adhd and medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to concentrate better, be less impulsive, and are more relaxed. They also do better with schoolwork. Some suffer a slight slowing of growth and be experiencing an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these drugs.
Medications are available in different forms including tablets, capsules liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available in immediate-release dextroamphetamine dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine salts.
Stimulants
One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class known as stimulants. These medications help improve attention and focus by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex, which is often described as the brain's "secretary" because it aids with planning and organizational abilities.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes and need to be taken two or three times per throughout the day. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among them. medication for adhd are stronger and last longer than methylphenidates however they work in the same way to improve attention and focus. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release formulations. They are a better option because they last for 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken daily. Certain of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquids to make drinks, while others are pills.
Finding the right medication may take a while. Your doctor will monitor how you react to different kinds of medications and will adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medications should be done as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which should include a combination of behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a longer to take effect but it can make you feel in control, increase your concentration and impulsivity, and improve your concentration. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the as stimulants do, and therefore can be safer to use for an extended period of time. They can also be less prone to side effects, such as heartburn, constipation and a decreased sex drive. The first drug to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is called Strattera and is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. adhd and medication may prescribe guanfacine. It is also known as Intuniv or clonidine. These are both medicines in this group.
Non-stimulant antidepressants that are off-label can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family such as Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only suggest these drugs if stimulants and other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many adverse effects.
Viloxazine and atomoxetine are prescribed by your doctor. These medications don't have an immediate impact but they may help reduce impulsivity over time and improve concentration. They're in a different drug class than the other options, and they can cause some side effects such as shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor may also recommend an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment, but can increase concentration and decrease impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but not always serious side effects, such as the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.