ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the best ADHD medication can take a lot of trial and error. Many factors influence effectiveness such as the individual's metabolism, side effects and how a drug interacts with other medications and supplements.
Stimulants can take a while to kick in however they do aid in improving attention, focus and impulsivity. They also increase levels of brain chemicals, such as dopamine and epinephrine.
Stimulants
Stimulants, also known as uppers, increase the body's functions and make people feel more alert. adhd otc medication 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 such as Concerta, methylphenidate, Adderall and Vyvanse. These stimulants could also be illegal substances like crystal meth, Cocaine, and bath salts (synthetic catshinones), which are often abused among young people. When taken legally by a physician as prescribed, these drugs have been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms and improve functioning in people suffering from the disorder.
If used properly, prescription stimulants are generally safe. However, they may cause side effects such as headaches, insomnia, nervousness as well as stomach upsets, tremors and shakiness or agitation, rapid pulse, confusion and tremors. There is also a high risk 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 more than 30 years dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and other prescription stimulants have been available as pills, liquids as chewable tablets, chewable tablets and skin patches. The medications, also known as Adderall and Ritalin by their brand names, work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They can help improve the ability to focus, behavior, and self-control. These medications are available in both immediate-release and extended release forms.
The most commonly prescribed stimulant drugs are atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). These are both part of a class called selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and block the action of norepinephrine in the brain. They are not able to treat symptoms of ADHD but can be useful in combination with other treatments like nonstimulant medication and behavioral therapy.
Nonstimulant medications
FDA has approved a variety of non-stimulant medications to treat ADHD. They are generally simpler to use and have less adverse effects than stimulant medication. They do not work as fast as stimulants do, however they may take several weeks before they begin working. They may also have a lower chance of addiction than stimulant drugs, and some doctors recommend these for adults as a first treatment option.
Clonidine (brand names Zanex and Tenex) are alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonists that are not stimulants. They are typically employed "off-label" for ADHD, meaning that they are not specifically approved by the FDA to treat this condition. They can help reduce ADHD symptoms by acting as a tranquilizer, and also slowing down the activity of specific brain nerve cells.
Behavioral education and other behavioral therapy are also important components of treatment for ADHD. Training in behavioral therapy can teach children and adults with ADHD new strategies to manage their symptoms, increase their social skills, and develop better strategies to manage conflicts and frustration. These techniques are particularly effective in younger children as well as those with milder symptoms. These treatments are not always effective in older children or adults with more severe symptoms of ADHD.