10 Things We All Hate About Best Medication For ADHD
10 Things We All Hate About Best Medication For ADHD
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Best Medication For ADHD
Children and teenagers taking ADHD medication tend to focus better, be less impulsive and more calm. They also do better with schoolwork. Some suffer a slight slowing of growth and experience an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
Medications are available in different forms like capsules, tablets, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available in three forms: immediate-release extended-release and sustained-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These drugs help improve attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex region, which is often described as the brain's "secretary" because it assists in the planning and organization abilities.
Stimulants are available in short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting medications are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes, and need 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 are more potent and last longer, however they all work in similarly in improving attention and focus. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release formulations. They are the best choice since they last from 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken once a day. Some of these medications are powders that is mixed with liquid to make drinks, while others are in pill form.
It can take time to determine the appropriate medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will observe how you respond to the various types of medications and will alter the dosage as required. Medications should only be used as part of a complete treatment plan that will include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to kick in but they can help you feel more in control and boost your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, so they can be more secure to use over a longer period of time. These medications can also have less adverse effects such as constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's a selective reuptake norepinephrine inhibitor. Your doctor could 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 older tricyclic antidepressants, such as Tofranil(imipramine), are used to treat ADHD. Doctors only suggest these drugs in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many adverse effects.
Your doctor may also prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have a direct effect but they may help click here reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. These drugs are part of a different class of drugs from the others and can cause negative side effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also recommend the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) which isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but can increase concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity. It can cause unpleasant but not usually serious adverse effects, such as ringing in the ears or changes in vision.