Best Medication For ADHD Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters

Best Medication For ADHD Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters

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Best Medication For ADHD

Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate more effectively, have less impulsive and calmer. They also get on with schoolwork. Some may experience a slight slowdown in growth and may be experiencing an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.

There are a variety of medication such as tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most well-known stimulant. It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.

Stimulants

One of the best medications for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These medications improve focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is sometimes known as the "secretary of the brain" because it assists in planning and organization abilities.

Stimulants come in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes, and must be taken three or twice times a day. These include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines may be a bit stronger and last longer than methylphenidates however they work in the same way to increase concentration and attention. Some stimulant medications are available in extended-release forms. These are a better choice because they last for 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken once a day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to create beverages, while some are pills.

Finding the right medication can take a bit of time. Your doctor will monitor how you react to different types of medications and will adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medication should be part of an overall treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.

Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little longer to take effect however it can help you feel more in control, improve your impulsivity and concentration and increase your concentration. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, so they can be safer to use for a longer period of time. They also have less side effects, such as constipation, heartburn and lessened sex drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both drugs within this category.

Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant family, like Tofranil (imipramine). These drugs are only prescribed by doctors when 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 drugs do not have a direct effect however here they can reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. They're in a different class from the other choices, and they can cause certain side effects like headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor might also suggest an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help increase concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable, but generally not serious, side effects, like ringing in the ears or changes in vision.