The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About Best Medication For ADHD
The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About Best Medication For ADHD
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Best Medication For ADHD
Most teenagers and children who are taking ADHD medication notice they focus better, are less impulsive, feel calmer and more focused with their school work. Some people may experience a slight slowing in their growth or a rise in heart rate or bloodpressure while taking these medications.
There are many different types of medications such as tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available in immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine salts.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These medications improve concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex region which is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it assists in the planning and organization abilities.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes and have to be taken two or three times a throughout the day. These include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, however they all work in similarly in improving concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release forms. They are the best choice since they last from 8 to 12 hours and are typically taken daily. Some of these are a powder that is mixed with liquid to create a drink, and others are pills.
Finding the right medication may take some time. Your doctor will observe how you respond to the different types of drugs and adjust the dosage if needed. Drugs should only be used in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan, which should include support and behavioral therapy services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a more time to work but it can make you feel in control, improve your concentration and impulsivity and increase your concentration. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the way that stimulants do, so they can be more secure to use over a longer period of time. They can also have fewer side effects, get more info such as heartburn, constipation and a lessened sexual drive. The first drug to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera which is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both drugs in this class.
Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family like Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants do not work, or if they cause too many side effects.
Viloxazine or Atomoxetine may be prescribed by your doctor. These medications don't have a direct effect however they can reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. These drugs are part of a different class of drugs than the others and can trigger adverse effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also recommend 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 reduce the impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but usually not serious side effects, such as the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.