Best Medication For ADHD
Most teenagers and children who take ADHD medication notice they focus better and are less impulsive. They feel calmer and more focused with their school work. Some people may experience a slight slowing in their growth, or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure when they are taking these drugs.
There are a variety of medications, including tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. adhd medication online as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine with extended release.
Stimulants
One of the best medications for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These drugs enhance focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is sometimes known as the "secretary of the brain" because it assists 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 have to be taken 2 or 3 times per throughout the day. They include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines can be stronger and last longer than methylphenidates, but both work in the same way to improve concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release forms. These are a better choice since they last from 8 to 12 hours and are typically taken once a day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to make a beverage, while others are pills.
It may take some time to determine the appropriate medication for you or your child. Your doctor will monitor how you respond to the various types of drugs and adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medications should be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to begin working but they 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, which means they can be safer to use over an extended period of time. These medications can also be less prone to side negative effects like heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these medications that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor might prescribe other medications from this group, including the guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family, such as Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors will only recommend these medications if stimulants and other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many side consequences.
Your doctor can prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medicines don't have an immediate effect however they can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. These drugs are part of a different class of drugs compared to the others and can cause adverse effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also recommend a low dose of an antidepressant called bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to improve concentration and decrease impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but usually not serious side effects like ringing or changes in vision.