Beware Of This Common Mistake You're Using Your Best Medication For ADHD
Beware Of This Common Mistake You're Using Your Best Medication For ADHD
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Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who are taking ADHD medication report that they focus better and are less impulsive. They feel more calm and are able to get on with their schoolwork. Some individuals may experience a slight slowdown in their growth or a rise in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
There are a variety of medicines such as tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most popular stimulant. It is available in three forms: immediate-release extended-release and sustained-release.
Stimulants
One of the best medications for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These drugs enhance concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex region which is often called the brain's "secretary" because it helps with planning and organizational skills.
Stimulants are available in both short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting drugs are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times per day. Amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among them. Amphetamines are stronger and last longer than methylphenidates, however, they both function in the same way to increase attention and focus. Some stimulant medications are available in extended-release formulations. They can be a better option because they last 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken every day. Some of these are powders that is mixed with liquid to make drinks, while others are in pill form.
It can take time to determine the appropriate medication for you or your child. Your doctor will observe your reaction to different kinds of medicines and adjust the dosage as needed. Medications should only be used as part of a complete treatment plan, which will include support and behavioral therapy services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a website bit longer to kick in, but can make you feel more in control and improve your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, so they can be safer to use over longer periods of time. They also have less side effects, such as constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine. It is also known as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both drugs in this class.
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family such as Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors will only recommend these medications when stimulants and other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many adverse effects.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your physician. These drugs do not have a direct effect however they can reduce impulsivity and improve concentration over time. These medications are in a different class of drugs from the others and can trigger negative side effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also recommend the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant but not usually serious adverse effects, like ringing in the ears or changes in vision.