10 Essentials About Best Medication For ADHD You Didn't Learn In The Classroom
Best Medication For ADHD
Most teenagers and children who are taking ADHD medication notice they focus better, are less impulsive, feel calmer and more focused with their schoolwork. Some people may experience a slight slowdown in their growth, or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure while taking these medications.
There are many different types of medicines, including tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most well-known stimulant. It's available in 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 medications help improve concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters within the brain, especially 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 planning and organizational skills.
Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines have a peak effect in 30 to 45 minutes, and must be taken three or twice times a day. These include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines can be more potent and last longer than methylphenidates, however they work in the same way to increase concentration and attention. There are extended-release versions of certain stimulant medications. They are the best choice because they last between 8 to 12 hours and are typically taken every day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquid to create a drink, and others are pills.
It may take some time to determine the appropriate medication for you or your child. Your doctor will monitor your reaction to different kinds of medicines and adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medicines should be part of an overall treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to begin working however they can make you feel more in control and improve your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, and therefore can be safer to use over an extended period of time. They also have less side negative effects like constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. The first drug to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera, and it's an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both medicines within this category.
Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These older tricyclic antidepressants, such as Tofranil(imipramine), are used to treat ADHD. These drugs are only prescribed by doctors when stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work, or if they have too many adverse effects.
Your doctor may prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medicines don't have an immediate effect, but help 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 shaky hands or headache. resources might also recommend taking a low dose of an antidepressant known as bupropion (Wellbutrin) that is not a FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can cause unpleasant but usually not severe adverse effects, like hearing ringing, or changes in vision.