Best Medication For ADHD
The majority of children and teens who take ADHD medication report that they focus better, are less impulsive, feel calmer and get on with their school work. Some experience a minor slowdown in growth and may be experiencing an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these drugs.
The medications are available in a variety of forms like capsules, tablets liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). adhd and depression medication comes in three forms: immediate-release, extended-release, and sustained-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that can be 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 often called the "secretary of the brain" because it aids in organizing and planning skills.
Stimulants are available in short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken 2 or 3 times per day. These include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are stronger and last longer than methylphenidates however they work in the same way to increase concentration and attention. There are also extended-release versions of some stimulant medications. They are a better option because they last for 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken daily. Some of these medications are a powder that you mix with liquid to make a drink, and others are in pill form.
It may take a while to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will watch how you react to different types of drugs and alter the dosage as required. The use of medicines should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to begin working, but can make you feel more in control and increase your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the way that stimulants do, and therefore can be safer to use over a longer period of time. They also have less adverse effects, like constipation, heartburn, and decreased 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 might prescribe other medications from this group such as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are available off-label to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family, such as Tofranil (imipramine). These drugs are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many side effects.
Your doctor may prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have immediate effects however they can help reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. They're in a distinct drug class from the other choices and may cause certain side effects like headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor might also recommend a low dose of an antidepressant called bupropion (Wellbutrin), which isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but works well to improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not usually serious side effects like ringing or changes in vision.