ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the right ADHD medicine takes a lot trial and trial and. Effectiveness is influenced by a variety aspects such as metabolism side effects, the dosage, and the way in which a medication interacts with other medications and supplements.
It can take some time for stimulants to work but they improve concentration, attention, and impulsivity. They also increase levels of brain chemicals such as dopamine and epinephrine.
Stimulants
Stimulants are also referred to as uppers. They speed up the body functions and can make you feel more alert. The stimulants include caffeine (a drug that is often used to keep you alert and alert), amphetamines and dextroamphetamines (Adderall and Vyvanse) Lisdexafetamine, and prescription drugs like methylphenidate, Concerta, Adderall and Vyvanse. They may also be illegal substances such as crystal meth, cocaine and bath salts (synthetic cathinones) that are often used by children due to their stimulating effects. These drugs when prescribed by a physician, have been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms and functioning in people who suffer from the disorder.
Prescription stimulants are generally safe when used correctly, but they are not without risk of adverse effects, including anxiety, insomnia, headache and stomach upset, tremors, agitation, shakiness and a rapid heartbeat. They can also cause confusion. There is also a substantial chance of 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 as well as dextroamphetamine. They are available in pills, liquid, chewable tablets, and patches for the skin for more than 30 years. The drugs, also referred to as Adderall and Ritalin under their brand names, function by increasing the dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They can improve the ability to focus, behavior, and self-discipline. These drugs are available in immediate-release and extended-release versions.
Viloxazine and Atomoxetine, both sold under the brand name Qelbree, are stimulant medications that can be purchased over-the-counter. They belong to a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors also known as SNRIs. They work by blocking the actions of a particular neurotransmitter called norepinephrine in the brain. They do not help with the symptoms of ADHD however they can be helpful in conjunction with other treatments like nonstimulant medications and behavioral therapy.
Nonstimulant medication
FDA has approved a variety of non-stimulant medications to treat ADHD. They are generally easier to use and have less negative effects than stimulant drugs. They do not work as fast as stimulants do, however, and may take several weeks before they begin working. They also have a lower chance of addiction than stimulant medications and some doctors suggest these for adults as a first option for treatment.
The medications that are not classified as stimulants include the clonidine (brand name Zanex) and alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists like guanfacine (brand name Tenex). These are generally used "off-label" for ADHD which means they are not specifically approved by the FDA to treat this condition. However, adhd medications can be helpful in decreasing ADHD symptoms through acting as a sedative and slowing down the activity of certain neurons in the brain.
Behavioral education and related behavioral therapy are also important components of treatment for ADHD. Training in behavioral therapy can teach adults and children with ADHD new strategies to manage their symptoms, improve their social skills, and create better strategies to manage conflict and frustration. These techniques are most effective for younger children or those with milder symptoms. However, they're not always effective in older adults and children with more severe ADHD symptoms.