ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the right ADHD medicine takes a lot trial and trial and. Many factors affect effectiveness such as individual metabolism, side effects and how a drug interacts with other medications and supplements.
Stimulants can take a while to take effect however they can help improve attention, focus and impulsivity. They also boost brain chemicals like dopamine and adrenaline.
Stimulants
Stimulants, also called uppers, boost the body's functions and can make people feel more alert. Examples of stimulants include caffeine one of the most popular drugs used to keep people awake and alert and prescription drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Vyvanse), and the 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 may cause side effects like headaches, insomnia, nervousness and stomach upsets as well as agitation or shakiness. 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, which are available in pills, liquids, chewable tablets and patches for the skin for more than 30 years. The drugs, also referred to as Adderall and Ritalin under their brand names, function by increasing the dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They can help improve focus, behavior and self-discipline. These medications are available in immediate-release and extended-release forms.
Viloxazine and Atomoxetine, both of which are sold under the brand name Qelbree are stimulant drugs that are available over-the-counter. These drugs are part of a group known as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and inhibit the action of norepinephrine within the brain. They do not help with the symptoms of ADHD, but they can be beneficial in combination with other treatments, such as nonstimulant medications and therapy for behavioral disorders.
Nonstimulant medications
FDA has approved several nonstimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They are generally more convenient to take than stimulant medications and have fewer side consequences. They may not work as quickly as stimulants, and may take a few weeks to start working. They also have a lower chance of addiction than stimulant drugs and some doctors even recommend these for adults as a first treatment option.
adult adhd medication uk that are not considered stimulants include the clonidine (brand name Zanex) and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists such as Guanfacine (brand name Tenex). They are typically used "off-label" for ADHD which means they are not specifically approved by the FDA to treat this condition. They can help reduce ADHD symptoms by acting as a tranquilizer, and also slowing down the activity of specific brain nerve cells.
Behavioral education and other forms of therapy are also important elements of treatment for ADHD. Behavioral training can teach adults and children with ADHD new methods to manage their symptoms, improve their social skills, and create better strategies for managing conflict and frustration. These methods are most effective for children who are younger or those who have milder symptoms. These treatments aren't always effective in older children or adults who have more severe symptoms of ADHD.
