ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the right ADHD medication can take many trials and error. There are many factors that affect the effectiveness of the medication and efficiency, including the individual's metabolism, side effects and how a drug interacts with other medications and supplements.
It takes a bit of time for stimulants to take effect, but they improve focus, attention and impulsivity. They also increase levels of brain chemicals such as dopamine and epinephrine.
Stimulants
They are also known as uppers. does adhd medication work enhance processes in the body and can make you feel more alert. Examples of stimulants include caffeine an ingredient that is commonly used to keep people alert and alert, and prescription drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, (Adderall, Vyvanse), and the lisdexafetamine (Vyvanse). These stimulants can also be illegal substances like crystal meth, Cocaine and bath Salts (synthetic catshinones) that are frequently used by young people. When taken legally by a doctor as prescribed, these drugs have been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms and improve the functioning of those suffering from the disorder.
Prescription stimulants are generally safe when utilized correctly, however they do carry a risk of side effects such as anxiety, insomnia, headache as well as stomach upset, agitation, shakiness and a rapid heartbeat. They can also cause confusion. They may also have a high potential 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.
adhd anxiety medication of prescription stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. Both are available in pills, liquids tablets that can be chewed, chewable as well as 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 dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They can help improve focus, behavior and self-discipline. These medications are available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms.
Over-the-counter stimulant medications include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). They are part of a class of drugs called selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs. They function by blocking the action of a specific neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, that is found in the brain. They don't aid in reducing the symptoms of ADHD however they can be helpful in combination with other treatments such as nonstimulant drugs and treatment for behavior.
Nonstimulant medications
There are several nonstimulant medicines that have been FDA-approved to treat ADHD. They are generally easier to take and have fewer adverse effects than stimulant medications. They do not perform as fast as stimulants do, however they can take a few weeks to start working. They also have a lower chance of addiction than stimulant drugs and some doctors suggest these for adults as a first choice for treatment.
Medicines that aren't considered stimulants include clonidine (brand name Zanex) and alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists like guanfacine (brand name Tenex). These medications are often prescribed "off-label", meaning that the FDA has not endorsed for use in treating ADHD. They can help reduce ADHD symptoms through acting as a tranquilizer, and also slowing down the activity of certain brain nerve cells.
Behavioral education and related behavioral therapy are also crucial components of treatment for ADHD. Adults and children suffering from ADHD can benefit from a behavioral program to discover new methods of managing their symptoms, enhance social skills, and create strategies to manage conflict and frustration. These techniques are particularly effective in younger children and those who have milder symptoms. These treatments aren't always effective in older children or adults with more severe symptoms of ADHD.