ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the right ADHD medicine requires a lot of trial and error. There are many factors that affect the effectiveness of the medication and efficiency, including the individual's metabolism, side effects and how a drug interacts with other medications and supplements.
Read Home Page can take a while to work however they do aid in improving focus, attention and impulsivity. They also increase levels of brain chemicals such as dopamine and epinephrine.
Stimulants
The stimulants, also referred to as uppers, increase the body's functions, and make people feel more alert. Stimulants include caffeine (a drug that is commonly used to keep you alert and awake), amphetamines and dextroamphetamines (Adderall and Vyvanse) and lisdexafetamine and prescription drugs like Concerta, methylphenidate, Adderall and Vyvanse. These stimulants can also be illegal substances like crystal meth, Cocaine and bath Salts (synthetic catshinones) which are commonly abused among young people. When they are taken legally by a doctor as prescribed the drug has been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms and improve the functioning of those suffering from the disorder.
Prescription stimulants are generally safe when utilized correctly, however they are not without risk of side effects including headache, insomnia, nervousness, tremors, stomach upset and agitation, shakiness, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. They may also have a high potential 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.
The two main classes of prescription stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which are available in tablets, liquid tablets, chewable tablets as well as a skin patch for more than 30 years. The drugs, referred to by their generic names and brands like Adderall, Ritalin, and Metadate are effective in increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels within the brain and can aid in improving concentration, behavior, and self-control. These medications are available in both immediate-release and extended-release versions.
The most commonly prescribed stimulant drugs are atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). These are both part of a group known as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and inhibit the action of norepinephrine inside the brain. They do not aid in the treatment of symptoms of ADHD but they can be helpful in combination with other treatments, such as nonstimulant medications and behavioral therapy.
Nonstimulant medication
There are several nonstimulant medicines that have been FDA-approved to treat ADHD. They are generally easier to use and have less adverse effects than stimulant medications. They don't work as fast as stimulants do, however they may take a few weeks to start working. They also have a lower chance of addiction than stimulant medications and some doctors suggest these for adults as a first choice for treatment.
Clonidine (brand names Zanex and Tenex) are alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonists that are not stimulants. They are typically employed "off-label" for ADHD which means they are not specifically approved by the FDA to treat this condition. They can help reduce ADHD symptoms through acting as a sedative, and slowing down the activity of specific brain nerve cells.
Behavioral education and other behavioral therapy are also crucial elements of treatment for ADHD. Adults and children suffering from ADHD can benefit from behavioral training to learn new ways of managing their symptoms, enhance social skills, and devise strategies to manage conflict and frustration. These methods are particularly effective for younger children and those with milder symptoms. However, they aren't always successful in older adults and children with more severe ADHD symptoms.