10 Facts About Best Medication For ADHD That Will Instantly Bring You To A Happy Mood
Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who are taking ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. They feel calmer and more focused with their school work. Some suffer a slight slowing of growth and experience an increase in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medicines.
The medications are available in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most frequently used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available in three forms: immediate release, extended-release, and sustained-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class known as stimulants. These drugs enhance concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex region that is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it helps in the planning and organization abilities.
Stimulants are available in short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting medications are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times a day.
adhd adult medication include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates, but both work in the same way to increase attention and focus. There are extended-release versions of some stimulant drugs. They are the best choice because they last between 8 to 12 hours and are generally taken only once a day. Some of these medications are powders that is mixed with liquid to create a drink, and others are in pill form.
It may take a while to find the right medication for you or your child. Your doctor will watch how you react to different types of drugs and adjust the dosage if needed. Medications should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which will include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to start working but they can make you feel more in control and increase your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, which means they can be safer to use for a longer period of time. They can also have fewer side effects, such as constipation, heartburn and reduced sex drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor could prescribe additional medication from this category, including the guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These older tricyclic antidepressants like Tofranil(imipramine), are used to treat ADHD. These medications are only prescribed by physicians if stimulants or other non-stimulants do not work, or if they have too many adverse effects.
Your doctor may prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have immediate effects, but they can help reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. These medications are in a different class of drugs compared to the others and can trigger side effects like shaky hand or headache. Your doctor may also suggest the use of a small dose of an antidepressant, called bupropion (Wellbutrin) that is not a FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not always serious side effects like hearing loss or changes in vision.
