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
Most teenagers and children who take ADHD medication notice they focus better, are less impulsive, feel more calm and are able to get on with their schoolwork. Some individuals may experience a slight slowing in their growth or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure when taking these medications.
They are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). The most frequently used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available in immediate-release dextroamphetamine amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.
Stimulants
One of the best medications for ADHD is a class known as stimulants. These medications improve focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex which is often called the brain's "secretary" because it aids with planning and organizational abilities.
Stimulants are available in short-acting and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines peak in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken two or three times a day. These include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are stronger and last longer, but they both function in similar ways to improve concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release formulations. They are a better option since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken every day. Certain of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquids to create drinks, while others are pills.
Finding the right medicine can take some time. Your doctor will observe your reaction to different kinds of medications and adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medications should be part of an overall 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, increase your impulsivity and concentration and help you concentration. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, which means they are safer to use over an extended period of time. They also have less adverse effects, like heartburn, constipation and a lessened sex drive. The first drug to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera, and it's an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process. Your doctor click here might prescribe guanfacine. It is also known as Intuniv or clonidine, which are both medications in this class.
Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label are also available to treat ADHD. These are older medications 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 can prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications don't have an immediate impact however they can reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. They're in a different drug class than the other options and can trigger some adverse effects, such as shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor may also suggest the use of a small dose of an antidepressant called bupropion (Wellbutrin), which isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but usually not serious side effects, such as hearing loss or changes in vision.