ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the right ADHD medication requires lots of trial and error. Many factors influence effectiveness such as the individual's metabolism, side effects and how the drug interacts with other medications and supplements.
It can take some time for stimulants' effects to be felt however they can improve attention, focus, and impulsivity. They also increase brain chemicals such as dopamine and adrenaline.
Stimulants
Stimulants, also called uppers, speed up the body's functions and make people feel more alert. Examples of stimulants include caffeine, a drug commonly used to keep people alert and awake, and prescription drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), amphetamine and 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 often abused among young people. These drugs when prescribed by a physician, have been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms and performance in those who suffer from the disorder.
When used correctly when used correctly, see this website are generally safe. However, they could cause adverse reactions like insomnia, nervousness and headaches as well as stomach upsets, tremors, agitation or shakiness, rapid pulse, confusion and tremors. They may also be a risk 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 dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and other prescription stimulants are available as pills, liquids as chewable tablets, chewable tablets and skin patches. The drugs, referred to by their generic names as well as brand names like Adderall, Ritalin, and Metadate can be used to increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels within the brain and can help improve focus, behavior, and self-discipline. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) and extended-release (long-lasting) versions.
Viloxazine and Atomoxetine, both under the brand name Qelbree are stimulant medicines 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 within the brain. They don't help with the symptoms of ADHD however, they can be beneficial in combination with other treatments, such as nonstimulant medications and behavioral therapy.
Nonstimulant medicines
There are a variety of non-stimulant medications that have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. They are generally more convenient to take than stimulant drugs and have fewer adverse effects. They don't perform as fast as stimulants do, however they can take several weeks before they begin working. They may also have a lower risk of addiction than stimulant medications and some doctors suggest these for adults as a first option for treatment.
Clonidine (brand names Zanex and Tenex) are alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonists that are not stimulants. These medications are often prescribed "off-label", meaning that the FDA has not approved for use in treating ADHD. However they can be beneficial in decreasing ADHD symptoms through acting as a sedative and slowing down the activity of certain nerve cells in the brain.
Behavioral education and related behavioral therapy are also important components of treatment for ADHD. Adults and children suffering from ADHD can benefit from a behavioral program to learn new ways of managing their symptoms, develop social skills, and create strategies to deal with conflict and frustration. These techniques are particularly effective for younger children and those who have milder symptoms. These treatments aren't always effective for older children or adults with more severe symptoms of ADHD.