10 Meetups About Best Medication For ADHD You Should Attend
10 Meetups About Best Medication For ADHD You Should Attend
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Best Medication For ADHD
Most teenagers and children who take ADHD medication notice they focus better and are less impulsive. They feel calmer and get on with their schoolwork. Some experience a minor slowing of growth and have an increased heart rate or blood pressure when taking these drugs.
There are a variety of medicines that include liquids, tablets, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most well-known stimulant. It is available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These drugs aid in improving concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex which is often called the brain's "secretary" because it helps with planning and organizational skills.
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 need to be taken two or three times a day. They include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are stronger and last longer, but they both function in similarly in improving concentration and attention. There are extended-release versions of certain stimulant drugs. They are the best choice because they last between 8 to 12 hours, and are typically taken daily. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to create a beverage, while others are pills.
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 medicines and adjust the dosage if necessary. The use of medications should be done as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, more info which should include support and behavioral therapy services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to start working however they can make you feel more in control and increase your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the same as stimulants do, so they can be more secure to use for longer periods of time. They also have less adverse negative effects like heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. The first medication to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera which is an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process. Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine. It is also known as Intuniv or clonidine. These are both medicines in this class.
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These older tricyclic antidepressants like Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. These medications are only prescribed by doctors when stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or if they cause too many side effects.
Your doctor may prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medicines don't have immediate effects however they can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. They're in a distinct drug class than the other options and can trigger some side effects such as shaking hands or headaches. 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 improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not always serious side effects like hearing loss or changes in vision.