Best Medication For ADHD Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters

Best Medication For ADHD

Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to concentrate better, be less impulsive and calmer.  best adhd medication  do better with schoolwork. Some suffer a slight slowdown in growth and may experience an increase in heart rate or blood pressure when taking these drugs.

There are a variety of medication that include liquids, tablets patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most frequently used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available in three forms: immediate-release, extended-release and sustained-release.

Stimulants

Stimulants are a class of drugs that can be effective in treating ADHD. These drugs enhance focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is often called the brain's "secretary" because it aids with planning and organizational skills.

Stimulants are available in both short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken 2 or 3 times a every day. Amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphetamines may be a bit stronger and last longer than methylphenidates however, they both function in the same way to improve attention and focus. There are also extended-release versions of a few stimulant medications. They are a good option because they last up to 12 hours and are typically taken daily. Some of these are a powder that is mixed with liquid to make a drink, and others are in pill form.

Finding the right medication can take some time. Your doctor will monitor how you respond to the different kinds of drugs and adjust the dosage if needed. Medications should only be used in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan, which should include behavioral therapy and support services.

Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to start working but they can make you feel more in control and improve your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the way that stimulants do, and therefore can be safer to use for an extended period of time. They can also have fewer adverse effects, like constipation, heartburn, and reduced sex drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera and is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. Your doctor might prescribe other medications from this group which include guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).

Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant family like Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many side effects.

Viloxazine or Atomoxetine may be prescribed by your physician. These drugs don't have an immediate impact but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. They're in a distinct drug class from the other choices, and they can cause some adverse effects, such as headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor might also suggest a low-dose antidepressant, bupropion (Wellbutrin) which isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can increase concentration and decrease the impulsivity. It can cause unpleasant but not usually serious adverse effects, like hearing ringing or changes in vision.