ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the right ADHD medication takes many trials and error. Many factors affect effectiveness such as the individual's metabolism, side effects and how a medication interacts with other medications and supplements.
It can take some time for stimulants' effects to be felt but they do improve focus, attention and impulsivity. They also increase brain chemicals such as dopamine and adrenaline.
Stimulants
The stimulants, also referred to as uppers, boost 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, Ritalin) amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, (Adderall, Vyvanse), and lisdexafetamine (Vyvanse). These stimulants could also be illegal substances, such as crystal meth, Cocaine, and bath Salts (synthetic catshinones) that are frequently abused among young people. adhd without medication , when prescribed by a doctor, have been shown to improve ADHD symptoms and performance for those suffering from the disorder.
Prescription stimulants are generally safe if used correctly, but they are not without risk of side effects including anxiety, insomnia, headache as well as stomach upset and agitation, shakiness and a rapid heartbeat. They can also cause confusion. 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.
The two major classes of prescription stimulants are methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine, which are available as pills, liquid tablets, chewable tablets as well as a skin patch for more than 30 years. The medications, known by their generic names as well as brands like Adderall, Ritalin, and Metadate, work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels within the brain. They also aid in improving focus, behavior, and self-discipline. These medications are available in both immediate-release and extended release forms.
Over-the-counter stimulant medications 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 are not able to treat symptoms of ADHD but can be useful in conjunction with other treatments like nonstimulant medication or behavioral therapy.
Nonstimulant drugs
There are several nonstimulant medicines that have been FDA-approved to treat ADHD. They are generally easier to use and have less adverse effects than stimulant medications. They do not work as quickly as stimulants do, however, and may take a few weeks to start working. They may also be less addictive than stimulant medication, and some doctors even recommend them as the first choice for adults.
Medicines that aren't classified as stimulants include clonidine (brand name Zanex) and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists such as Guanfacine (brand name Tenex). These drugs are usually prescribed "off-label", meaning that the FDA has not endorsed for use in treating ADHD. However they can be useful in reducing ADHD symptoms by acting as a sedative and slowing the activity of specific neurons in the brain.
Behavioral education and other behavioral therapy are also crucial components of treatment for ADHD. Behavioral training can teach adults and children with ADHD new methods to manage their symptoms, enhance their social skills, and create better strategies to manage conflict and frustration. These techniques are particularly effective for younger children and those with milder symptoms. However, they're not always successful in older adults and children with more severe ADHD symptoms.