ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the right ADHD medicine takes a lot trial and error. There are many factors that affect the effectiveness of the medication, including the individual's metabolism, side effects and how a drug interacts with other medications and supplements.
It can take some time for stimulants to take effect, but they do improve attention, focus and impulsivity. They also boost levels of brain chemicals such as dopamine and epinephrine.
Stimulants
Stimulants, also known as uppers, boost the body's functions, and make people feel more alert. Examples of stimulants are caffeine, one of the most popular drugs used to keep people awake and alert, and prescription drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin Concerta, Ritalin) amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Vyvanse), and Lisdexafetamine (Vyvanse). They can also be illicit substances like crystal meth, cocaine and bath salts (synthetic cathinones) that are often used by children due to their stimulant effects. When taken legally by a doctor on a prescription the drugs have been proven to decrease ADHD symptoms and improve functioning in people suffering from the disorder.
When used correctly, prescription stimulants are generally safe. However, they can cause adverse effects, such as headaches, insomnia, nervousness and stomach upsets, agitation or shakiness, rapid pulse, confusion and tremors. There is also a high 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.
Since the past 30 years methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, and other prescription stimulants have been available in the form of liquids, pills, chewable tablets and skin patches. The medications, known by their generic names and brands like Adderall, Ritalin, and Metadate, work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They also aid in improving concentration, behavior, and self-discipline. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) and extended-release (long-lasting) forms.
Viloxazine and Atomoxetine, both under the brand name Qelbree are stimulant drugs that are available over-the-counter. adhd medication online are in the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs. They function by blocking the action of a certain neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, that is found in the brain. They don't help with the symptoms of ADHD however they can be helpful in combination with other treatments like nonstimulant medication and treatment for behavior.
adhd stimulant medication
There are several nonstimulant medicines that have been FDA-approved to treat ADHD. adhd medication online are generally simpler to use and have less adverse effects than stimulant medication. They may not work like stimulants and may take a few weeks before they begin to work. They may also be less addictive than stimulant medications, and some doctors even suggest them as a first option for adults.
Clonidine (brand names Zanex and Tenex) are alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonists that are not stimulants. These drugs are typically 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 sedate, and reducing the activity of specific brain nerve cells.
Treatment for ADHD also includes behavioral education and other types of behavioral therapy. Training in behavioral therapy can teach adults and children with ADHD new strategies to manage their symptoms, improve their social skills, and learn better strategies to manage conflict and frustration. These techniques are particularly effective with younger children as well as those with milder symptoms. However, they aren't always effective for older children and adults who have more severe ADHD symptoms.