter the dosage as required. 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 takes a little bit longer to work but it can make you feel more in control, improve your impulsivity and concentration, and improve your concentration. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, so they can be more secure to use for longer periods of time. They also have less adverse effects, like heartburn, constipation and a lessened sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these medications that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine. It is also known as Intuniv or clonidine, which are both drugs in this class.

Non-stimulant, off-label 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 in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many adverse negative effects.

Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your doctor. These medications do not have immediate effects, but they can help reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. They're in a distinct drug class from the other choices and may cause some adverse effects, such as headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor might also recommend the use of a small dose of an antidepressant, called bupropion (Wellbutrin) that is not a FDA-approved treatment for adhd no medication but works well to improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can cause unpleasant but usually not severe adverse effects, including hearing ringing, or changes in vision.