10 Things We Hate About Best Medication For ADHD

Best Medication For ADHD Most teenagers and children who are taking ADHD medication report that they focus better and are less impulsive. They also feel calmer and get on with their school work. Some experience a minor slowing in growth and could be experiencing an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications. There are a variety of medications that include liquids, tablets patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). adult adhd treatments I Am Psychiatry is methylphenidate (Adderall). It comes in three forms: immediate-release sustained-release and extended-release. Stimulants Stimulants are one of the classes of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These drugs enhance concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex region which is often described as the brain's “secretary” because it helps in the planning and organization abilities. Stimulants are available in both short-acting 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, such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among them. Amphetamines are more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates, however they work in the same way to improve concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release forms. They are a better option because they last between 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken every day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to make beverages, while some are pills. It may take some time to determine the appropriate medication for you or your child. Your doctor will be able to monitor your reaction to different kinds of medication and alter the dosage if necessary. The use of medication should be part of a complete treatment plan that includes support and behavioral therapy. Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to kick in, but can help you feel more in control and increase your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, so they are safer to use over a longer period of time. They can also be less prone to side effects, such as constipation, heartburn and reduced sex drive. Strattera is the first of these medications that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor might prescribe other medication from this category, including the guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay). There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. Tricyclic antidepressants from the past, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. These drugs are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or if they cause too many adverse side effects. Viloxazine or Atomoxetine may be prescribed by your doctor. These drugs do not have a direct effect, but help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. They're in a distinct drug category than the other options and may cause some side effects such as headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor might also recommend a low dose of an antidepressant called bupropion (Wellbutrin) which isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not usually serious side effects, such as hearing loss or changes in vision.