Three Greatest Moments In Best Medication For ADHD History
Best Medication For ADHD
Most teenagers and children who take ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. They also feel more calm and are able to get on with their school work. Some suffer a slight slowing in growth and could have an increased blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
There are a variety of medication that include liquids, tablets, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available 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 aid in improving focus and attention by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex region that is often called the brain's "secretary" because it aids with organizing and planning abilities.
Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes and should be taken twice or three times a day. These include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines may be a bit more potent and last longer than methylphenidates, however they work in the same way to improve attention and focus. There are also extended-release versions of some stimulant drugs. These can be a better option because they last up to 12 hours, and are usually taken once per day. Some of these are powders that is mixed with liquid to create a drink, and others are in pill form.
Finding the right medication may take some time. Your doctor will watch how you respond to the different types of medications and will adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medications should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little more time to work however it can help you feel in control, improve your concentration and impulsivity and help you focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine the same as stimulants do, which means they can be more secure to use for an extended period of time. These medications can also be less prone to side negative effects like heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor may prescribe other medication from this category, including guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant group, such as Tofranil (imipramine). These drugs are only prescribed by physicians if stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or if they have too many adverse effects.
Your doctor may also prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medicines don't have immediate effects however they can reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. adhd medication adults in a distinct drug class from the other choices and can trigger some adverse effects, such as shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor may also recommend the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but can improve concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but usually not severe side effects, such as hearing ringing or changes in vision.