Why We Do We Love Best Medication For ADHD (And You Should Also!)
Best Medication For ADHDMost children and teenagers who are taking ADHD medication notice they focus better and are less impulsive. They feel calmer and get on with their school work. Some people may experience a slight slowing of their growth or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure while taking these medications.
They are available in various forms like capsules, tablets liquid, patches and pills (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). 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 improve focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is sometimes referred to by the term "secretary of the brain" because it aids in planning and organization abilities.
Stimulants are available in short-acting and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken 2 or 3 times a day. These include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, but they both work similarly in improving attention and focus. There are also extended-release versions of some stimulant medications. They are a good alternative since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken daily. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquid to make drinks, while others are pills.
It can take time to find the right medication for you or your child. Your doctor will watch how you react to various types of medications and will adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medication should be part of an overall treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to kick in but they can make you feel more in control and improve your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These medications don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine like stimulants do. They are therefore able to be utilized for a longer period of time. They also have less side effects, such as heartburn, constipation and a lessened sexual drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera and is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Your doctor might prescribe other medications from this group such as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These antidepressants with tricyclic chemistry like Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat ADHD. Doctors will only recommend these medications if stimulants and other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many side negative effects.
Your doctor may prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have a direct effect however they click here can reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. They're in a different drug category than the other options, and they can cause some side effects such as headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor may also suggest a low dose of an antidepressant called bupropion (Wellbutrin), which isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but usually not serious side effects such as hearing loss or changes in vision.