Best Medication For ADHD

The majority of children and teens who are taking ADHD medication notice they focus better, are less impulsive, feel more calm and are able to get on coping with adhd without medication (describes it) their schoolwork. Some experience a minor slowing in growth and could have an increased heart rate or blood pressure when taking these drugs.

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

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, particularly norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex which is often described as the brain's "secretary" because it aids in the planning and organization abilities.

Stimulants are available both in short-acting and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes, and need to be taken three or twice times a day. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer than methylphenidates however, they both function in the same way to improve concentration and attention. There are extended-release versions of certain stimulant drugs. These are a better choice since they last from 8 to 12 hours and are generally taken only daily. Some of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquid to create a drink, and others are in pill form.

Finding the right medication can take a bit of time. Your doctor will monitor your response to different types of medication and alter the dosage as needed. The use of medicines should be a part of a complete treatment plan that includes support and behavioral therapy.

Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little longer to take effect however it can help you feel in control, improve your impulsivity and concentration and help you focus. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, and therefore are safer to use for an extended period of time. These medications can also have less adverse effects, such as heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. The first drug to be approved by the FDA to treat strongest adhd medication is called Strattera which is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. Your doctor could prescribe additional medication from this category such as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).

Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These older tricyclic antidepressants, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat how adhd medication works. These medications are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non prescription adhd medication-stimulants do not work, or if they cause too many adverse side effects.

Your doctor can prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have immediate effects however they can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. They're in a different class than the other options and can trigger some side effects such as headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor might also suggest the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but not usually serious side effects such as the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.