The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About Best Medication For ADHD

The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About Best Medication For ADHD

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Best Medication For ADHD

Most teenagers and children who are taking ADHD medication find they concentrate better, are less impulsive, feel more calm and are able to get on with their school work. Some experience a minor slowdown in growth and may experience an increase in heart rate or blood pressure when taking these drugs.

There are many different types of medication such as tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available in three forms: immediate-release sustained-release and extended-release.

Stimulants

One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class known as stimulants. These medications help improve focus and attention by affecting certain neurotransmitters within the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often known as the "secretary of the brain" because it helps in the planning and organizing skills.

Stimulants come in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs peak in 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times a 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, however they all work in similar ways to improve attention and focus. There are extended-release versions of certain stimulant drugs. They are a good alternative since they last from up to 12 hours, and are usually taken once per day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to create a beverage, while others are pills.

Finding the right medication may take a bit of time. Your doctor will watch how you react to various types of drugs and adjust the dosage if needed. 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 but they can make you feel more in control and increase your impulsivity, concentration and focus. click here These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the way that stimulants do, which means they can be more secure to use over longer periods of time. They can also have fewer negative effects, including constipation, heartburn and lessened sex drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Your doctor could prescribe additional medications from this group, including Guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).

There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that are prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These antidepressants with tricyclic chemistry like Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. Doctors only suggest these drugs if stimulants and other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many adverse negative effects.

Viloxazine and atomoxetine are prescribed by your physician. These drugs don't have an immediate effect however they can reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. These drugs are part of a different class of drugs compared to the others and can cause adverse effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also suggest a low dose of an antidepressant, called bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not usually serious side effects, like ringing in the ears or changes in vision.