What You Should Be Focusing On Improving Best Medication For ADHD
Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who are taking ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. They also feel calmer and get on with their school work. Some sufferers may experience a slowing in their growth or a rise in heart rate or bloodpressure while taking these medications.
They are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets liquid, patches and pills (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common 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 medications improve focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is often referred to by the term "secretary of the brain" because it helps in the planning and organizing skills.
Stimulants come in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines peak in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken twice or three times a day. They include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines can be more potent and last longer than methylphenidates, however they work in the same way to improve attention and focus. There are extended-release versions of some stimulant medications. They are the best choice because they last between 8 to 12 hours and are generally taken only once a day. Some of these are powders that is mixed with liquid to create a drink, and others are in pill form.
It can take time to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will observe your response to different types of medication and alter the dosage if needed. Drugs should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which should include support and behavioral therapy services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to start working, but can make you feel more in control and improve your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, which means they can be more secure to use for longer periods of time. They can also have fewer adverse effects, like heartburn, constipation and a reduced sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor might prescribe other medications from this group such as 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, such as Tofranil(imipramine), are used to treat ADHD. Doctors only suggest these drugs in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many side effects.
Your doctor may prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications don't have immediate effects, but they can help reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication in a distinct drug class from the other choices and may cause certain side effects like headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor may also recommend an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but not usually serious side effects like hearing loss or changes in vision.