Best Medication For ADHD Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters
Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers 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 suffer a slight slowdown in growth and may be experiencing an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these drugs.
There are many different types of medications, including tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most well-known stimulant. It is available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a type of drugs that are effective in treating adhd medication names for adults. These drugs help improve focus and attention by affecting certain neurotransmitters within the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex region, which is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it aids in the planning and organization abilities.
Stimulants come 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 per day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphetamines can be more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates however, they both function in the same way to improve concentration and attention. Some stimulant medications are available in extended-release formulations. They are a better option because they last between 8 to 12 hours and are generally taken only once a day. Some of these medications are a powder that you mix with liquid to create a drink, while others are in pill form.
Finding the right medicine can take a while. Your doctor will monitor your reaction to different kinds of medication and alter the dosage as needed. The use of medications should be part of an overall treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a more time to work, but it can help you feel more in control, improve your concentration and impulsivity and help you concentration. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, and therefore can be more secure to use for longer periods of time. These medications can also have less side effects, such as constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera and is an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process. Your doctor could prescribe additional medications from this group, including the guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also non prescription adhd medication for adults-stimulant antidepressants that can be prescribed off-label to treat cheapest adhd medication. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant group, such as Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only suggest these drugs if stimulants and other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many side effects.
Your doctor may also prescribe Atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications do not have a direct effect however they can reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. These medications belong to a different class of drugs from the others and can cause negative side effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also suggest the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin), that is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help increase concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity. It can cause unpleasant but not usually serious, side effects, including hearing ringing or changes in vision.
