Why Nobody Cares About Best Medication For ADHD
Best Medication For ADHDMost children and teenagers who take ADHD medication find they concentrate better, are less impulsive, feel calmer and get on with their schoolwork. Some experience a minor slowing in growth and could be experiencing an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
There are many different types of medications that include liquids, tablets, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It comes in three forms: immediate-release, extended-release and sustained-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a type of drugs that can be effective in treating ADHD. These medications improve concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is often referred to by the term "secretary of the brain" because it aids in organizing and planning abilities.
Stimulants are available both in short-acting as well as long-acting dosages. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times a day. Amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among them. Amphetamines can be more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates however, they both function in the same way to improve attention and focus. There are also extended-release versions of some stimulant drugs. They are a better option because they last for 8 to 12 hours, and are generally taken only every day. Some of these medicines are a powder that you mix with liquid to make drinks, while others are pills.
Finding the right medicine can take some time. Your doctor will observe how you react to different kinds of drugs and adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medications should be part of a complete treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to start working, but can help you feel more in control and increase your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These medications do not alter dopamine or norepinephrine in like stimulants do. They are therefore able to be utilized for a longer period of time. They also click here have less negative effects, including constipation, heartburn, and decreased sex drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera, and it's an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process. Your doctor could prescribe additional medication from this category such as the guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. Tricyclic antidepressants from the past, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat ADHD. Doctors only recommend these drugs if stimulants and other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many adverse negative effects.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your physician. These medications don't have a direct effect but they may help reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. They're in a different drug class from the other choices and may cause certain side effects like shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor might also recommend taking a low dose of an antidepressant called bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is not a FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but not always serious side effects, such as ringing or changes in vision.