What You Should Be Focusing On Improving Best Medication For ADHD

Best Medication For ADHD

The majority of children and teens who are taking ADHD medication find they concentrate better, are less impulsive, feel more calm and are able to get on with their schoolwork. Some people may experience a slight slowdown in their growth or a rise in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.

The medications are available in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most effective adhd medication popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It is available in three forms: immediate-release, sustained-release and extended-release.

Stimulants

One of the best medication for inattentive adhd medications for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These medications help improve focus and attention by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex, 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 as well as long-acting dosages. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken 2 or 3 times per every day. These include methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, however they both function in similarly in improving concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release forms. They are a better option since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are typically taken once a day. Some of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquid to create a drink, and others are pills.

It may take some time to find the right medication for you or your child. Your doctor will observe your response to different types of medications and adjust the dosage as 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 start working however they can help you feel more in control and improve your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, so they can be safer to use over longer periods of time. These medications 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 the selective norepinephrine reuptake process. Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine. It is also known as Intuniv or clonidine. These are both drugs within this category.

Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label are also available to treat ADHD. Tricyclic antidepressants from the past, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat ADHD. Doctors only suggest these drugs in cases where stimulants or other non stimulant adhd medication-stimulants fail to work or cause too many side negative effects.

Viloxazine or Atomoxetine may be prescribed by your physician. These drugs don't have an immediate impact however they can reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. These medications are in a different class of drugs than the others and can trigger adverse effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also recommend taking a low dose of an antidepressant, called bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not a FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but not always serious side effects such as the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.