Forget Best Medication For ADHD: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Have It
Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who take ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. They feel more calm and are able to get on with their school work. Some experience a minor slowing of growth and be experiencing an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these drugs.
They are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most popular stimulant. It comes in three forms: immediate release, extended-release and sustained-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class known as stimulants. These drugs improve concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex region that is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it helps with planning and organizational abilities.
Stimulants come in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines have a peak effect in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken twice or three times a day. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, but they all work in the same way in improving attention and focus. There are extended-release versions of certain stimulant drugs. They are a better option since they last from 8 to 12 hours and are typically taken daily. Some of these medicines are powders that is mixed with liquid to make a drink, while others are in pill form.
It may take a while to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will observe your reaction to different kinds of medication and alter the dosage if needed. The use of medicines should be a part of a complete treatment plan that includes support and behavioral therapy.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little longer to take effect however it can help you feel in control, improve your impulsivity and concentration and help you concentration. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, which means they are safer to use over longer periods of time. They can also be less prone to negative effects, including constipation, heartburn, and decreased sex drive. Strattera is the first of these medications that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's a selective reuptake norepinephrine inhibitor. Your doctor might prescribe other medicines from this class such as the guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These antidepressants with tricyclic chemistry, such as Tofranil(imipramine), are used to treat ADHD. Doctors only suggest these drugs when stimulants and other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many side negative effects.
medication for adhd in adults may also prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medicines don't have immediate effects, but help reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. These medications are in a different class of drugs compared to other ones and may cause adverse effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also recommend the use of a small dose of an antidepressant called bupropion (Wellbutrin) that is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not always serious side effects like the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.