ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the best ADHD medicine takes a lot trial and error. There are many factors that affect the effectiveness of the medication such as the individual's metabolism, the effects of the drug and how the drug interacts with other medications and supplements.
The stimulants may take some time to take effect however they do aid in improving focus, attention and impulsivity. They also increase brain chemicals such as dopamine and adrenaline.
Stimulants
Stimulants, also known as uppers, speed up the body's functions and can make people feel more alert. The stimulants include caffeine (a substance that is frequently used to keep you alert and awake) amphetamines, dextroamphetamines, and amphe (Adderall and Vyvanse), lisdexafetamine, and prescription drugs like Concerta, methylphenidate, Adderall and Vyvanse. These stimulants could also be illegal substances like crystal meth, Cocaine and bath salts (synthetic catshinones) that are frequently misused by adolescents. If taken by a physician as prescribed the drug has been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms and improve functioning in people who suffer from the disorder.
If used properly, prescription stimulants are generally safe. However, they can cause adverse reactions such as headaches, insomnia, nervousness and stomach upsets and shakiness or agitation, 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 are available in pills, liquid tablets, chewable tablets as well as patches for the skin for more than 30 years. The drugs, which are referred to by their generic names as well as brand names like Adderall, Ritalin, and Metadate can be used to increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They also aid in improving focus, behavior, as well as self-discipline. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) and extended-release (long-lasting) versions.
Viloxazine and Atomoxetine, both sold under the brand name Qelbree, are stimulant medications that are available over-the-counter. These are both part of a class called selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and inhibit the action of norepinephrine in the brain. They do not aid in the treatment of symptoms of ADHD but can be useful in combination with other treatments such as nonstimulant medication or behavioral therapy.
adhd and medication has approved several nonstimulant medications to treat ADHD. see this are generally easier to take and have fewer adverse effects than stimulant medications. They don't work as fast as stimulants, though, and may take some time to begin working. They may also have a lower chance of addiction than stimulant medications and some doctors suggest these for adults as a first treatment option.
Clonidine (brand names Zanex and Tenex) are alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonists that are not stimulants. These drugs are usually prescribed "off-label" which means that the FDA has not approved for treatment of ADHD. However they can be beneficial in reducing ADHD symptoms through acting as a sedative, and slowing the activity of specific neurons in the brain.
Behavioral education and related behavioral therapy are also important elements of treatment for ADHD. Behavioral training can teach children and adults with ADHD new methods to manage their symptoms, enhance their social skills, and learn more effective strategies for dealing with frustration and conflict. These methods are most effective for younger children or those with milder symptoms. These treatments are not always effective for older children or adults with more severe symptoms of ADHD.