10 Key Factors Regarding Best Medication For ADHD You Didn't Learn In The Classroom
10 Key Factors Regarding Best Medication For ADHD You Didn't Learn In The Classroom
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Best Medication For ADHD
Children and teenagers taking ADHD medication tend to focus more effectively, have less impulsive, and feel more relaxed. They also do better with schoolwork. Some individuals may experience a slight slowing of their growth or a rise in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medications.
The medications are available in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most commonly 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 drugs aid in improving attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters within the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often called the "secretary of the brain" because it helps in the planning and organizing skills.
Stimulants are available in both short-acting as well as long-acting dosages. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken 2 or 3 times a day. They include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, however they all work in similar ways to improve concentration and attention. There are extended-release versions of some stimulant medications. They are a better option since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken once a day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquid to create a drink, and others are in pill form.
Finding the right medication may take some time. Your doctor will be able to monitor your response to different types of medication and alter the dosage as needed. Medications should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which will include a combination click here of behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a longer to take effect but it can make you feel more in control, increase your concentration and impulsivity and increase your focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the way that stimulants do, so they can be safer to use for a longer period of time. These medications can also be less prone to side negative effects like heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's a selective reuptake norepinephrine inhibitor. Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine. It is also known as Intuniv or clonidine. These are both medications in this class.
Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These older tricyclic antidepressants, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. Doctors only recommend these drugs if stimulants and other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many adverse 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 drug category than the other options, and they can cause some adverse effects, such as shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor may also recommend a low-dose antidepressant, bupropion (Wellbutrin), that is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but can increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but not always serious side effects like ringing or changes in vision.