Why You Should Focus On Improving Best Medication For ADHD

Best Medication For ADHD

Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate better, be less impulsive, and are calmer. They also have a better time with schoolwork. Some sufferers may experience a slowing of their growth or a rise in heart rate or bloodpressure when taking these medications.

There are  add medication adults  of medications, including tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.

Stimulants

Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that can be effective in treating ADHD. These drugs help improve attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is sometimes known as the "secretary of the brain" because it assists in the planning and organizing skills.

Stimulants are available in short-acting as well as long-acting dosages. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken 2 or 3 times a day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among them. Amphetamines may be a bit stronger 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. They are a good option because they last up 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.

It can take time to determine the appropriate medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will observe how you respond to the different kinds of drugs and adjust the dosage if needed. Medications should only be used as part of a complete treatment plan, which should include behavioral therapy and support services.

Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to kick in, but can make you feel more in control and boost your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These medications do not affect norepinephrine or dopamine 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 heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor could prescribe additional medication from this category, including guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).

Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family, such as Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only recommend these drugs when stimulants and other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many adverse negative effects.

Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your physician. These medications do not have an immediate impact however they can reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. These medications are in a different class of drugs compared to other ones and may cause negative side effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also suggest a low-dose antidepressant, bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can cause unpleasant but not usually serious, side effects, like ringing in the ears or changes in vision.