ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the right ADHD medicine requires a lot of trial and error. Effectiveness is influenced by a variety aspects such as metabolism side effects, the dosage, and the way in which a medication interacts with other medications and supplements.
Stimulants may take a while to kick in however they do aid in improving focus, attention and impulsivity. They also increase brain chemicals like dopamine and adrenaline.
Stimulants
Stimulants, also known as uppers, increase the body's functions, and make people feel more alert. Examples of stimulants include caffeine, an ingredient that is commonly used to keep people awake and alert and prescription drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Vyvanse), and lisdexafetamine (Vyvanse). They can also be illicit substances like crystal meth, cocaine, and bath salts (synthetic cathinones) that are often abused by children due to their stimulating effects. These drugs, when prescribed by a physician have been proven to help improve ADHD symptoms and functioning in those who suffer from the disorder.
When used correctly prescribed stimulants are generally safe. However, they may cause adverse reactions like insomnia, nervousness and headaches, tremors and stomach upsets and shakiness or agitation, rapid pulse, confusion and tremors. There is also a significant chance 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.
Since the past 30 years methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, and other prescription stimulants have been available as liquids, pills, chewable tablets and skin patches. The medications, also referred to as Adderall and Ritalin by their brand names, work by increasing the dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They can help improve the ability to focus, behavior, and self-discipline. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) and extended-release (long-lasting) forms.
Viloxazine and Atomoxetine, both of which are sold under the brand name Qelbree are stimulant medicines that are available over-the-counter. These are both part of a group known as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and block the action of norepinephrine in the brain. They don't help with the symptoms of ADHD however, they can be helpful in conjunction with other treatments, such as nonstimulant drugs and behavioral therapy.
Nonstimulant medications
FDA has approved a number of nonstimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They are usually less expensive than stimulant medications and have fewer side consequences. They may not work as quickly as stimulants, and may take a few weeks before they begin to work. inattentive adhd medication have a lower risk of addiction than stimulant drugs and some doctors even recommend them to adults as a first option for treatment.
inattentive adhd medication that are not classified as stimulants include the clonidine (brand name Zanex) and alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists like guanfacine (brand name Tenex). These are generally employed "off-label" for ADHD, meaning that they aren't approved by the FDA to treat this condition. However they can be beneficial in decreasing ADHD symptoms through acting as a sedative, and slowing the activity of specific nerve cells in the brain.
Behavioral education and other behavioral therapy are also important components of treatment for ADHD. Children and adults with ADHD can benefit from behavioral training to discover new methods of managing their symptoms, develop social skills, and devise strategies for managing anger and conflict. These techniques are particularly effective in younger children and those with milder symptoms. These treatments are not always effective in older children or adults with more severe symptoms of ADHD.