Forget Best Medication For ADHD: 10 Reasons Why You Do Not Need It
Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to concentrate more effectively, have less impulsive, and feel more calm. They also do better with schoolwork. Some may experience a slight slowdown in growth and may have an increased blood pressure or heart rate when taking these drugs.
They are available in various forms including tablets, capsules liquid, patches and pills (such as Daytrana). The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine with extended release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a type of drugs that can be effective in treating ADHD. These medications help improve focus and attention by affecting certain neurotransmitters within the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often called the "secretary of the brain" because it helps in organizing and planning abilities.
I Am Psychiatry come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes and have to be taken 2 or 3 times a day. They include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer than methylphenidates, however, they both function in the same way to increase attention and focus. Some stimulant medications are available in extended-release forms. These can be a better alternative since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken daily. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to create beverages, while some are pills.
Finding the right medication may take a while. Your doctor will observe how you react to various types of drugs and adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medications should be done as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which should include support and behavioral therapy services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to start working, but can make you feel more in control and increase your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the same as stimulants do, so they can be safer to use for longer periods of time. These medications can also have less side effects such as constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. The first medication to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera and is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both drugs in this class.
Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These antidepressants with tricyclic chemistry, such as Tofranil(imipramine), are used to treat ADHD. Doctors only recommend these drugs when stimulants and other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many side consequences.
Your doctor may also prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medicines do not have a direct effect, but help reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. These medications belong to a different class of drugs than other ones and may cause side effects like shaky hand or headache. Your doctor might also recommend a low dose of an antidepressant known as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not usually serious side effects, such as ringing or changes in vision.