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Watch Out: What Best Medication For ADHD Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It
Best Medication For ADHD

Children and teenagers taking ADHD medication tend to concentrate better, be less impulsive, and are more calm. They also do better with schoolwork. Some individuals may experience a slight slowdown in their growth or a rise in heart rate or bloodpressure when taking these medications.

Medications are available in different forms, including capsules, tablets liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most popular stimulant. It comes in three forms: immediate release, extended-release, and sustained-release.

Stimulants

One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These drugs aid in improving attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often called the "secretary of the brain" because it helps in organizing and planning skills.

Stimulants are available both in short-acting 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 than methylphenidates but both work in the same way to increase concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release forms. They are a good option because they last 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken every day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquids to make a beverage, while others are pills.

Finding the right medicine can take a bit of time. Your doctor will be able to monitor your reaction to different kinds of medication and alter the dosage if needed. adult adhd medication should only be used in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan, which will include behavioral therapy and support services.

Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take 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 alter dopamine or norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, which means they can be safer to use over an extended period of time. They can also be less prone to adverse effects, like constipation, heartburn and reduced sex drive. The first of these medications to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera, and it's an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine. These are both medicines within this category.


There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant family, such as Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work, or if they have too many adverse effects.

Your doctor can prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs don't have an immediate impact but they may help reduce the amount of impulsivity that occurs over time and increase concentration. They're in a different drug class from the other choices, and they can cause certain side effects like shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor might also recommend taking a low dose of an antidepressant called bupropion (Wellbutrin) which isn't an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help improve concentration and decrease impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but usually not serious side effects, such as ringing or changes in vision.

Website: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-medication/