adhd medication names - Finding the Right One
Finding the best ADHD medicine takes a lot trial and trial and. Many factors affect effectiveness and efficiency, including the individual's metabolism, the effects of the drug and how the drug interacts with other medications and supplements.
It takes a bit of time for stimulants to take effect, but they do improve concentration, attention, and impulsivity. They also boost levels of brain chemicals such as dopamine and epinephrine.
adhd and medication are also known as uppers. They boost processes in the body and can make you feel more alert. Examples of stimulants include caffeine one of the most popular drugs used to keep people awake and alert as well as prescription drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Vyvanse), and Lisdexafetamine (Vyvanse). They may also be illegal substances such as crystal meth, cocaine, and bath salts (synthetic cathinones) that are often abused by youngsters due to their stimulating effects. These drugs when prescribed by a doctor have been proven to help improve ADHD symptoms and functioning in those who suffer from the disorder.
If used properly when used correctly, prescription stimulants are generally safe. However, they could cause adverse effects, such as headaches, insomnia, nervousness, tremors and stomach upsets, agitation or shakiness, rapid pulse, confusion and tremors. They may also have a high potential for dependence and abuse. If taken in higher-than-prescribed doses or by people who don't have ADHD, they can lead to overdose and death.
The two major classes of prescription stimulants are methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine, which have been available in pills, liquids tablets that can be chewed, chewable and a skin patch for more than 30 years. The drugs, also referred to as Adderall and Ritalin by their brand names, function by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They can help improve focus, behavior and self-discipline. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) and extended-release (long-lasting) forms.
Over-the-counter stimulant medications include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). They belong to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs, and work by blocking the action of a specific neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, in the brain. They don't help with the symptoms of ADHD however they can be beneficial when used in conjunction with other treatments such as nonstimulant medication and treatment for behavior.
Nonstimulant medicine
There are a variety of non-stimulant medications that have been FDA-approved to treat ADHD. They are generally more convenient to take and have less adverse effects than stimulant medication. They may not be like stimulants and can take several weeks before they begin to work. They also have a lower chance of addiction than stimulant drugs, and some doctors recommend them for adults as a first choice for treatment.
Clonidine (brand names Zanex and Tenex) are alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists that are not stimulants. These are generally employed "off-label" for ADHD which means they have not been specifically approved by the FDA to treat this condition. They may help to reduce ADHD symptoms by acting as a sedate, and reducing the activity of certain brain nerve cells.
Behavioral education and other behavioral therapy are also important elements of treatment for ADHD. Training in behavioral therapy can teach children and adults with ADHD new methods to manage their symptoms, improve their social skills, and create more effective strategies for dealing with conflict and frustration. These methods are most effective for children younger than or those with milder symptoms. However, they are not always effective in older adults and children with more severe ADHD symptoms.