The Intermediate Guide To Best Medication For ADHD
The Intermediate Guide To Best Medication For ADHD
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Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate better, be less impulsive and more calm. They also do better with schoolwork. Some suffer a slight slowdown in growth and may experience an increase in heart rate or blood pressure while taking these medicines.
The medications are available in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most frequently used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available in three forms: immediate release, sustained-release and extended-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These drugs aid in improving concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters within the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex, which is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it aids in the planning and organization skills.
Stimulants are available both in short-acting as well as long-acting dosages. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes and have to be taken two or three times a throughout the day. These include methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are stronger and last longer, but they both function in the same way in improving focus and attention. Some stimulant medications are available in extended-release formulations. They can be a better alternative since they last from up to 12 hours and are usually taken once per day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to create beverages, while some are pills.
Finding the right medication can take some time. Your doctor will watch how you respond to the various types of drugs and adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medication should be a part of an overall treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to kick check here in however they can help you feel more in control and boost your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the same as stimulants do, and therefore can be safer to use over longer periods of time. They also have less adverse negative effects like constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. The first medication to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera which is an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process. Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine, which are both medicines in this group.
Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant family such as Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only suggest these drugs when stimulants and other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many adverse consequences.
Viloxazine or Atomoxetine may be prescribed by your doctor. These medicines don't have immediate effects however they can reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. They're in a different category than the other options and may cause some adverse effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also recommend taking a low dose of an antidepressant known as bupropion (Wellbutrin), which isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but works well to increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can cause unpleasant but usually not severe, side effects, including hearing ringing or changes in vision.