Be On The Lookout For: How Best Medication For ADHD Is Taking Over And How To Stop It
Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to focus more effectively, have less impulsive and more calm. They also do better with schoolwork. Some experience a minor slowing of growth and experience an increase in heart rate or blood pressure when taking these medications.
Medications are available in different forms, including capsules, tablets liquid, patches and pills (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It is available in three forms: immediate-release, extended-release, and sustained-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a type of drugs that is effective in treating ADHD. These drugs aid in improving focus and attention by affecting certain neurotransmitters within the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex region, which is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it aids with planning and organizational abilities.
Stimulants are available in short-acting as well as long-acting dosages. adhd in adults medication -acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken 2 or 3 times a every day. Amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphetamines can be stronger 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 versions. These can be a better option since they last between up to 12 hours and are usually taken daily. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to make drinks, while others are pills.
Finding the right medication can take some time. Your doctor will observe how you respond to the different kinds of drugs and alter the dosage as required. Medications should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which will include behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to start working however they can make you feel more in control and boost your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't affect norepinephrine or dopamine like stimulants do. They are therefore able to be employed for a longer duration. These medications can also be less prone to side effects such as 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 guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both medications in this class.
Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These older tricyclic antidepressants, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. Doctors only recommend these drugs when stimulants and other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many adverse consequences.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your doctor. These medications don't have a direct effect but they may help reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. These medications belong to a different class of drugs compared to the others and can trigger side effects like shaky hand or headache. Your doctor may also suggest taking a low dose of an antidepressant known as bupropion (Wellbutrin) that isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help improve concentration and decrease impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but not usually serious side effects like the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.