20 Fun Details About Best Medication For ADHD
20 Fun Details About Best Medication For ADHD
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Best Medication For ADHD
The majority of children and teens who take ADHD medication find they concentrate better, are less impulsive, feel calmer and get on with their school work. Some experience a minor slowing of growth and be experiencing an increase in heart rate or blood pressure while taking these medicines.
Medications are available in different forms like capsules, tablets liquid, patches and pills (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most popular stimulant. It comes in three forms: immediate-release, extended-release, and sustained-release.
Stimulants
One of the best medications for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These drugs enhance concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex region, which is often called the brain's "secretary" because it assists with organizing and planning skills.
Stimulants are available in both short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting medicines are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes and should be taken twice or three times per day. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among them. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer than methylphenidates, however, they both function in the same way to improve concentration and attention. Some stimulant medications are available in extended-release formulations. They are the best choice because they last between 8 to 12 hours and are typically taken once a day. Some of these medicines are a powder that you mix with liquid to make a drink, while others are in pill form.
It may take some time to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will observe your response to different types of medication and alter the dosage if necessary. The use of medicines should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to start working 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 the same way that stimulants do, so they are safer to use for a longer period of time. They can also have fewer adverse effects, like constipation, heartburn, and reduced sex drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's a selective reuptake norepinephrine inhibitor. Your doctor may prescribe other medicines from this class which include guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label are also available to treat ADHD. These antidepressants with tricyclic chemistry like Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat ADHD. These drugs are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants do not work or have too many adverse effects.
Viloxazine or Atomoxetine may be prescribed by your physician. These drugs do not have a direct effect however they can help reduce impulsivity and improve concentration over here time. They're in a different class than the other options and can trigger some side effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also recommend a low dose of an antidepressant, called bupropion (Wellbutrin), which isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant, but generally not serious side effects, such as hearing ringing or changes in vision.