Do Not Make This Blunder You're Using Your Best Medication For ADHD
Do Not Make This Blunder You're Using Your Best Medication For ADHD
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Best Medication For ADHD
Children and teenagers taking ADHD medication tend to focus better, be less impulsive, and are more relaxed. They also do better with schoolwork. Some suffer a slight slowdown in growth and may have an increased heart rate or blood pressure when taking these medications.
There are a variety of medications that include liquids, tablets patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most frequently used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These medications help improve attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is sometimes known as the "secretary of the brain" because it aids in the planning and organizing abilities.
Stimulants are available in both short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken two or three times a day. They include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are stronger and last longer, but they both function in the same way in improving focus and attention. There are extended-release versions of a few stimulant drugs. They are a good option because they last 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken once per day. Certain of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquids to create beverages, while some are pills.
It may take a while to determine the appropriate medication for you or your child. Your doctor will watch how you respond to the different types of medications and will adjust the dosage as needed. Medications should only be used as part of a complete treatment plan, which will include behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a more time to work, but it can help you feel in control, increase your concentration and impulsivity and increase your focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, so they are safer to use over longer periods of time. They can also have fewer side effects, such as constipation, heartburn, and reduced 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 may prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine. These are both medications in this group.
Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant family such as Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only recommend these drugs if stimulants and other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many side effects.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your physician. These medications do not have an immediate impact however they can reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. These medications are in a different class of drugs compared to the others and can cause adverse effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also recommend the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but usually not serious side click here effects like hearing loss or changes in vision.