ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the right ADHD medication requires a lot of trial and error. Many factors affect effectiveness such as the individual's metabolism, the effects of the drug and how the drug interacts with other medications and supplements.
It can take some time for stimulants to take effect, however they can improve concentration, attention and impulsivity. They also increase brain chemicals such as dopamine and adrenaline.
Stimulants
Stimulants are also known as uppers. They speed up the body functions and can make you feel more alert. Examples of stimulants include caffeine, a drug commonly used to keep people alert 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 like crystal meth, cocaine, and bath salts (synthetic cathinones) that are often used by children due to their stimulant effects. When they are taken legally by a doctor as prescribed the drugs have been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms and improve functioning in people with the disorder.
Prescription stimulants are generally safe when utilized correctly, however they are not without risk of side effects such as insomnia, nervousness, headache as well as stomach upset and agitation, shakiness and rapid heartbeats, as well as 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 major classes of prescription stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which are available as pills, liquids, chewable tablets and patches for skin for more than 30 years. The drugs, which are referred to by their generic names as well as brand names such as Adderall, Ritalin, and Metadate, work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. just click the following web site aid in improving focus, behavior, as well as 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 in a class of drugs called selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs. They function by blocking the actions of a specific neurotransmitter, norepinephrine in the brain. They are not able to treat symptoms of ADHD but they can be helpful in conjunction with other treatments such as nonstimulant medications and behavioral therapy.
Nonstimulant medications
There are many non-stimulant drugs that have been FDA-approved to treat ADHD. They are typically easier to take than stimulant medicines and have less side negative effects. They may not be like stimulants and can take several weeks before they begin to work. They may also have a lower risk of addiction than stimulant medicines, and some doctors recommend these for adults as a first option for treatment.
Medications that are not classified as stimulants include Clonidine (brand name Zanex) and alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists like guanfacine (brand name Tenex). These are usually used "off-label" for ADHD which means they are not specifically approved by the FDA to treat this condition. However, they can be helpful in decreasing ADHD symptoms through acting as a sedative and slowing down the activity of certain nerve cells in the brain.
Behavioral education and related behavioral therapy are also essential components of treatment for ADHD. Training in behavioral therapy can teach children and adults with ADHD new methods to manage their symptoms, improve their social skills, and create more effective strategies for dealing with frustration and conflict. These methods are most effective for younger children or those who have milder symptoms. These treatments are not always effective for older children or adults with more severe symptoms of ADHD.