7 Easy Tips For Totally Rocking Your Best Medication For ADHD

Best Medication For ADHD

Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to focus better, be less impulsive, and feel more relaxed. They also have a better time with schoolwork. Some individuals may experience a slight slowing in their growth or a rise in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medications.

There are many different types of medications, including tablets, liquids patches, capsules, and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most popular stimulant.  I Am Psychiatry  in immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts with extended-release.

Stimulants

Stimulants are a type of drugs that is effective in treating ADHD. These drugs enhance concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex region that 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 medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes and have to be taken 2 or 3 times per throughout the day. These include methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are stronger and last longer, however they all work in similarly in improving attention and focus. There are extended-release versions of a few stimulant medications. They are the best choice because they last between 8 to 12 hours, and are generally taken only daily. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to create a beverage, while others are pills.

Finding the right medication can take some time. Your doctor will monitor how you react to various types of medications and will adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medicines should be a part of an overall treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and support.

Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to begin working, but can help you feel more in control and increase your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the way that stimulants do, and therefore can be more secure to use for a longer period of time. These medications also have less side negative effects like constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. The first drug to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera which is an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process. Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine, which are both medications in this class.

There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These older tricyclic antidepressants like Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat ADHD. These drugs are only prescribed by physicians if stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work, or if they have too many adverse effects.

Your doctor may also prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications do not 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 shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also suggest a low-dose antidepressant, bupropion (Wellbutrin), that isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but can improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant but not usually serious, side effects, like hearing ringing or changes in vision.