The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About Best Medication For ADHD Best Medication For ADHD

Most teenagers and children who are taking ADHD medication find they concentrate better, are less impulsive, feel calmer and more focused with their schoolwork. Some experience a minor slowing of growth and have an increased blood pressure or heart rate when taking these drugs.

Medications are available in different forms including tablets, capsules, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine salts.


Stimulants

One of the best medications for ADHD is a class known as stimulants. These drugs aid in improving concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters in the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex region that is often described as the brain's "secretary" because it aids in the planning and organization skills.

Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs have a peak effect in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken two or three times a day. They include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are stronger and last longer, however they both function in similarly in improving attention and focus. There are extended- medications for adhd of certain stimulant drugs. These are a better choice since they last from 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken every day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquid to make a drink, and others are in pill form.

Finding the right medication may take a while. Your doctor will watch how you react to various types of drugs and alter the dosage as required. Drugs should only be used as part of a complete treatment plan, which should include behavioral therapy and support services.

Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a longer to take effect but it can make you feel in control, improve your concentration and impulsivity, and improve your concentration. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine the same as stimulants do, which means they are safer to use over longer periods of time. They can also have fewer adverse effects, like constipation, heartburn and reduced sex drive. The first drug to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera which is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine, which are both drugs within this category.

Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. Tricyclic antidepressants from the past like Tofranil(imipramine), are used to treat ADHD. These drugs are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants do not work, or if they cause too many adverse side effects.

Viloxazine or Atomoxetine may be prescribed by your doctor. These drugs don't have an immediate effect however they can help reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. They're in a distinct drug category than the other options, and they can cause some side effects such as shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor might also suggest the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin), that is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help increase concentration and decrease impulsivity. It can cause unpleasant, but generally not serious, side effects, including hearing ringing or changes in vision.