ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the best ADHD medication requires a lot 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 drugs and supplements.
It can take some time for stimulants' effects to be felt but they do 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 enhance body functions and can make you feel more alert. These include caffeine (a drug that is often used to keep you alert and awake), amphetamines and dextroamphetamines (Adderall and Vyvanse) Lisdexafetamine, and prescription drugs such as methylphenidate, Concerta, Adderall and Vyvanse. These stimulants can also be illegal substances, such as crystal meth, Cocaine and bath salts (synthetic catshinones) which are commonly misused by adolescents. These drugs, when prescribed by a physician have been proven to help improve ADHD symptoms and functioning in people who suffer from the disorder.
Prescription stimulants are generally safe if used correctly, but they can cause a variety of side effects such as anxiety, insomnia, headache, tremors, stomach upset shaking, agitation and rapid heartbeats, as well as confusion. They may also be highly prone 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 main classes of prescription stimulants are methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine. Both have been available in pills, liquids tablets, chewable tablets and patches for the skin for more than 30 years. The medications, also referred to as Adderall and Ritalin under their brand names, work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They can improve focus, behavior and self-control. These medications are available in immediate-release and extended-release forms.
Viloxazine as well as atomoxetine both sold under the brand name Qelbree are stimulant medicines that are available over-the-counter. These drugs are part of a class called selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and block the action of norepinephrine within the brain. They do not help with the symptoms of ADHD however they can be helpful in combination with other treatments, such as nonstimulant drugs and treatment for behavior.
Nonstimulant medications
FDA has approved a variety of non-stimulant medications to treat ADHD. They are generally more convenient to use and have less adverse effects than stimulant medication. They may not work like stimulants and can take several weeks to start working. how does medication for adhd work may also be less addictive than stimulant medication, and some doctors even suggest them as a first choice for adults.
Medicines that aren't classified as stimulants include clonidine (brand name Zanex) and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists such as Guanfacine (brand name Tenex). These are usually employed "off-label" for ADHD which means that they are not specifically approved by the FDA to treat this condition. However, they can be helpful in decreasing ADHD symptoms through acting as a sedative and slowing the activity of certain nerve cells in the brain.
Treatment for ADHD also includes behavioral education as well as 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 most effective for children younger than or those who have milder symptoms. However, they aren't always effective in older children and adults with more severe ADHD symptoms.