Do Not Make This Blunder On Your Best Medication For ADHD
Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who are taking ADHD medication find they concentrate better, are less impulsive, feel more calm and are able to get on with their schoolwork. Some people may experience a slight slowing in their growth, or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure when they are taking these drugs.
Medications are available in different forms including tablets, capsules, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine salts.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a type of drugs that is effective in treating ADHD. These drugs enhance focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex which is often described as the brain's "secretary" because it assists in the planning and organization skills.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes, and must be taken two 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 more powerful 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 formulations. They can be a better alternative since they last from 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken once per day. Some of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquid to make a drink, and others are pills.
Finding the right medication may take a while. Your doctor will observe your response to different types of medication and alter the dosage if necessary. Drugs should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which will include support and behavioral therapy services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to kick in however they can make you feel more in control and improve your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, which means they are safer to use for a longer period of time. They can also have fewer adverse effects, like constipation, heartburn and lessened sex 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. best adhd medication for adults uk might prescribe other medication from this category such as guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant family, like Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only suggest these drugs when stimulants and other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many adverse consequences.
Viloxazine and atomoxetine are prescribed by your physician. These medicines don't have immediate effects however they can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. These medications belong to a different class of drugs from the others and can trigger 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 is not a FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can cause unpleasant but usually not severe side effects, like hearing ringing or changes in vision.