10 Facts About Best Medication For ADHD That Will Instantly Put You In A Good Mood
10 Facts About Best Medication For ADHD That Will Instantly Put You In A Good Mood
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Best Medication For ADHD
The majority of children and teens who take ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. They also feel calmer and more focused with their schoolwork. Some may experience a slight slowing in growth and could have an increased blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
There are many different types of medications, including tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It's available in immediate-release dextroamphetamine amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that can be effective in treating ADHD. These drugs aid in improving attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex that is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it assists with planning and organizational skills.
Stimulants are available in both short-acting as well as long-acting dosages. The short-acting drugs have a peak effect in 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken three or twice times a day. These include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates however they work in the same way to improve attention and focus. There are also extended-release versions of certain stimulant drugs. They are a good alternative since they last from 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken every day. Some of these medications are powders that is mixed with liquid to create drinks, while others are in pill form.
Finding the right medicine can take some time. Your doctor will be able to monitor your response to different types of medication and alter the dosage if needed. Medications should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which will include behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to work however it can help you feel more in control, increase your concentration and impulsivity, and improve your focus. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, and therefore can be safer to use over longer periods of time. These medications also have less side negative effects like heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor could prescribe additional medicines from this class which include Guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These antidepressants with tricyclic chemistry like Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications are only prescribed by physicians if stimulants or other non-stimulants do not work or if they cause too many side effects.
Viloxazine or Atomoxetine may be prescribed by your physician. These medicines don't have immediate effects however they can help reduce impulsivity and improve concentration over time. These medications are in a different class of drugs compared to I Am Psychiatry the others and can trigger adverse effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also recommend the low dose antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin), that isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but it can help increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant but not usually serious side effects, including hearing ringing or changes in vision.