ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the right ADHD medication requires a lot of trial and error. Many factors influence effectiveness, including the individual's metabolism, the effects of the drug and how a medication interacts with other medications and supplements.
Stimulants can take a while to work however they do aid in improving attention, focus and impulsivity. They also increase levels of brain chemicals, such as dopamine and epinephrine.
Stimulants
Stimulants, also known as uppers, increase the body's functions and make people feel more alert. Examples of stimulants include caffeine, a drug commonly used to keep people alert and alert as well as prescription drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Vyvanse), and the 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. When taken legally by a doctor on a prescription, these drugs have been proven to decrease ADHD symptoms and improve the functioning of people who suffer from the disorder.
Prescription stimulants are generally safe if utilized correctly, however they can cause a variety of side effects including insomnia, nervousness, headache, tremors, stomach upset, agitation, shakiness and rapid heartbeats, as well as confusion. There is also a significant 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 and dextroamphetamine, which are available in pills, liquids tablets, chewable tablets as well as a skin patch for more than 30 years. The medications, known by their generic names as well as brand names like Adderall, Ritalin, and Metadate, work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels within the brain. They can also aid in improving concentration, behavior, and self-discipline. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) and extended-release (long-lasting) forms.
Viloxazine and Atomoxetine, both sold under the brand name Qelbree, are stimulant medications which can be purchased over-the counter. These are part of a group known as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and block the action of norepinephrine in the brain. They don't help with the symptoms of ADHD however, they can be helpful when used in conjunction with other treatments, such as nonstimulant medication and behavioral therapy.
Nonstimulant medicines
There are a variety of non-stimulant medications that have been FDA-approved to treat ADHD. They are generally simpler to take and have less adverse effects than stimulant medications. They do not perform as fast as stimulants, however they can take several weeks before they begin working. They can also be less addictive than stimulant medication, and some doctors even suggest them as a first option for adults.
Clonidine (brand names Zanex and Tenex) are alpha-2 adrenergic agonists that are not stimulants. These are usually used "off-label" for ADHD which means they are not specifically approved by the FDA to treat this condition. However, they can be helpful in reducing ADHD symptoms by acting as a sedative, and slowing the activity of certain nerve cells in the brain.
adhd no medication and other forms of therapy are also crucial components of treatment for ADHD. Behavioral training can teach adults and children with ADHD new strategies to manage their symptoms, enhance their social skills, and develop more effective strategies for dealing with frustration and conflict. These treatments are particularly effective for younger children as well as those with milder symptoms. However, they are not always effective for older children and adults with more severe ADHD symptoms.