Best Medication For ADHD

The majority of children and teens who are taking ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. They feel more calm and are able to get on with their school work. Some sufferers may experience a slowdown in their growth, or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.

Medications are available in different forms including tablets, capsules liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It comes in three forms: immediate-release extended-release, and sustained-release.

Stimulants

Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that is effective in treating ADHD. These medications improve focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often referred to by the term "secretary of the brain" because it assists in the planning and organizing abilities.

Stimulants are available in both short-acting as well as long-acting dosages. The short-acting drugs peak in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken three or twice 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 similar ways to improve concentration and attention. There are also extended-release versions of certain stimulant medications. They are the best medication for adhd choice since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken once a day. Certain of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquids to make drinks, while others are pills.

Finding the right medicine can take a while. Your doctor will be able to monitor your response to different types of medication and alter the dosage as needed. The use of medications should be a part of an overall treatment plan that includes support and behavioral therapy.

Non-stimulant inattentive adhd medication adults medications take a little longer to start working, but can help you feel more in control and improve your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine the same as stimulants do, and therefore can be safer to use for longer periods of time. They also have less adverse effects such as heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera and is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Your doctor could prescribe additional medication from this category which include Guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).

There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that are available off-label to treat adhd and medication. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family like Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by doctors when stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work, or if they have too many adverse effects.

Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your doctor. These medicines don't have an immediate effect, but help reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. These drugs are part of a different class of drugs compared to 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 known as bupropion (Wellbutrin), which isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help improve concentration and decrease impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but not always serious side effects such as hearing loss or changes in vision.