How To Explain Best Medication For ADHD To Your Mom

Best Medication For ADHD

Most teenagers and children who take ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. They also feel calmer and more focused with their school work. Some people may experience a slight slowing in their growth or an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure while taking these medications.

There are many different types of medications that include liquids, tablets, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). The most frequently used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine salts.

Stimulants

One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These drugs aid in improving concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters within the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex region, which is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it aids in the planning and organization abilities.

Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medications are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes and should be taken twice or three times per day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphetamines are more potent and last longer, however they both function in the same way in improving focus and attention. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release forms. These can be a better option since they last between up to 12 hours, and are usually taken daily. Some of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquid to create a drink, and others are in pill form.

Finding the right medicine can take a while. Your doctor will monitor your response to different types of medication and alter the dosage as 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 medications take a little longer to begin working however they can help you feel more in control and increase your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the way that stimulants do, so they can be safer to use for an extended period of time. These medications also have less side effects, such as heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. The first medication to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD is known as Strattera and is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine. Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both drugs in this class.

There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family, like Tofranil (imipramine).  www.iampsychiatry.uk  recommend these drugs when stimulants and other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many adverse negative effects.

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