ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the best ADHD medicine takes a lot trial and error. Many factors affect effectiveness, including individual metabolism, side effects and how the drug interacts with other medications and supplements.
It takes a bit of time for stimulants' effects to be felt but they improve focus, attention and impulsivity. They also boost levels of brain chemicals such as dopamine and epinephrine.
Stimulants
Stimulants, also called uppers, increase the body's functions and make people feel more alert. The stimulants include caffeine (a drug that is commonly used to keep you alert and awake) amphetamines and dextroamphetamines (Adderall and Vyvanse) and lisdexafetamine and prescription drugs such as Concerta, methylphenidate, Adderall and Vyvanse. They may also be illegal substances such as crystal meth, cocaine and bath salts (synthetic cathinones) which are frequently abused by young people for their stimulant effects. These drugs when prescribed by a doctor have been proven to improve ADHD symptoms and functioning in people who suffer from the disorder.
When used correctly prescribed stimulants are generally safe. However, they could cause side effects such as insomnia, nervousness and headaches as well as stomach upsets, tremors and shakiness or agitation, rapid pulse, confusion and tremors. They may also be highly prone for 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 and dextroamphetamine. Both are available as tablets, liquid, chewable tablets, and patches for the skin for more than 30 years. The medications, also known as Adderall and Ritalin under their brand names, function by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They can improve the ability to focus, behavior, and self-control. These medications are available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms.
Viloxazine and atomoxetine, both sold under the brand name Qelbree are stimulant medicines that are available over-the-counter. These drugs are part of a class known as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and block the action of norepinephrine within the brain. natural adhd medication don't help with the symptoms of ADHD however they can be beneficial in conjunction with other treatments like nonstimulant medications and treatment for behavior.
Nonstimulant drugs
There are a variety of non-stimulant medications that have been FDA-approved to treat ADHD. They are generally easier to take than stimulant drugs and have fewer adverse consequences. They may not work as quickly as stimulants, and can take several weeks before they begin to work. They are also less addictive than stimulant medication and some doctors recommend them as a first option for adults.
Clonidine (brand names Zanex and Tenex) are alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists that are not stimulants. 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 by acting as a sedative and slowing the activity of specific neurons in the brain.
Treatment for ADHD also includes behavioral education and other forms of therapy for behavioral disorders. Behavioral training can teach children and adults with ADHD new strategies to manage their symptoms, enhance their social skills, and develop more effective strategies for dealing with conflict and frustration. These methods are most effective for younger children or those with milder symptoms. These treatments aren't always effective in older children or adults who have more severe symptoms of ADHD.