ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the right ADHD medication requires a lot of trial and trial and. The effectiveness of a medication is influenced by a variety of factors such as metabolism side effects, the dosage, and the way in which a medication interacts with other drugs and supplements.
The stimulants may take some time to work however they can aid in improving attention, focus and impulsivity. They also increase levels of brain chemicals like dopamine and epinephrine.
Stimulants
The stimulants, also referred to as uppers, speed up the body's functions, and make people feel more alert. Stimulants include caffeine (a drug that is often used to keep you awake and alert) amphetamines and dextroamphetamines (Adderall and Vyvanse), lisdexafetamine, and prescription drugs such as Concerta, methylphenidate Adderall and Vyvanse. These stimulants can also be illegal substances such as crystal meth, Cocaine, and bath Salts (synthetic catshinones), which are often misused by adolescents. When they are taken legally by a doctor on a prescription the drug has been proven to reduce 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 can cause side effects like insomnia, nervousness and headaches and stomach upsets and shakiness or agitation, rapid pulse, confusion and tremors. adhd medications for adults may also be a risk for dependence 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. adhd medication names are available as pills, liquids tablets, chewable tablets and a skin patch for more than 30 years. The medications, also known as Adderall and Ritalin by their brand names, function by increasing the dopamine and norepinephrine levels of the brain. They can help improve concentration, behavior, and self-control. These medications are available in immediate-release and extended-release forms.
Over-the-counter stimulant medicines include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). They are part of a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, also known as SNRIs. They work by preventing the action of a particular neurotransmitter called norepinephrine in the brain. They do not aid in the treatment of symptoms of ADHD but can be useful when combined with other treatments like nonstimulant medication and behavioral therapy.
Nonstimulant medicine
FDA has approved a variety of non-stimulant medication to treat ADHD. They are generally less expensive than stimulant medications and have fewer adverse negative effects. They may not work as fast as stimulants and may take a few weeks to start working. They are also less addictive than stimulant medications, and some doctors even recommend them as the first choice for adults.
Clonidine (brand names Zanex and Tenex) are alpha-2 adrenergic agonists that are not stimulants. These are generally employed "off-label" for ADHD which means that they aren't approved by the FDA to treat this condition. They can reduce ADHD symptoms by acting a sedate, and reducing the activity of certain brain nerve cells.
Treatment for ADHD also includes a variety of behavioral education and other types of behavioral therapy. Adults and children with ADHD can benefit from a behavioral program to discover new methods of managing their symptoms, improve social skills, and create strategies to manage anger and conflict. These treatments are particularly effective in younger children and those with milder symptoms. However, they aren't always successful in older children and adults with more severe ADHD symptoms.