You've Forgotten Best Medication For ADHD: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Really Need It

Best Medication For ADHD

The majority of children and teens who are taking ADHD medication report that they focus better, are less impulsive, feel calmer and more focused with their schoolwork. Some individuals may experience a slight slowdown in their growth, or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure when they are taking these drugs.

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

Stimulants

One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These medications help improve concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters in the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex, which is often called 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 peak within 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken two or three times per day. These include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, but they both work the same way in improving attention and focus. There are extended- add medication adult  of certain stimulant medications. They are the best choice since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are typically taken every day. Some of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquid to make a drink, while others are in pill form.

It may take some time to determine the appropriate medication for you or your child. Your doctor will observe your reaction to different kinds of medications and adjust the dosage if necessary. The use of medicines should be part of an overall treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and support.

Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little more time to work however it can help you feel more in control, improve your impulsivity and concentration and help you focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the same as stimulants do, which means they can be safer to use for an extended period of time. They also be less prone to side effects such as constipation, heartburn, and 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 medication from this category, including guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).

There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that are prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant family such as Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only recommend these drugs in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many adverse negative effects.

Your doctor may also prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications do not have immediate effects however they can reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. These medications belong to a different class of drugs from other ones and may cause adverse effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also recommend an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can increase concentration and decrease the impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant, but generally not serious, side effects, like ringing in the ears or changes in vision.