"The Best Medication For ADHD Awards: The Most, Worst, And The Most Bizarre Things We've Seen

Best Medication For ADHD

Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to focus more effectively, have less impulsive and calmer. They also have a better time with schoolwork. Some sufferers may experience a slowdown in their growth, or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when they are taking these drugs.

There are a variety of medicines such as tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most well-known stimulant. It's available in immediate-release dextroamphetamine dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine salts.

Stimulants

Stimulants are a type of drugs that can be effective in treating ADHD. These drugs improve focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex region that is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it aids in the planning and organization skills.

Stimulants are available in both short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times a every day. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphetamines may be a bit 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 can be a better option because they last up to 12 hours, and are usually taken every day. Some of these are powders that you mix with website liquids to create beverages, while some are pills.

Finding the right medication can take a while. Your doctor will watch how you respond to the different types of drugs and alter the dosage as required. Medications should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that will include support and behavioral therapy services.

Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little more time to work but it can make you feel in control, increase your impulsivity and concentration and help you focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the same as stimulants do, so they can be more secure to use over an extended period of time. They can also be less prone to side effects, such as constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both medications within this category.

There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These antidepressants with tricyclic chemistry, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat ADHD. Doctors only recommend these drugs when stimulants and other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many side effects.

Your doctor may also prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications do not have a direct effect, but they can help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. They're in a different class than the other options and may cause some adverse effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also recommend the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but can improve concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant but usually not severe side effects, such as hearing ringing or changes in vision.