Best Medication For ADHD

Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to concentrate better, be less impulsive, and are calmer. They also have a better time with schoolwork. Some sufferers may experience a slowing of their growth or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure when taking these medications.

There are many different types of medications, including tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It's available in immediate-release dextroamphetamine dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine salts.

Stimulants

One of the best medications for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These medications improve focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often called the "secretary of the brain" because it assists in the planning and organizing skills.

Stimulants are available in both short-acting and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times per every day. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphetamines may be a bit more potent and last longer than methylphenidates but both work in the same way to increase concentration and attention. There are extended-release versions of some stimulant drugs. These are a better choice since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are generally taken only daily. Certain of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquids to create drinks, while others are pills.

It may take a while to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will be able to monitor your response to different types of medicines and adjust the dosage if necessary. The use of medications should be done as part of a complete treatment plan that will include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.

Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to kick in but they can help you feel more in control and improve your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, so they can be safer to use over a longer period of time. They also have less negative effects, including heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these medications that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's a selective reuptake norepinephrine inhibitor. Your doctor may prescribe other medicines from this class which include the guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).

Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These antidepressants with tricyclic chemistry like Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. Doctors only suggest these drugs in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many adverse effects.

Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your physician. These drugs do not have a direct effect however they can reduce the impulsivity of people and check here increase concentration over time. They're in a distinct drug class from the other choices and may cause some adverse effects, such as shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor may also suggest the use of a small dose of an antidepressant known as bupropion (Wellbutrin) that is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not usually serious side effects, like hearing ringing, or changes in vision.