Don't Forget Best Medication For ADHD: 10 Reasons Why You No Longer Need It
Don't Forget Best Medication For ADHD: 10 Reasons Why You No Longer Need It
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Best Medication For ADHD
The majority of children and teens who are taking ADHD medication notice they focus better and are less impulsive. They also feel calmer and more focused with their school work. Some people may experience a slight slowing in their growth or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medications.
Medications are available in different forms, including capsules, tablets liquid, patches and pills (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine salts.
Stimulants
One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These drugs improve concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex, which is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it helps in the planning and organization skills.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes, and need to be taken twice or three times a day. These include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, however they all work in similar ways to improve focus and attention. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release forms. These can be a better alternative since they last from up to 12 hours, and are usually taken once per day. Some of these medications are a powder that you mix with liquid to make a drink, and others are pills.
Finding the right medicine can take a while. Your doctor will monitor how you respond to the different kinds of drugs and adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medication should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little more time to work but it can make you feel more in control, improve your impulsivity and concentration, and improve your focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in like stimulants do. They can therefore be utilized for a longer period of time. They can also have fewer negative effects, including heartburn, constipation and a lessened sex drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's here an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine, which are both drugs in this group.
Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family like Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only suggest these drugs in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many side negative effects.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your physician. These drugs don't have immediate effects however they can reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. They're in a distinct drug class than the other options, and they can cause some adverse effects, such as headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor might also suggest an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help increase concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity. It can cause unpleasant, but generally not serious adverse effects, including ringing in the ears or changes in vision.