Be On The Lookout For: How Best Medication For ADHD Is Taking Over And What We Can Do About It
Best Medication For ADHD
Most teenagers and children who are taking ADHD medication notice they focus better and are less impulsive. They also feel calmer and more focused with their school work. adhd medication side effects IamPsychiatry may experience a slight slowing in their growth, or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure when they are taking these drugs.
There are many different types of medications such as tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine with extended release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These medications improve focus 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 aids with organizing and planning abilities.
Stimulants are available both in short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting medicines have a peak effect in 30 to 45 minutes, and must be taken twice or three times per day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphetamines may be a bit stronger and last longer than methylphenidates however, they both function in the same way to improve attention and focus. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release versions. They are a good option because they last 8 to 12 hours and are typically taken once per day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to make drinks, while others are pills.
It may take some time to determine the appropriate medication for you or your child. Your doctor will watch how you react to various types of drugs and adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medications should be done as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which should include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a more time to work but it can make you feel more in control, increase your concentration and impulsivity, and improve your focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, so they are safer to use for an extended period of time. These medications can also have less adverse effects such as constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine, which are both medicines in this group.
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These older tricyclic antidepressants, such as Tofranil(imipramine), are used to treat ADHD. Doctors only suggest these drugs when stimulants and other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many adverse negative effects.
Viloxazine or Atomoxetine may be prescribed by your physician. These medicines do not have a direct effect however they can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. These medications belong to a different class of drugs than the others and can cause negative side effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also recommend taking a low dose of an antidepressant called bupropion (Wellbutrin) that isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can cause unpleasant but usually not severe side effects, like hearing ringing, or changes in vision.