10 Meetups Around Best Medication For ADHD You Should Attend
10 Meetups Around Best Medication For ADHD You Should Attend
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Best Medication For ADHD
The majority of children and teens who take ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. They also feel more calm and are able to get on with their school work. Some experience a minor slowing in growth and could be experiencing an increase in heart rate or blood pressure when taking these medications.
Medications are available in different forms including tablets, capsules, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available in immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These drugs improve concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex region that is often described as the brain's "secretary" because it assists in the planning and organization skills.
Stimulants are available both in short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken 2 or 3 times per every day. These include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, however they both work the same way in improving focus and attention. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release formulations. They are the best choice because they last for 8 to 12 hours and are generally taken only every day. Some of these medications are a powder that is mixed with liquid to create a drink, while others are in pill form.
Finding the right medication may take a while. Your doctor will watch how you react to various types of drugs and alter the dosage as required. The use of medication should be a part of an overall treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little longer to take effect, but it can help you feel in control, improve your impulsivity and concentration and increase your focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine the same as stimulants do, so they are safer to use for a longer period of time. They also have less side effects, such as heartburn, constipation and a reduced sexual drive. The first drug to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera and is an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process. Your doctor may prescribe other medication from this category which include guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant group, like Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by doctors when stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work, or if they cause too many adverse side effects.
Your doctor can prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have a direct effect but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. These medications belong to a different class of drugs compared to other ones and may cause negative side effects, such as here shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also recommend a low-dose antidepressant, bupropion (Wellbutrin), that is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but not always serious side effects like ringing or changes in vision.