ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the right ADHD medication takes lots of trial and error. Effectiveness is affected by many aspects that include metabolism as well as side effects and how a medication interacts with other medications and supplements.
Stimulants can take a while to work however they can aid in improving attention, focus and impulsivity. They also increase brain chemicals like dopamine and adrenaline.
Stimulants
They are also known as uppers. They speed up the body's functions and make you feel more alert. These include caffeine (a drug that is commonly used to keep you awake and alert) amphetamines and dextroamphetamines (Adderall and Vyvanse), lisdexafetamine, and prescription drugs like Concerta, methylphenidate Adderall and Vyvanse. These stimulants could also be illegal substances like crystal meth, Cocaine, and bath salts (synthetic catshinones) that are frequently used by young people. If taken by adhd medication online as prescribed the drugs have been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms and improve functioning in people with the disorder.
When used correctly when used correctly, prescription stimulants are generally safe. However, they may cause adverse reactions such as headaches, insomnia, nervousness and stomach upsets and shakiness or agitation, rapid pulse, confusion and tremors. There is also a substantial chance 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 main classes of prescription stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. They have been available in pills, liquid tablets that can be chewed, chewable as well as patches for skin for more than 30 years. The medications, known by their generic names as well as brands like Adderall, Ritalin, and Metadate are effective in increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels within the brain and can aid in improving focus, behavior, as well as self-discipline. These drugs are available in immediate-release and extended-release forms.
The most commonly prescribed stimulant drugs are atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). These are both part of a group known as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and inhibit the action of norepinephrine within the brain. They do not aid in the treatment of symptoms of ADHD but they can be helpful in conjunction with other treatments such as nonstimulant medications and behavioral therapy.
Nonstimulant medications
FDA has approved a variety of non-stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They are generally easier to take and have fewer negative effects than stimulant drugs. They may not be as fast as stimulants and can take several weeks to begin working. They may also have a lower chance of addiction than stimulant medications, and some doctors recommend them to adults as a first choice for treatment.
Clonidine (brand names Zanex and Tenex) are alpha-2 adrenergic agonists that are not stimulants. These drugs are typically prescribed "off-label", meaning that the FDA has not approved them to treat ADHD. However they can be useful in reducing ADHD symptoms through acting as a sedative and slowing the activity of specific 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 develop better strategies for managing conflict and frustration. These techniques are particularly effective with younger children as well as those with milder symptoms. These treatments are not always effective in older children or adults with more severe symptoms of ADHD.