Why We Do We Love Best Medication For ADHD (And You Should Too!)
Why We Do We Love Best Medication For ADHD (And You Should Too!)
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Best Medication For ADHD
The majority of children and teens who are taking ADHD medication notice they focus better and are less impulsive. They feel calmer and get on with their schoolwork. Some people may experience a slight slowing of their growth, or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when they are taking these drugs.
Medications are available in different forms like capsules, tablets liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most well-known stimulant. It comes in three forms: immediate-release, extended-release and sustained-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a type of drugs that can be effective in treating ADHD. These drugs improve focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is sometimes called the "secretary of the brain" because it aids in planning and organization skills.
Stimulants come in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines have a peak effect in 30 to 45 minutes, and must be taken three or twice times per day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, however they both function in similarly in improving attention and focus. Some stimulant medications are available in extended-release versions. They are a better option since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are generally taken only once a day. Some of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquid to create drinks, while others are in pill form.
It may take a while to determine the appropriate medication for you or your child. Your doctor will watch how you react to different types of drugs and here alter the dosage as required. Medications should only be used in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan, which will include support and behavioral therapy services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to kick in, but can make you feel more in control and boost your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These medications do not alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way stimulants do. They can therefore be utilized for a longer period of time. They can also be less prone to side effects, such as constipation, heartburn, and lessened sex drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor could prescribe additional medication from this category such as guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family like Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by physicians if stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work, or if they cause too many adverse side effects.
Your doctor may also prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have immediate effects however they can reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. They're in a distinct drug category than the other options and can trigger some adverse effects, such as headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor might also suggest the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can increase concentration and decrease the impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable, but generally not serious, side effects, like hearing ringing, or changes in vision.