How To Get More Results With Your Best Medication For ADHD
How To Get More Results With Your Best Medication For ADHD
Blog Article
Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to focus better, be less impulsive, and are more calm. They also have a better time with schoolwork. Some sufferers may experience a slowing of their growth, or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
The medications are available in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). The most frequently used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available in immediate-release dextroamphetamine amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These medications improve concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often known as the "secretary of the brain" because it helps in the planning and organizing skills.
Stimulants come in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken 2 or 3 times per every day. These include methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines may be a bit more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates however they work in the same way to improve attention and focus. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release forms. These are a better choice because they last for 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken daily. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to make drinks, while others are pills.
It may take some time to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will monitor how you respond to the different types of drugs and adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medications should be done in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan, which should include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a longer to take effect, but it can help you feel more in control, increase your impulsivity and concentration and help you focus. These medications don't affect norepinephrine or dopamine the same way stimulants more info do. They are therefore able to be used for a longer time. They also have less negative effects, including constipation, heartburn, and decreased sex drive. The first medication to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera, and it's a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both medications in this class.
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that are available off-label to treat ADHD. These antidepressants with tricyclic chemistry, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat ADHD. Doctors only suggest these drugs if stimulants and other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many side effects.
Your doctor may also prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have immediate effects however they can help reduce impulsivity and improve concentration over time. They're in a different drug category than the other options, and they can cause some side effects such as headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor may also recommend an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), that isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help increase concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable, but generally not serious side effects, including ringing in the ears or changes in vision.