20 Trailblazers Lead The Way In Best Medication For ADHD
20 Trailblazers Lead The Way In Best Medication For ADHD
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Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who take ADHD medication notice they focus better, are less impulsive, feel more calm and are able to get on with their schoolwork. Some experience a minor slowing of growth and be experiencing an increase in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medicines.
The medications are available in a variety of forms including tablets, capsules, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most popular stimulant. It is available in three forms: immediate-release extended-release, and sustained-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These drugs help improve concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often referred to by the term "secretary of the brain" because it aids in planning and organization abilities.
Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines have a peak effect in 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times a day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, but they both work the same way in improving attention and focus. There are also extended-release versions of a few stimulant medications. These are a better choice because they last between 8 to 12 hours and are generally taken only every day. Some of these medications are powders that is mixed with liquid to get more info create a drink, while others are in pill form.
Finding the right medication may take some time. Your doctor will observe how you react to various types of medications and will adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medicines should be a part of a complete treatment plan that includes support and behavioral therapy.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little longer to take effect but it can make you feel in control, improve your concentration and impulsivity and increase your focus. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the same as stimulants do, which means they are safer to use over a longer period of time. These medications can also have less side effects such as heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera, and it's an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine. These are both medicines in this group.
Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant group, like Tofranil (imipramine). These drugs are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work, or if they cause too many adverse side effects.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your doctor. These medicines do not have a direct effect, but help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. They're in a different drug category than the other options and may cause some adverse effects, such as headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor may also recommend a low-dose antidepressant, bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can increase concentration and decrease impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but usually not serious side effects like the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.