11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually Okay To Do With Your Best Medication For ADHD
11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually Okay To Do With Your Best Medication For ADHD
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Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who take ADHD medication report that they focus better and are less impulsive. They feel calmer and get on with their school work. Some suffer a slight slowing in growth and could have an increased heart rate or blood pressure while taking these medicines.
The medications are available in a variety of forms including tablets, capsules, liquid and patches (such as Daytrana). The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It comes in three forms: immediate release, extended-release and sustained-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a type of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These drugs help improve concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, which is sometimes called the "secretary of the brain" because it aids in planning and organization abilities.
Stimulants are available in short-acting and long-acting dosages. The short-acting medicines peak within 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times a throughout the day. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphetamines are stronger and last longer than methylphenidates but both work in the same way to improve concentration and attention. There are extended-release versions of a few stimulant medications. They are a good alternative since they last from up to 12 hours and are typically taken once per day. Some of these medicines are a powder that you mix with liquid to create a drink, and others are in pill form.
Finding the right medication can take a bit of time. Your doctor will observe how you respond to the different types of medications and will alter the dosage as required. The use of medications should be done as part of a complete treatment plan that will include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a bit longer to begin working, but can make you feel more in control and improve your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These medications don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine the same way stimulants do. They can therefore be used for a longer time. They can also have fewer side effects, such as heartburn, constipation and a reduced sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor could prescribe additional medicines from this class such as the guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant family, like Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors will only recommend these medications in cases where stimulants or read more other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many adverse negative effects.
Your doctor can prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have a direct effect, but they can help reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. They're in a distinct drug class from the other choices, and they can cause certain side effects like headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor might also suggest a low-dose antidepressant, bupropion (Wellbutrin), that isn't FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but can increase concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity. It can cause unpleasant, but generally not serious adverse effects, including ringing in the ears or changes in vision.