Twenty Myths About Best Medication For ADHD: Busted

Best Medication For ADHD

Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to focus better, be less impulsive, and feel more relaxed. They also do better with schoolwork. Some suffer a slight slowing in growth and could be experiencing an increase in heart rate or blood pressure while taking these medicines.

They are available in various forms including tablets, capsules liquid, patches and pills (such as Daytrana). The most frequently used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.

Stimulants

One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These medications improve focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex which is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it aids in the planning and organization abilities.

Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes, and must be taken three or twice times per day. They include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines can be more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates but both work in the same way to increase concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release forms. These are a better choice because they last between 8 to 12 hours, and are typically taken every day. Some of these medications are a powder that is mixed with liquid to make a drink, and others are in pill form.

It may take a while to determine the appropriate medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will observe your reaction to different kinds of medication and alter the dosage as needed. The use of medication should be part of a complete treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and support.

Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a more time to work but it can make you feel in control, increase your impulsivity and concentration and increase your focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, and therefore are safer to use for a longer period of time. They also have less side negative effects like heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both medications within this category.

Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD.  adhd medication list  are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant family like Tofranil (imipramine). These drugs are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work, or if they cause too many adverse side effects.

Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your doctor. These medications do not have immediate effects but they may help reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. They're in a distinct drug category than the other options and can trigger certain side effects like shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor might also recommend taking a low dose of an antidepressant known as bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is not a FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but works well to improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but not usually serious side effects, such as ringing or changes in vision.