10 Meetups On Best Medication For ADHD You Should Attend
10 Meetups On Best Medication For ADHD You Should Attend
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Best Medication For ADHD
Most teenagers and children who are taking ADHD medication notice they focus better and are less impulsive. They also feel calmer and get on 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.
There are a variety of medicines such as tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine salts.
Stimulants
One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class known as stimulants. These drugs help improve focus and attention by affecting certain neurotransmitters within the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex, which is often described as the brain's "secretary" because it assists with organizing and planning skills.
Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken 2 or 3 times per throughout the day. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer than methylphenidates however, they both function in the same way to increase attention and focus. There are extended-release versions of some stimulant drugs. These can be a better option because they last up to 12 hours and are typically taken daily. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquid to make drinks, while others are pills.
It may take a while to find the right medication for you or your child. Your doctor will observe how you respond to the different types of medications and will alter the dosage as required. The use of medicines should be a part of a complete treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to begin working however they can help you feel more in control and here increase your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These medications do not affect dopamine or norepinephrine like stimulants do. They are therefore able to be utilized for a longer period of time. These medications also have less adverse effects, such as constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera which is an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process. Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine. It is also known as Intuniv or clonidine, which are both medications in this class.
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that are available off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant family, like Tofranil (imipramine). These drugs are only prescribed by doctors when stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work, or if they cause too many adverse side effects.
Your doctor may also prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications don't have a direct effect but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. These medications belong to a different class of drugs than other ones and may cause side effects like shaky hand 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 improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but not usually serious side effects, such as ringing or changes in vision.