ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the best ADHD medication can take a lot of trial and trial and. Many factors influence effectiveness and efficiency, including the individual's metabolism, side effects and how a drug interacts with other medications and supplements.
Stimulants may take a while to work, but they aid in improving 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 speed up the body's functions and make you feel more alert. Examples of stimulants include caffeine a drug commonly used to keep people alert and awake, and prescription drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Vyvanse), and lisdexafetamine (Vyvanse). you can check here include illicit substances such as crystal meth, cocaine, and bath salts (synthetic cathinones) which are frequently abused by youngsters due to their stimulating effects. These drugs when prescribed by a physician, have been shown to improve ADHD symptoms and functioning in those who suffer from the disorder.
When used correctly prescribed stimulants are generally safe. However, they can cause adverse effects, such as headaches, insomnia, nervousness and stomach upsets and shakiness or agitation, rapid pulse, confusion, and tremors. They also be highly prone for abuse and addiction. If taken in higher-than-prescribed doses or by people who don't have ADHD, they can lead to overdose and death.
Since the past 30 years methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, and other prescription stimulants are available as liquids, pills as chewable tablets, chewable tablets and skin patches. The drugs, which are referred to by their generic names and brand names such as Adderall, Ritalin, and Metadate can be used to increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels within the brain. They also aid in improving focus, behavior, as well as 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 drugs are part of a class known as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and block the action of norepinephrine within the brain. They do not aid in the treatment of symptoms of ADHD however they can be beneficial when combined with other treatments, such as nonstimulant medication and behavioral therapy.
Nonstimulant drugs
FDA has approved a variety of non-stimulant medications to treat ADHD. They are generally easier to take and have fewer adverse effects than stimulant medication. They may not be as quickly as stimulants, and may take a few weeks to begin working. They are also less addictive than stimulant drugs and some doctors suggest them as a first choice for adults.
The medications that are not classified as stimulants include clonidine (brand name Zanex) and alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists like Guanfacine (brand name Tenex). These are usually employed "off-label" for ADHD which means that they aren't approved by the FDA to treat this condition. However they can be useful in reducing ADHD symptoms through acting as a sedative and slowing the activity of certain neurons in the brain.
Behavioral education and other behavioral therapy are also crucial elements of treatment for ADHD. Behavioral training can teach adults and children with ADHD new ways to manage their symptoms, enhance their social skills, and learn more effective strategies for dealing with frustration and conflict. These methods are particularly effective with younger children as well as those with milder symptoms. However, they're not always successful in older adults and children with more severe ADHD symptoms.