10 Fundamentals To Know Best Medication For ADHD You Didn't Learn In School
10 Fundamentals To Know Best Medication For ADHD You Didn't Learn In School
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Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to concentrate better, be less impulsive and more calm. They also get on with schoolwork. Some people may experience a slight slowing in their growth or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure when taking these medications.
The medications are available in a variety of forms including tablets, capsules liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It is available in three forms: immediate release, sustained-release and extended-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that can be effective in treating ADHD. These drugs enhance concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often known as the "secretary of the brain" because it helps in organizing and planning abilities.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes and have to be taken two or three times a day. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphetamines can be more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates but both work in the same way to increase attention and focus. There are also extended-release versions of a few stimulant drugs. They are a better option because they last for 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken once a day. Some of these medications are a powder that you mix with liquid to create a drink, while others are pills.
It may take a while to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will observe how you react to various types of medications and will adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medications should be done as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which will include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to kick in however they can make you feel more in control and improve your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, adhd treatment medication and therefore can be safer to use over an extended period of time. These medications can also be less prone to side effects such as constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. The first drug to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera and is an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process. Your doctor might prescribe other medication from this category, including guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant family like Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants do not work or if they cause too many side effects.
Your doctor may prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications don't have an immediate impact however they can reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. These medications are in a different class of drugs than the others and can trigger adverse effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also suggest the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) which isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help increase concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not usually serious side effects like ringing or changes in vision.