The Ultimate Glossary On Terms About Best Medication For ADHD

Best Medication For ADHD

Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to concentrate more effectively, have less impulsive and more calm. They also do better with schoolwork. Some suffer a slight slowing of growth and have an increased heart rate or blood pressure when taking these drugs.

There are a variety of medicines such as tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most well-known stimulant. It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.

Stimulants

One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These drugs enhance focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is sometimes referred to by the term "secretary of the brain" because it aids in planning and organization skills.

Stimulants are available in both short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting medications are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times per day. Amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphetamines are stronger and last longer, but they both function in the same way in improving attention and focus. There are also extended-release versions of some stimulant drugs.  official website  can be a better option since they last between 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken daily. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to create beverages, while some are pills.

Finding the right medication can take some time. Your doctor will observe how you respond to the different types of medications and will adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medications should be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a combination of 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 don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the as stimulants do, which means they can be safer to use for an extended period of time. They also be less prone to side negative effects like heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. The first medication to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Your doctor could prescribe additional medications from this group such as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).

Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant group, like Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by doctors if 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 medicines don't have immediate effects however they can reduce impulsivity and improve concentration over time. They're in a distinct drug class than the other options and can trigger some adverse effects, such as headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor might also suggest an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but can increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but usually not serious side effects, such as hearing loss or changes in vision.