Best Medication For ADHD Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters

Best Medication For ADHD Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to concentrate more effectively, have less impulsive, and feel calmer. They also do better with schoolwork. Some sufferers may experience a slowdown in their growth, or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure while taking these medications. The medications are available in a variety of forms like capsules, tablets, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most popular stimulant. It comes in three forms: immediate-release sustained-release and extended-release. Stimulants One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These drugs help improve attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters within the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex region which is often described as the brain's “secretary” because it assists with organizing and planning skills. Stimulants come in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes, and must be taken twice or three times per day. These include methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines may be a bit more potent and last longer than methylphenidates, but both work in the same way to improve attention and focus. Some stimulant medications are available in extended-release forms. These are a better choice because they last for 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken once a day. Some of these are a powder that you mix with liquid to create a drink, and others are pills. Finding the right medication can take a while. Your doctor will observe how you react to different kinds of drugs and adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medications should be done in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan that will include support and behavioral therapy services. Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to begin working, but can help you feel more in control and boost your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the way that stimulants do, and therefore can be safer to use for longer periods of time. They also have less adverse effects, such as constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. The first drug to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera, and it's a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Your doctor could prescribe additional medication from this category which include Guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay). There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant group, like Tofranil (imipramine). These drugs 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 doctor. These medications don't have an immediate effect, but help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. These medications are in a different class of drugs from the others and can trigger adverse effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also suggest a low dose of an antidepressant, called bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. adhd for adults medication can trigger some uncomfortable but not usually serious side effects, such as hearing loss or changes in vision.