ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the right ADHD medication takes a lot of trial and error. Effectiveness is influenced by a variety factors such as metabolism, side effects, and how a medication interacts with other drugs and supplements.
Stimulants can take a while to take effect however they do aid in improving attention, focus and impulsivity. They also increase brain chemicals such as dopamine and adrenaline.
Stimulants
Stimulants, also known as uppers, increase 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 awake and alert and prescription drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Vyvanse), and Lisdexafetamine (Vyvanse). Full Record may also be illegal substances such as crystal meth, cocaine and bath salts (synthetic cathinones) that are often used by young people for their stimulant effects. These drugs when prescribed by a physician have been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms and functioning for those suffering from the disorder.
Prescription stimulants are generally safe when used in a controlled manner, however, they do carry a risk of side effects such as insomnia, nervousness, headache and stomach upset, tremors and agitation, shakiness, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. There is also a significant risk of 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 more than 30 year dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and other prescription stimulants have been available in the form of liquids, pills, chewable tablets and skin patches. The drugs, referred to by their generic names as well as brands like Adderall, Ritalin, and Metadate can be used to increase dopamine levels and norepinephrine levels inside the brain. They also help improve focus, behavior, as well as self-discipline. These drugs are available in immediate-release and extended-release versions.
Viloxazine and Atomoxetine, both under the brand name Qelbree, are stimulant medications which can be purchased over-the counter. These 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 but they can be helpful in combination with other treatments like nonstimulant medication and behavioral therapy.
Nonstimulant drugs
FDA has approved several nonstimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They are generally easier to take and have less negative effects than stimulant drugs. They may not work like stimulants and may take a few weeks before they begin to work. They also have a lower risk of addiction than stimulant medications, and some doctors recommend these for adults as a first treatment option.
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, meaning that they aren't approved by the FDA to treat this condition. They can reduce ADHD symptoms through acting as a sedative, and slowing down the activity of specific brain nerve cells.
Treatment for ADHD also includes behavioral education as well as other types of behavioral therapy. Adults and children suffering from ADHD can benefit from a behavioral program to discover new methods of managing their symptoms, improve social skills, and create strategies for managing conflicts and anger. These methods are most effective for children who are younger or those with milder symptoms. However, they're not always effective for older children and adults who have more severe ADHD symptoms.