It's The Best Medication For ADHD Case Study You'll Never Forget

Best Medication For ADHD

The majority of children and teens who are taking ADHD medication notice they focus better, are less impulsive, feel calmer and more focused with their schoolwork. Some sufferers may experience a slowing in their growth, or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medications.

There are many different types of medications, including tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). The most frequently used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available in three forms: immediate-release, sustained-release and extended-release.

Stimulants

Stimulants are a type of drugs that can be effective in treating ADHD. These medications help improve attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters within the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex region that is often called the brain's "secretary" because it assists with organizing and planning abilities.

Stimulants are available in short-acting as well as long-acting dosages. The short-acting medicines have a peak effect in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken three or twice times a day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphetamines can be stronger and last longer than methylphenidates, however, they both function in the same way to increase attention and focus. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release forms. They can be a better alternative since they last from up to 12 hours and are usually taken every day. Certain of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquids to make drinks, while others are pills.

watch this video  can take time to determine the appropriate medication for you or your child. Your doctor will monitor your reaction to different kinds of medicines and adjust the dosage as needed. Drugs should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which should include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.

Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to kick in, but can make you feel more in control and improve your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These medications do not alter dopamine or norepinephrine in like stimulants do. They can therefore be utilized for a longer period of time. They also be less prone to side effects such as constipation, heartburn, and decreased 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 selective 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 available off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant family such as Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only suggest these drugs when stimulants and other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many side negative effects.

Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your physician. These medications don't have immediate effects but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. They're in a different drug category than the other options and can trigger some adverse effects, such as shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor might also suggest a low-dose antidepressant, bupropion (Wellbutrin) which isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but can increase concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity. It can cause unpleasant but usually not severe side effects, including hearing ringing, or changes in vision.