ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the best ADHD medication takes many trials and trial and. Many factors affect effectiveness such as individual metabolism, side effects and how the drug interacts with other medications and supplements.
It may take a while for stimulants' effects to be felt but they improve concentration, attention, and impulsivity. They also increase brain chemicals like dopamine and adrenaline.
Stimulants
Stimulants, also called uppers, speed up the body's functions, and make people feel more alert. These include caffeine (a drug that is commonly used to keep you alert and alert) amphetamines, dextroamphetamines, and amphe (Adderall and Vyvanse), lisdexafetamine, and prescription drugs like Concerta, methylphenidate Adderall and Vyvanse. They also include illicit substances such as crystal meth, cocaine and bath salts (synthetic cathinones) which are frequently abused by young people for their stimulant effects. When they are taken legally by a doctor as prescribed the drug has been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms and improve the functioning of people with the disorder.
When used correctly prescribed stimulants are generally safe. However, they can cause adverse reactions like insomnia, nervousness and headaches as well as stomach upsets, tremors, agitation or shakiness, rapid pulse, confusion, and tremors. There is also a significant 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 and dextroamphetamine. They 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 as well as brands like Adderall, Ritalin, and Metadate are effective in increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They can also help improve focus, behavior, and self-discipline. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) and extended-release (long-lasting) versions.
Viloxazine as well as atomoxetine both sold under the brand name Qelbree are stimulant drugs that can be purchased over-the-counter. These drugs are part of a class called selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and inhibit the action of norepinephrine inside the brain. They are not able to treat symptoms of ADHD but they can be helpful in combination with other treatments like nonstimulant medications and behavioral therapy.
adhd medication list
There are a variety of non-stimulant medications that have been approved by FDA to treat ADHD. They are generally simpler to take and have fewer adverse effects than stimulant medication. They may not be like stimulants and can take several weeks to begin working. They are also less addictive than stimulant drugs, and some doctors even suggest them as a first choice for adults.
adhd without medication that are not considered stimulants include Clonidine (brand name Zanex) and alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists like guanfacine (brand name Tenex). They are typically employed "off-label" for ADHD which means that they aren't approved by the FDA to treat this condition. They can reduce ADHD symptoms through acting as a sedate, and reducing the activity of certain brain nerve cells.
Behavioral education and related behavioral therapy are also important elements of treatment for ADHD. Behavioral training can teach children and adults with ADHD new ways to manage their symptoms, increase their social skills, and create better strategies for managing conflicts and frustration. These techniques are particularly effective with younger children and those with milder symptoms. However, they're not always effective in older children and adults with more severe ADHD symptoms.