Why We Love Best Medication For ADHD (And You Should, Too!)
Why We Love Best Medication For ADHD (And You Should, Too!)
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Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who take ADHD medication report that they focus better and are less impulsive. They feel more calm and are able to get on with their school work. Some experience a minor slowing in growth and could experience an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these drugs.
The medications are available in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets liquid, patches and pills (such as Daytrana). The most frequently used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine salts.
Stimulants
One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These medications help improve concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters in the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex region that is often called the brain's "secretary" because it helps with organizing and planning abilities.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs peak in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken two or three times per day. They include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, but they both function in similar ways to improve concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medicines 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 create beverages, while some are pills.
Finding the right medication may take some time. Your doctor will monitor your reaction to different kinds of medications and adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medication should be part of a complete treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little bit longer to work but it can make you feel more in control, improve your concentration and impulsivity and increase your concentration. These medications do not alter dopamine or norepinephrine in like stimulants do. They are therefore able to be utilized for best adhd medication for adults with anxiety a longer period of time. These medications also be less prone to side negative effects like constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. The first medication to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both medications in this class.
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant family like Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by doctors when stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work, or if they cause too many adverse side effects.
Your doctor can also prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications don't have an immediate effect however they can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. They're in a different class from the other choices and may cause certain side effects like headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor might also suggest an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but not usually serious side effects such as the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.