11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually Acceptable To Make With Your Best Medication For ADHD
11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually Acceptable To Make With Your Best Medication For ADHD
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Best Medication For ADHD
Children and teenagers taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate better, be less impulsive and more calm. They also have a better time with schoolwork. Some sufferers may experience a slowing in their growth or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
They are available in various forms including tablets, capsules, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most well-known stimulant. It is available in three forms: immediate-release extended-release, and sustained-release.
Stimulants
One of the best medications for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These drugs aid in improving attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters within the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex region, which is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it helps in the planning and organization skills.
Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken 2 or 3 times per day. These include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines can be more potent and last longer than methylphenidates but both work in the same way to increase attention and focus. There are also extended-release versions of certain stimulant drugs. These are a better choice since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are generally taken only every day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to make a beverage, while others are pills.
It may take some time to determine the appropriate medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will be able to monitor your reaction to different kinds of medication and alter the dosage if necessary. The use of medications should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little more time to work however it can help you feel in control, improve your impulsivity and concentration and help you concentration. These medications do not affect more info norepinephrine or dopamine the same way that stimulants do. They are therefore able to be used for a longer time. They also have less adverse effects, like constipation, heartburn and reduced sex drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera, and it's an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. Your doctor may prescribe other medications from this group which include the guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant family, like Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only suggest these drugs in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many adverse negative effects.
Your doctor may also prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have immediate effects, but they can help reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. These drugs are part of a different class of drugs from the others and can trigger negative side effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also recommend a low dose of an antidepressant, called bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is not a FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but works well to improve concentration and decrease impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant but not usually serious side effects, including hearing ringing, or changes in vision.