ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the best ADHD medicine requires a lot of trial and trial and. Many factors influence effectiveness and efficiency, including the individual's metabolism, side effects and how a medication interacts with other medications and supplements.
The stimulants may take some time to take effect however they can aid in improving attention, focus and impulsivity. They also boost levels of brain chemicals like dopamine and epinephrine.
Stimulants
They are also known as uppers. They enhance body functions and can make you feel more alert. Examples of stimulants include caffeine one of the most popular drugs used to keep people alert and alert, and prescription drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, (Adderall, Vyvanse), and Lisdexafetamine (Vyvanse). These stimulants can also be illegal substances such as crystal meth, Cocaine, and bath Salts (synthetic catshinones) which are commonly misused by adolescents. When taken legally by a physician as prescribed the drug has been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms and improve functioning in people with the disorder.
If used properly, prescription stimulants are generally safe. However, they can cause adverse effects, such as insomnia, nervousness and headaches as well as stomach upsets, tremors and shakiness or agitation, rapid pulse, confusion, and tremors. They also have a high potential 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.
Since the past 30 years, methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine and other prescription stimulants have been available as liquids, pills chewable tablets, chewable tablets, and skin patches. The drugs, also referred to as Adderall and Ritalin under their brand names, work by increasing the dopamine and norepinephrine levels of the brain. They can help improve focus, behavior and self-discipline. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) and extended-release (long-lasting) forms.
Viloxazine and atomoxetine, both sold under the brand name Qelbree are stimulant drugs that can be purchased over-the-counter. They are part of the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, also known as SNRIs. They work by blocking the actions of a specific neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, in the brain. They do not help with the symptoms of ADHD however they can be beneficial when used in conjunction with other treatments, such as nonstimulant medication and behavioral therapy.
Nonstimulant drugs
FDA has approved several nonstimulant medication to treat ADHD. They are generally more convenient to take than stimulant medicines and have less side effects. They may not work as fast as stimulants and may take a few weeks to start working. They may also have a lower chance of addiction than stimulant drugs, and some doctors recommend them to adults as a first treatment option.
Medications that are not classified as stimulants include clonidine (brand name Zanex) and alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists like Guanfacine (brand name Tenex). These are generally used "off-label" for ADHD which means that they aren't 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 certain nerve cells in the brain.
non prescription adhd medication uk for ADHD also includes behavioral education as well as other forms of therapy for behavioral disorders. Children and adults with ADHD can benefit from behavioral therapy to learn new ways of managing their symptoms, enhance social skills, and devise strategies for managing anger and conflict. These treatments are most effective for younger children or those who have milder symptoms. However, they are not always effective in older children and adults with more severe ADHD symptoms.