ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the right ADHD medicine requires a lot of trial and trial and. Many factors influence effectiveness and efficiency, including individual metabolism, side effects and how a medication interacts with other medications and supplements.
Stimulants may take a while to work however they do aid in improving focus, attention and impulsivity. They also boost levels of brain chemicals such as dopamine and epinephrine.
Stimulants
The stimulants, also referred to as uppers, boost the body's functions and can make people feel more alert. The stimulants include caffeine (a drug that is often used to keep you awake and alert) amphetamines, dextroamphetamines, and amphe (Adderall and Vyvanse) and lisdexafetamine and prescription drugs like Concerta, methylphenidate, Adderall and Vyvanse. They may also be illegal substances such as crystal meth, cocaine, and bath salts (synthetic cathinones) which are frequently abused by children due to their stimulating effects. If taken by a doctor on a prescription the drugs have been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms and improve functioning in people suffering from the disorder.
Prescription stimulants are generally safe if used correctly, but they can cause a variety of side effects such as insomnia, nervousness, headache and stomach upset, tremors shaking, agitation and a rapid heartbeat. They can also cause confusion. There is also medication for inattentive adhd 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 main classes of prescription stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. Both are available in tablets, liquid, chewable tablets and patches for skin for more than 30 years. The medications, also referred to as Adderall and Ritalin by their brand names, function by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine levels of the brain. They can help improve focus, behavior and self-control. These medications are available in both immediate-release and extended release forms.
Over-the-counter stimulant medicines include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). medication for inattentive adhd are in a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs. They function by blocking the actions of a specific neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, that is found in the brain. They don't aid in reducing the symptoms of ADHD however, they can be helpful when used in conjunction with other treatments like nonstimulant drugs and therapy for behavioral disorders.
Nonstimulant medicines
There are a variety of non-stimulant medications that have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. They are generally less expensive than stimulant medicines and have less side consequences. They may not work like stimulants and can take several weeks to begin working. They can also be less addictive than stimulant drugs and some doctors recommend them as a first option for adults.
The medications that are not classified as stimulants include the clonidine (brand name Zanex) and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists such as Guanfacine (brand name Tenex). These drugs are typically prescribed "off-label", meaning that the FDA has not approved them to treat ADHD. They can reduce ADHD symptoms by acting as a tranquilizer, and also slowing down the activity of specific brain nerve cells.
Behavioral education and other behavioral therapy are also important components of treatment for ADHD. Training in behavioral therapy can teach adults and children with ADHD new methods to manage their symptoms, enhance their social skills, and create more effective strategies for dealing with frustration and conflict. These techniques are most effective for younger children or those with milder symptoms. However, they're not always effective for older adults and children with more severe ADHD symptoms.