ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the best ADHD medicine requires a lot of trial and trial and. The effectiveness of a medication is influenced by a variety of aspects that include metabolism as well as side effects and how the medication interacts with other drugs and supplements.
It can take some time for stimulants to take effect, however they can improve concentration, attention, and impulsivity. They also boost brain chemicals such as dopamine and adrenaline.
Stimulants
Stimulants, also known as uppers, boost the body's functions and can make people feel more alert. Examples of stimulants include caffeine a drug commonly used to keep people alert and alert, and prescription drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin Concerta, Ritalin), amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Vyvanse), and the lisdexafetamine (Vyvanse). They can also be illicit substances like crystal meth, cocaine, and bath salts (synthetic cathinones) which are frequently abused by young people for their stimulant effects. When taken legally by a physician as prescribed the drugs have been proven to decrease ADHD symptoms and improve the functioning of those suffering from the disorder.
When used correctly, prescription stimulants are generally safe. However, they could cause adverse effects, like headaches, insomnia, nervousness as well as stomach upsets, tremors, agitation or shakiness, rapid pulse, confusion and tremors. There is also a substantial 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 inattentive adhd medication than 30 years methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, and other prescription stimulants are available as pills, liquids, chewable tablets and skin patches. The medications, known by their generic names as well as brand names like Adderall, Ritalin, and Metadate, work by increasing dopamine levels and norepinephrine levels inside the brain and can help improve focus, behavior, as well as self-discipline. These medications are available in immediate-release and extended release forms.
The most commonly prescribed stimulant drugs are atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). They belong to a class of medications known as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, and work by preventing the action 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 in conjunction with other treatments like nonstimulant drugs and treatment for behavior.
Nonstimulant medication
There are several nonstimulant medicines that have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. They are typically more convenient to take than stimulant drugs and have fewer side effects. They don't work as quickly as stimulants do, however they can take a few weeks to start working. They also have a lower chance of addiction than stimulant drugs, and some doctors recommend them for adults as a first treatment option.
Medications that are not considered stimulants include the clonidine (brand name Zanex) and alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists like guanfacine (brand name Tenex). These drugs are typically prescribed "off-label" which means that the FDA has not approved for use in treating ADHD. However they can be useful in reducing ADHD symptoms by acting as a sedative and slowing down the activity of certain nerve cells in the brain.
Treatment for ADHD also includes behavioral education and other forms of therapy for behavioral disorders. Children and adults with ADHD can benefit from behavioral training to learn new ways of managing their symptoms, improve social skills, and devise strategies to manage conflicts and anger. These treatments are particularly effective with younger children and those who have milder symptoms. However, they aren't always effective for older children and adults who have more severe ADHD symptoms.
