ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the best ADHD medication takes lots of trial and error. Effectiveness is influenced by a variety factors that include metabolism, side effects, and the way in which a medication interacts with other medications and supplements.
Stimulants can take a while to work however they do aid in improving focus, attention and impulsivity. They also boost brain chemicals like dopamine and adrenaline.
Stimulants
The stimulants, also referred to as uppers, boost the body's functions and can make people feel more alert. Examples of stimulants include caffeine, one of the most popular drugs used to keep people alert and awake, and prescription drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Vyvanse), and lisdexafetamine (Vyvanse). They may also be illegal substances like crystal meth, cocaine, and bath salts (synthetic cathinones) that are often used by young people for their stimulating effects. If taken by a doctor on a prescription the drugs have been proven to decrease ADHD symptoms and improve the functioning of those suffering from the disorder.
If used properly when used correctly, prescription stimulants are generally safe. However, they could cause adverse effects, such as insomnia, nervousness and headaches as well as stomach upsets, tremors and shakiness or agitation, rapid pulse, confusion and tremors. There is also a substantial risk 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 major classes of prescription stimulants are methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine. Both have been available in pills, liquids tablets that can be chewed, chewable and a skin patch for more than 30 years. The drugs, which are referred to by their generic names and brand names like Adderall, Ritalin, and Metadate, work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They also aid in improving focus, behavior, as well as self-discipline. These drugs are available in immediate-release and extended release forms.
Viloxazine and Atomoxetine, both of which are sold under the brand name Qelbree, are stimulant medications that are available over-the-counter. They are part of a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs, and work by blocking the action of a certain neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, that is found in the brain. They do not help with symptoms of ADHD but can be useful when combined with other treatments, such as nonstimulant medication and behavioral therapy.
Nonstimulant medications
There are many non-stimulant drugs that have been FDA-approved to treat ADHD. They are typically more convenient to take than stimulant drugs and have less side negative effects. They may not work as quickly as stimulants, and can take several weeks before they begin to work. They also have a lower risk of addiction than stimulant medicines and some doctors suggest them for adults as a first treatment option.
Medications that are not classified as stimulants include the clonidine (brand name Zanex) and alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists like Guanfacine (brand name Tenex). medication for autism and adhd are typically employed "off-label" for ADHD, meaning that they aren't approved by the FDA to treat this condition. However they can be useful in decreasing ADHD symptoms by acting as a sedative and slowing down the activity of certain neurons in the brain.
Treatment for ADHD also includes a variety of behavioral education and other forms of therapy for behavioral disorders. Behavioral training can teach adults and children with ADHD new ways to manage their symptoms, enhance their social skills, and develop better strategies to manage conflict and frustration. These techniques are particularly effective with younger children and those with milder symptoms. These treatments are not always effective for older children or adults who have more severe symptoms of ADHD.