Three Greatest Moments In Best Medication For ADHD History
Three Greatest Moments In Best Medication For ADHD History
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Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to focus better, be less impulsive and more relaxed. They also have a better time with schoolwork. Some experience a minor slowing in growth and could be experiencing an increase in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medicines.
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 as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine salts.
Stimulants
One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These drugs aid in improving concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex that is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it helps with planning and organizational skills.
Stimulants are available in both short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken 2 or 3 times per throughout the day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, however they both function in the same way in improving focus and attention. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release forms. They can be a better option since they last between 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken every day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to create drinks, while others are pills.
Finding the right medicine can take a bit of time. Your doctor will monitor your response to different types of medicines and adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medications should be a part of a complete treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to start working, but can help you feel more in control and improve your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These medications do not alter dopamine or norepinephrine in like stimulants do. They are therefore able to be utilized for a longer period of time. They can also have fewer negative effects, including constipation, heartburn, and decreased sex drive. Strattera is the first of these medications that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's a selective reuptake norepinephrine inhibitor. Your doctor might prescribe other medications more info from this group such as guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that are available off-label to treat ADHD. These antidepressants with tricyclic chemistry like Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat ADHD. Doctors only recommend these drugs if stimulants and other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many adverse effects.
Your doctor may prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications don't have an immediate impact, but they can help reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. They're in a different drug category than the other options, and they can cause certain side effects like headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor may also recommend an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), that isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but can increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not usually serious side effects, such as ringing or changes in vision.