ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One<br /><br />Finding the right ADHD medication requires lots of trial and error. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.com/adult-adhd-medication">click through the next article</a> affect effectiveness such as the individual's metabolism, side effects and how a medication interacts with other medications and supplements.<br /><br /><br /><br />It can take some time for stimulants to take effect, but they improve attention, focus and impulsivity. They also increase brain chemicals like dopamine and adrenaline.<br /><br />Stimulants<br /><br />Stimulants, also known as uppers, speed up the body's functions and can make people feel more alert. Examples of stimulants include caffeine, a drug commonly used to keep people alert and alert as well as prescription drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin Concerta, Ritalin), amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Vyvanse), and Lisdexafetamine (Vyvanse). These stimulants could also be illegal substances, such as crystal meth, Cocaine, and bath salts (synthetic catshinones) that are frequently used by young people. When they are taken legally by a doctor on a prescription the drug has been proven to decrease ADHD symptoms and improve the functioning of those who suffer from the disorder.<br /><br />When used correctly prescribed stimulants are generally safe. However, they can cause side effects like insomnia, nervousness and headaches as well as stomach upsets, tremors, agitation or shakiness, rapid pulse, confusion, and tremors. They 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.<br /><br />The two main classes of prescription stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. Both are available in pills, liquid tablets that can be chewed, chewable as well as patches for the skin for more than 30 years. The drugs, which are referred to by their generic names and brand names like Adderall, Ritalin, and Metadate can be used to increase dopamine levels and norepinephrine levels inside the brain. They also help improve focus, behavior, and self-control. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) and extended-release (long-lasting) forms.<br /><br />Viloxazine and atomoxetine, both of which are sold under the brand name Qelbree are stimulant medicines which can be purchased over-the counter. They are part of a class of drugs called selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, and work by blocking the actions of a specific neurotransmitter, norepinephrine in the brain. They do not help with symptoms of ADHD however they can be beneficial in combination with other treatments such as nonstimulant medication or behavioral therapy.<br /><br />Nonstimulant medications<br /><br />There are several nonstimulant medicines that have been approved by FDA to treat ADHD. They are generally easier to take and have less adverse effects than stimulant medications. They may not work as fast as stimulants and can take several weeks before they begin to work. They also have a lower chance of addiction than stimulant medications and some doctors suggest them for adults as a first option for treatment.<br /><br />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 them to treat ADHD. However they can be useful in reducing ADHD symptoms through acting as a sedative, and slowing down the activity of certain nerve cells in the brain.<br /><br />Behavioral education and other behavioral therapy are also essential components of treatment for ADHD. Adults and children with ADHD can benefit from behavioral training to discover new methods of managing their symptoms, enhance social skills, and create strategies to deal with conflicts and anger. These treatments are most effective for younger children or those who have milder symptoms. These treatments aren't always effective for older children or adults who have more severe symptoms of ADHD.<br /><br />