ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the best ADHD medication requires a lot of trial and error. Effectiveness is affected by many factors that include metabolism side effects, the dosage, and how a medication interacts with other drugs and supplements.
Stimulants can take a while to kick in however they can aid in improving focus, attention and impulsivity. They also increase brain chemicals such as dopamine and adrenaline.
Stimulants
Stimulants are also referred to as uppers. They enhance body's functions and make you feel more alert. Examples of stimulants are caffeine, a drug commonly used to keep people awake and alert, and prescription drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin Concerta, Ritalin) amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Vyvanse), and Lisdexafetamine (Vyvanse). They can also be illicit substances such as 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 doctor have been proven to help improve ADHD symptoms and functioning for those suffering from the disorder.
If used properly prescribed stimulants are generally safe. However, they may cause adverse reactions such as insomnia, nervousness and headaches and stomach upsets, agitation or shakiness, rapid pulse, confusion and tremors. They may also be a risk for dependence 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 years dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and other prescription stimulants have been available as liquids, pills chewable tablets, chewable tablets, and skin patches. The drugs, also referred to as Adderall and Ritalin under their brand names, function by increasing the dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They can improve concentration, 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). These are both part of a class known as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and block the action of norepinephrine inside the brain. They do not help with symptoms of ADHD but can be useful in conjunction with other treatments like nonstimulant medications and behavioral therapy.
Nonstimulant medications
FDA has approved a variety of non-stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They are generally less expensive than stimulant drugs and have fewer adverse negative effects. medication for adhd and anxiety don't perform as fast as stimulants, however they may take several weeks before they begin working. They also have a lower chance of addiction than stimulant medications and some doctors suggest them to adults as a first treatment option.
Clonidine (brand names Zanex and Tenex) are alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists that are not stimulants. They are typically employed "off-label" for ADHD, meaning that they aren't approved by the FDA to treat this condition. However they can be useful in reducing ADHD symptoms by acting as a sedative and slowing down the activity of certain neurons in the brain.
Behavioral education and other forms of therapy are also important components of treatment for ADHD. Children and adults with ADHD can benefit from behavioral therapy to develop new strategies for managing their symptoms, improve social skills, and devise strategies for managing anger and conflict. These techniques are particularly effective for younger children and those with milder symptoms. However, they are not always effective in older adults and children with more severe ADHD symptoms.