Pay Attention: Watch Out For How Best Medication For ADHD Is Taking Over And What To Do About It
Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate more effectively, have less impulsive, and feel more calm. They also do better with schoolwork. Some people may experience a slight slowdown in their growth or a rise in heart rate or bloodpressure while taking these medications.
The medications are available in a variety of forms including tablets, capsules liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It comes in three forms: immediate-release extended-release, and sustained-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that can be effective in treating ADHD. These drugs improve focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often referred to by the term "secretary of the brain" because it assists in planning and organization skills.
Stimulants come in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes and have 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 them. Amphetamines can be stronger and last longer than methylphenidates however they work in the same way to increase attention and focus. There are extended-release versions of some stimulant drugs. They are the best choice since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are generally taken only once a day. add in adults medication of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquids to make beverages, while some are pills.
It can take time to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will be able to monitor your reaction to different kinds of medication and alter the dosage as needed. Medications should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that will include support and behavioral therapy services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to start working but they can help you feel more in control and improve your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the as stimulants do, and therefore are safer to use over a longer period of time. These medications can also have less side effects such as constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor may prescribe other medicines from this class such as the guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These antidepressants with tricyclic chemistry like Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. Doctors only recommend these drugs in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many side effects.
Your doctor may prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medicines do not have a direct effect however they can reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. They're in a different drug class than the other options and may cause some adverse effects, such as headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor might also recommend the use of a small dose of an antidepressant known as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not a FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but not usually serious side effects such as hearing loss or changes in vision.