10 Facts About Best Medication For ADHD That Will Instantly Put You In A Good Mood
10 Facts About Best Medication For ADHD That Will Instantly Put You In A Good Mood
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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 people may experience a slight slowing of their growth or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure while taking these medications.
The medications are available in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available as 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 aid in improving concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters within the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex region which is often described as the brain's "secretary" because it helps with organizing and planning skills.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes and have to be taken two or three times a day. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphetamines can be stronger and last longer than methylphenidates, however, they both function in the same way to improve attention and focus. There are also extended-release versions of certain stimulant medications. They are a better option because they last between 8 to 12 hours and are generally taken only every day. Certain of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquids to create drinks, while others are pills.
Finding the right medication can take a while. Your doctor will observe how you react to various types of drugs and adjust the dosage as needed. Drugs should only be used in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan that will include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to start working but they can make you feel more in control and improve your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, so they can be more secure to use for an extended period of time. They also be less prone to side negative effects like constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. The first drug to website be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera which is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine. These are both drugs within this category.
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family, such as Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by doctors when stimulants or other non-stimulants do not work or have too many adverse effects.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your physician. These medicines don't have immediate effects, but help reduce impulsivity and improve concentration over time. These medications are in a different class of drugs from the others and can cause adverse effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also suggest taking a low dose of an antidepressant known as bupropion (Wellbutrin) that isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant but not usually serious, side effects, such as hearing ringing or changes in vision.