ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the right ADHD medication can take a lot of trial and error. The effectiveness of a medication is influenced by a variety of factors such as metabolism side effects, the dosage, and the way in which a medication interacts with other drugs and supplements.
The stimulants may take some time to take effect, but they help improve attention, focus and impulsivity. They also boost levels of brain chemicals, such as dopamine and epinephrine.
Stimulants
Stimulants are also referred to as uppers. They speed up the body functions and can make you feel more alert. adhd medication uk for adults include caffeine (a substance that is frequently used to keep you alert and alert), amphetamines and dextroamphetamines (Adderall and Vyvanse) Lisdexafetamine, and prescription drugs like Concerta, methylphenidate Adderall and Vyvanse. They also include illicit substances like crystal meth, cocaine and bath salts (synthetic cathinones) which are frequently abused by children due to their stimulating effects. These drugs when prescribed by a physician, have been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms and functioning for those suffering from the disorder.
If used properly when used correctly, prescription stimulants are generally safe. However, they may cause adverse reactions like headaches, insomnia, nervousness as well as stomach upsets, tremors, agitation or shakiness, rapid pulse, confusion, and tremors. They may also have a high potential for dependence and abuse. If taken in adult adhd medication uk -than-prescribed doses or by people who don't have ADHD, they can lead to overdose and death.
The two main classes of prescription stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. They are available as pills, liquid tablets that can be chewed, chewable and a skin patch for more than 30 years. The medications, also referred to as Adderall and Ritalin by their brand names, function by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They can help improve focus, behavior and self-control. These medications are available in both immediate-release and extended-release versions.
Viloxazine and atomoxetine, both sold under the brand name Qelbree are stimulant medicines that can be purchased over-the-counter. These drugs are part of a class called selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and block the action of norepinephrine within the brain. They don't help with the symptoms of ADHD however they can be beneficial in conjunction with other treatments, such as nonstimulant medications and therapy for behavioral disorders.
Nonstimulant drugs
There are a variety of non-stimulant medications that have been approved by FDA to treat ADHD. They are generally more convenient to take and have less negative effects than stimulant drugs. They do not work as quickly as stimulants, however, and may take a few weeks to start working. They may also have a lower chance of addiction than stimulant medicines and some doctors even recommend them for adults as a first treatment option.
The medications that are not considered stimulants include clonidine (brand name Zanex) and alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists like guanfacine (brand name Tenex). These are generally employed "off-label" for ADHD which means they have not been specifically approved by the FDA to treat this condition. However they can be useful in reducing ADHD symptoms by acting as a sedative and slowing down the activity of certain nerve cells in the brain.
Treatment for ADHD also includes behavioral education and other types of behavioral therapy. Training in behavioral therapy can teach children and adults with ADHD new strategies to manage their symptoms, increase their social skills, and create more effective strategies for dealing with conflicts and frustration. These techniques are particularly effective for younger children and those with milder symptoms. However, they aren't always successful in older children and adults who have more severe ADHD symptoms.