10 Meetups On Best Medication For ADHD You Should Attend

Best Medication For ADHD

Most teenagers and children who take ADHD medication report that they focus better, are less impulsive, feel calmer and get on with their schoolwork. Some experience a minor slowing of growth and experience an increase in heart rate or blood pressure when taking these drugs.

There are a variety of medication, including tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). The most frequently used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.

Stimulants

Stimulants are a type of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These drugs aid in improving concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters within the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex region which is often called the brain's "secretary" because it aids with organizing and planning abilities.

Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken two or three times a every day. These include methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer than methylphenidates, however they work in the same way to increase attention and focus. There are extended-release versions of a few stimulant medications. They are a good alternative since they last from up to 12 hours and are typically taken once per day.  adhd without medication  of these medicines are a powder that is mixed with liquid to create a drink, while others are pills.

Finding the right medication may take some time. Your doctor will watch how you respond to the different kinds of drugs and adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medications should be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and support.

Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to work, but it can help you feel in control, improve your concentration and impulsivity and increase your focus. These medications do not affect norepinephrine or dopamine the same way stimulants do. They can therefore be used for a longer time. They also have less side effects, such as constipation, heartburn and decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these medications that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor could prescribe additional medication from this category which include the guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay).

There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are available off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant family, such as Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by doctors when stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many adverse side effects.

Viloxazine and atomoxetine are prescribed by your physician. These medications do not have immediate effects, but they can help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. These drugs are part of a different class of drugs compared to 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 known as bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is not a FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but works well to increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but usually not serious side effects, such as ringing or changes in vision.