20 Fun Details About Best Medication For ADHD

20 Fun Details About Best Medication For ADHD

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Best Medication For ADHD

Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to focus more effectively, have less impulsive, and are more relaxed. They also do better with schoolwork. Some experience a minor slowing of growth and experience an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these drugs.

There are many different types of medications that include liquids, tablets patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It comes in three forms: immediate release, sustained-release and extended-release.

Stimulants

One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These drugs help improve focus and attention by affecting certain neurotransmitters within the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex region that is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it aids in the planning and organization abilities.

Stimulants come in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken 2 or 3 times per day. These include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are stronger and last longer, but they both work similarly in improving concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release formulations. These can be a better alternative since they last from up to 12 hours and are usually taken once per day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to make drinks, while others are pills.

Finding the right medication can take a while. Your doctor will watch how you react to various types of medications and will alter the dosage as required. The use of medications should be done as part of a complete treatment plan, which should include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.

Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to start working however they can help you feel more in control and improve your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These medications do not alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way stimulants do. They are therefore able to be utilized for a here longer period of time. These medications 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 which is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. Your doctor could prescribe additional medication from this category which include the guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).

There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These antidepressants with tricyclic chemistry like Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. These medications are only prescribed by doctors when stimulants or other non-stimulants do not work, or if they cause too many adverse side effects.

Your doctor can also prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have an immediate effect however they can help reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. They're in a distinct drug class from the other choices and may cause some side effects such as shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor might also recommend a low dose of an antidepressant called bupropion (Wellbutrin), which isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but not usually serious side effects like ringing or changes in vision.