ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the best ADHD medication requires a lot of trial and error. Many factors affect effectiveness, including the individual's metabolism, side effects and how a medication interacts with other medications and supplements.
It may take a while for stimulants to take effect, however they can improve focus, attention and impulsivity. They also increase levels of brain chemicals like dopamine and epinephrine.
Stimulants
Stimulants are also referred to as uppers. They speed up the 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 like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Vyvanse), and the lisdexafetamine (Vyvanse). These stimulants could also be illegal substances like crystal meth, Cocaine, and bath salts (synthetic catshinones), which are often misused by adolescents. These drugs when prescribed by a physician, have been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms and performance in those who suffer from the disorder.
When used correctly, prescription stimulants are generally safe. However, they can cause adverse effects, such as insomnia, nervousness and headaches, tremors and stomach upsets and shakiness or agitation, rapid pulse, confusion and tremors. There is also a high 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.
Since the past 30 years, methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine and other prescription stimulants have been available as pills, liquids chewable tablets, chewable tablets, and skin patches. The drugs, referred to by their generic names as well as brands like Adderall, Ritalin, and Metadate can be used to increase dopamine levels and norepinephrine levels inside the brain. They can also aid in improving focus, behavior, as well as self-discipline. These medications are available in immediate-release and extended-release forms.
Viloxazine and Atomoxetine, both under the brand name Qelbree are stimulant drugs that are available over-the-counter. They belong to a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors also known as SNRIs. adhd and medication 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 beneficial in combination with other treatments, such as nonstimulant drugs and therapy for behavioral disorders.
Nonstimulant medications
There are many non-stimulant drugs that have been FDA-approved to treat ADHD. They are generally more convenient to take and have less adverse effects than stimulant medications. They don't work as quickly as stimulants, though they can take some time to begin working. They may also be less addictive than stimulant medication and some doctors recommend them as a first choice for adults.
Medications that are not classified as stimulants include Clonidine (brand name Zanex) and alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists like Guanfacine (brand name Tenex). These drugs are usually prescribed "off-label" which means that the FDA has not approved them to treat ADHD. They may help to reduce ADHD symptoms through acting as a sedative, and slowing down the activity of certain brain nerve cells.
Treatment for ADHD also includes a variety of behavioral education and other forms of behavioral therapy. Behavioral training can teach children and adults with ADHD new ways to manage their symptoms, increase their social skills, and develop better strategies for managing conflict and frustration. These methods are particularly effective in younger children and those with milder symptoms. These treatments aren't always effective for older children or adults with more severe symptoms of ADHD.