Why People Don't Care About Best Medication For ADHD
Why People Don't Care About Best Medication For ADHD
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Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate more effectively, have less impulsive, and feel more calm. They also have a better time with schoolwork. Some experience a minor slowdown in growth and may experience an increase in heart rate or blood pressure when taking these medications.
The medications are available in a variety of forms including tablets, capsules liquid, patches and pills (such as Daytrana). The most frequently used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available in three forms: immediate release, sustained-release and extended-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that can be effective in treating ADHD. These drugs enhance focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex which is often described as the brain's "secretary" because it helps with planning and organizational abilities.
Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times a day. These include methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, but they both function in similarly in improving focus and attention. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release versions. They can be a better option since they last between up to 12 hours and are typically taken daily. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to create beverages, while some are pills.
It can take time to determine the appropriate medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will monitor your response to different types of medication and alter the dosage if needed. The use of medications should be part of an overall treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a longer to take effect, but it can help you feel more in control, improve your impulsivity and concentration and help you focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, and therefore are safer to use for longer periods of time. These medications also have less adverse effects, such as constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both medications within this category.
Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant family, like Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by doctors when stimulants or other non-stimulants do not work or if they have too many adverse effects.
Your doctor may prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have an immediate impact however they can reduce the amount of website impulsivity and improve concentration. These medications are in a different class of drugs than the others and can trigger side effects like shaky hand or headache. Your doctor may also recommend a low-dose antidepressant, bupropion (Wellbutrin), that isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can improve concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant but not usually serious, side effects, such as ringing in the ears or changes in vision.