ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the best ADHD medication takes many trials and error. medication for autism and adhd and efficiency, including individual metabolism, 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 such as dopamine and adrenaline.
Stimulants
They are also known as uppers. They boost body functions and can make you feel more alert. These 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 like Concerta, methylphenidate, Adderall and Vyvanse. They also include illicit substances like crystal meth, cocaine and bath salts (synthetic cathinones) that are often used by children due to their stimulant effects. These drugs, when prescribed by a doctor have been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms and performance for those suffering from the disorder.
Prescription stimulants are generally safe if utilized correctly, however they do carry a risk of side effects such as headache, insomnia, nervousness as well as stomach upset shaking, agitation, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. They also be a risk for abuse and addiction. 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. Both are available in pills, liquids tablets, chewable tablets, and patches for skin for more than 30 years. The drugs, which are referred to 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 help improve focus, behavior, and self-control. These medications are available in immediate-release and extended-release forms.
Viloxazine and atomoxetine, both sold under the brand name Qelbree, are stimulant medications that are available over-the-counter. These are both part of a group known as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and inhibit the action of norepinephrine inside the brain. They don't aid in reducing the symptoms of ADHD however they can be helpful in conjunction with other treatments such as nonstimulant medication and behavioral therapy.
Nonstimulant drugs
There are many non-stimulant drugs that have been FDA-approved to treat ADHD. They are generally easier to use and have less negative effects than stimulant drugs. 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 medicines and some doctors even recommend them for adults as a first option for treatment.
Clonidine (brand names Zanex and Tenex) are alpha-2 adrenergic agonists that are not stimulants. These are usually employed "off-label" for ADHD, meaning that they aren't approved by the FDA to treat this condition. They can help reduce ADHD symptoms by acting as a sedative, and slowing down the activity of certain brain nerve cells.
Behavioral education and other behavioral therapy are also essential components of treatment for ADHD. Children and adults with ADHD can benefit from behavioral training to discover new methods of managing their symptoms, develop social skills, and create strategies for managing conflicts and anger. These techniques are particularly effective for younger children as well as those with milder symptoms. However, they aren't always successful in older children and adults who have more severe ADHD symptoms.