ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the best ADHD medication requires a lot of trial and error. The effectiveness of a medication is influenced by a variety of aspects such as metabolism as well as side effects and the way in which a medication interacts with other drugs and supplements.
It may take a while for stimulants to take effect, but they do improve attention, focus and impulsivity. They also increase levels of brain chemicals, such as dopamine and epinephrine.
Stimulants
Stimulants are also referred to as uppers. They enhance processes in the body and can make you feel more alert. Examples of stimulants are caffeine, an ingredient that is commonly used to keep people alert and alert as well as prescription drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin Concerta, Ritalin) amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, (Adderall, Vyvanse), and Lisdexafetamine (Vyvanse). These stimulants could also be illegal substances, such as crystal meth, Cocaine and bath salts (synthetic catshinones) that are frequently misused by adolescents. These drugs when prescribed by a physician have been proven to help improve ADHD symptoms and functioning for those suffering from the disorder.
Prescription stimulants are generally safe if used in a controlled manner, however, they do carry a risk of side effects including insomnia, nervousness, headache, tremors, stomach upset, agitation, shakiness and a rapid heartbeat. They can also cause confusion. They also be highly prone for addiction and abuse. If taken in higher-than-prescribed doses or by people who don't have ADHD, they can lead to overdose and death.
Since non prescription adhd medication than 30 year methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, and other prescription stimulants have been available in the form of liquids, pills as chewable tablets, chewable tablets and skin patches. The medications, also referred to as Adderall and Ritalin by their brand names, work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They can improve concentration, behavior, and self-discipline. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) and extended-release (long-lasting) versions.
Over-the-counter stimulant medicines include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). They are part of a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, also known as SNRIs. They work by blocking the actions of a certain neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, in the brain. They do not help with symptoms of ADHD however they can be beneficial when combined with other treatments like nonstimulant medication and behavioral therapy.
Nonstimulant medicine
There are many non-stimulant drugs that have been approved by FDA to treat ADHD. They are generally easier to take than stimulant drugs and have fewer adverse negative effects. They may not work like stimulants and may take a few weeks to begin working. They may also have a lower risk of addiction than stimulant drugs and some doctors suggest them for adults as a first option for treatment.
Clonidine (brand names Zanex and Tenex) are alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists that are not stimulants. These are generally used "off-label" for ADHD, meaning that they are not specifically approved by the FDA to treat this condition. However they can be useful in decreasing ADHD symptoms by acting as a sedative and slowing the activity of specific neurons in the brain.
Behavioral education and related behavioral therapy are also important elements of treatment for ADHD. Training in behavioral therapy can teach adults and children with ADHD new methods to manage their symptoms, increase their social skills, and learn better strategies to manage conflicts and frustration. These treatments are most effective for younger children or those who have milder symptoms. These treatments are not always effective for older children or adults with more severe symptoms of ADHD.
