ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the best ADHD medicine requires a lot of trial and error. Effectiveness is influenced by a variety factors such as metabolism, side effects, and how the medication interacts with other drugs and supplements.
It may take a while for stimulants to take effect, but they improve concentration, attention 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 body's functions and make you feel more alert. Examples of stimulants are caffeine, an ingredient that is commonly used to keep people alert and alert as well as prescription drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin Concerta, Ritalin) amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, (Adderall, Vyvanse), and Lisdexafetamine (Vyvanse). These stimulants can also be illegal substances, such as crystal meth, Cocaine, and bath Salts (synthetic catshinones) that are frequently misused by adolescents. These drugs, when prescribed by a physician, have been shown to help improve ADHD symptoms and performance in those who suffer from the disorder.
When used correctly when used correctly, prescription stimulants are generally safe. However, they could 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 abuse and addiction. 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 year, methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine and other prescription stimulants have been available as liquids, pills, chewable tablets and skin patches. The drugs, also referred to as Adderall and Ritalin under their brand names, work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine levels 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). These are both part of a class 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, but they can be helpful in combination with other treatments such as nonstimulant medications and behavioral therapy.
Nonstimulant medicines
FDA has approved a number of nonstimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They are usually more convenient to take than stimulant drugs and have fewer adverse negative effects. They may not be as quickly as stimulants, and may take a few weeks to begin working. They are also less addictive than stimulant drugs, and some doctors even suggest them as a first option for adults.
The medications that are not considered stimulants include clonidine (brand name Zanex) and alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists like guanfacine (brand name Tenex). These drugs are typically prescribed "off-label", meaning that the FDA has not approved for use in treating ADHD. However visit my web site can be beneficial in decreasing ADHD symptoms through acting as a sedative, and slowing the activity of specific neurons in the brain.
Behavioral education and other forms of therapy are also important elements of treatment for ADHD. Adults and children with ADHD can benefit from behavioral therapy to develop new strategies for managing their symptoms, enhance social skills, and devise strategies to deal with anger and conflict. These methods are particularly effective for younger children and those with milder symptoms. However, they are not always effective for older children and adults who have more severe ADHD symptoms.