ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the best ADHD medication takes a lot of trial and error. Effectiveness is affected by many factors, including metabolism, side effects, and how the medication interacts with other drugs and supplements.
Stimulants can take a while to kick in, but they help improve attention, focus and impulsivity. They also increase levels of brain chemicals such as dopamine and epinephrine.
Stimulants
Stimulants are also known as uppers. They speed up the processes in the body and can make you feel more alert. The stimulants include caffeine (a drug that is often used to keep you alert and alert) amphetamines and dextroamphetamines (Adderall and Vyvanse) and lisdexafetamine and prescription drugs like Concerta, methylphenidate Adderall and Vyvanse. They also include illicit substances like crystal meth, cocaine and bath salts (synthetic cathinones) which are frequently abused by young people for their stimulating effects. When taken legally by a doctor on a prescription the drug has been proven to decrease ADHD symptoms and improve functioning in people suffering from the disorder.
Prescription stimulants are generally safe if utilized correctly, however they can cause a variety of adverse effects, including anxiety, insomnia, headache and stomach upset, tremors shaking, agitation and a rapid heartbeat. They can also cause confusion. They also be highly prone 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.
The two main classes of prescription stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. They are available as pills, liquids tablets, chewable tablets and patches for skin for more than 30 years. The drugs, also referred to as Adderall and Ritalin by their brand names, function by increasing the dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They can improve concentration, behavior, and self-control. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) and extended-release (long-lasting) versions.
Over-the-counter stimulant medicines include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). They are part of a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, also known as SNRIs. They work by blocking the actions of a specific neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, that is found 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 and behavioral therapy.
Nonstimulant medicine
FDA has approved a variety of non-stimulant medication to treat ADHD. They are generally easier to take and have fewer negative effects than stimulant drugs. They may not work like stimulants and can take several weeks to begin working. They also have a lower risk of addiction than stimulant medicines and some doctors even recommend them for adults as a first option for treatment.
Clonidine (brand names Zanex and Tenex) are alpha-2 adrenergic agonists that are not stimulants. These drugs are usually prescribed "off-label", meaning that the FDA has not approved for treatment of ADHD. They may help to reduce ADHD symptoms by acting as a tranquilizer, and also slowing down the activity of specific brain nerve cells.
natural adhd medication for ADHD also includes behavioral education and other forms of behavioral therapy. Training in behavioral therapy can teach adults and children with ADHD new ways to manage their symptoms, increase their social skills, and create more effective strategies for dealing with conflict and frustration. These techniques are most effective for younger children or those with milder symptoms. These treatments are not always effective for older children or adults who have more severe symptoms of ADHD.