ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the right ADHD medicine requires a lot of trial and trial and. Many factors affect effectiveness, including individual metabolism, side effects and how a medication interacts with other medications and supplements.
It may take a while for stimulants' effects to be felt but they improve focus, attention and impulsivity. They also boost levels of brain chemicals such as dopamine and epinephrine.
Stimulants
They are also known as uppers. They boost body's functions and make you feel more alert. Stimulants include caffeine (a substance that is frequently used to keep you alert and awake) amphetamines and dextroamphetamines (Adderall and Vyvanse) Lisdexafetamine, and prescription drugs like methylphenidate, Concerta, Adderall and Vyvanse. They may also be illegal substances like crystal meth, cocaine and bath salts (synthetic cathinones) that are often used by children due to their stimulant effects. When they are taken legally by a physician as prescribed, these drugs have been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms and improve the functioning of people with the disorder.
Prescription stimulants are generally safe when utilized correctly, however they are not without risk of side effects including headache, insomnia, nervousness, tremors, stomach upset shaking, agitation and a rapid heartbeat. They can also cause confusion. They also have a high potential for 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.
Since more than 30 year dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and other prescription stimulants have been available as pills, liquids, chewable tablets and skin patches. The drugs, which are referred to by their generic names as well as brand names like Adderall, Ritalin, and Metadate, work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain and can aid in improving focus, behavior, and self-control. These medications are available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms.
Viloxazine and Atomoxetine, both of which are sold under the brand name Qelbree are stimulant medicines which can be purchased over-the counter. I Am Psychiatry are part of a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, and work by blocking the actions of a certain neurotransmitter, norepinephrine in the brain. They don't help with the symptoms of ADHD, but they can be beneficial in combination with other treatments, such as nonstimulant drugs and therapy for behavioral disorders.
Nonstimulant medications
There are many non-stimulant drugs that have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. They are generally more convenient to use and have less adverse effects than stimulant medications. They do not perform as fast as stimulants do, however they can take several weeks before they begin working. They also have a lower risk of addiction than stimulant medications, and some doctors recommend them to adults as a first choice for treatment.
Medicines that aren't classified as 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 they are not specifically approved by the FDA to treat this condition. They can help reduce ADHD symptoms through acting as a sedative, and slowing down the activity of certain brain nerve cells.
Behavioral education and other behavioral therapy are also essential components of treatment for ADHD. Children and adults with ADHD can benefit from a behavioral program to discover new methods of managing their symptoms, improve social skills, and devise strategies for managing conflict and frustration. These techniques are most effective for children younger than or those with milder symptoms. These treatments are not always effective in older children or adults with more severe symptoms of ADHD.