Don't Make This Mistake You're Using Your Best Medication For ADHD
Don't Make This Mistake You're Using Your Best Medication For ADHD
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Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to focus better, be less impulsive, and feel more relaxed. They also get on with schoolwork. Some may experience a slight slowdown in growth and may have an increased heart rate or blood pressure when taking these drugs.
There are a variety of medicines that include liquids, tablets patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine with extended release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These medications help improve concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters within the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often known as the "secretary of the brain" because it aids in the planning and organizing abilities.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times a day. These include methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, but they both function in the same way in improving concentration and attention. Some stimulant medications are available in extended-release forms. These can be a better alternative since they last from up to 12 hours and are typically taken daily. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to create beverages, while some are pills.
Finding the right medicine can take a while. Your doctor will monitor how you respond to the different kinds of drugs and adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medicines should be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to work however it can help you feel in control, increase your impulsivity and concentration and help you concentration. These medications do not affect dopamine or norepinephrine the same way stimulants do. They can therefore be utilized for a longer period of time. They can also have fewer negative effects, including constipation, heartburn, and reduced sexual drive. Strattera is the first medication click here that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine. These are both medicines within this category.
Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant family like Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by physicians if stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many adverse side effects.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your physician. These medications do not have an immediate impact however they can reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. They're in a different category than the other options and can trigger some side effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also suggest the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin), that isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help increase concentration and decrease impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant but usually not severe side effects, like hearing ringing or changes in vision.