11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually Okay To Make With Your Best Medication For ADHD
11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually Okay To Make With Your Best Medication For ADHD
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Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who take ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. They also feel calmer and more focused with their schoolwork. Some individuals may experience a slight slowing in their growth or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure when they are taking these drugs.
Medications are available in different forms including tablets, capsules liquid, patches and pills (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most popular stimulant. It is available in three forms: immediate-release extended-release, and sustained-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These drugs enhance concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is often known as the "secretary of the brain" because it helps in planning and organization abilities.
Stimulants are available both in short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes and have to be taken two or three times per every day. These include methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, however they all work in the same way in improving attention and focus. There are also extended-release versions of a few stimulant drugs. They are the best choice since they last from 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken every day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquid to create a drink, while others are pills.
Finding the right medication may take a bit of time. Your doctor will watch how you react to different types of medications and will alter the dosage as required. The use of medication should be part of an overall treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to kick in however they can help you feel more in control and boost your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These medications do not affect norepinephrine or dopamine like stimulants do. They can therefore check here be used for a longer time. They also have less adverse effects, like constipation, heartburn, and lessened sex drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor might prescribe other medicines from this class such as guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. Tricyclic antidepressants from the past, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. Doctors only recommend these drugs if stimulants and other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many adverse effects.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your physician. These medications do not have an immediate impact but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. They're in a different drug category than the other options and can trigger certain side effects like shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor may also recommend the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) which isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can increase concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but usually not serious side effects such as ringing or changes in vision.