20 Fun Details About Best Medication For ADHD
20 Fun Details About Best Medication For ADHD
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Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to concentrate better, be less impulsive and calmer. They also get on with schoolwork. Some suffer a slight slowing of growth and be experiencing an increase in heart rate or blood pressure when taking these medications.
There are many different types of medicines, including tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It is available in three forms: immediate release, extended-release and sustained-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These medications improve focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is sometimes called the "secretary of the brain" because it aids in organizing and planning abilities.
Stimulants are available in short-acting as well as long-acting dosages. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken 2 or 3 times a day. They include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines may be a bit more powerful 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 because they last between 8 to 12 hours, and are generally taken only every day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to create beverages, while some are pills.
It may take some time to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will monitor your response to different types of medication and alter the dosage if necessary. Medications should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which should include support and behavioral therapy services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to begin working however they can make you feel more in control and improve your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the as stimulants do, which means they can be more secure to use over longer periods of time. They can also be less prone to negative effects, including heartburn, constipation and a lessened sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these medications that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor might prescribe other medicines from this class, including the guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label are also available to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family, such as Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only suggest these drugs in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many side negative effects.
Viloxazine and atomoxetine are prescribed by your physician. These drugs do not have a direct effect however they can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. These medications belong to a different class of drugs compared to the others and can trigger adverse effects such as shaky hands or read more headache. Your doctor might also suggest an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but usually not severe adverse effects, including hearing ringing, or changes in vision.