Why You Should Concentrate On Improving Over The Counter ADHD Medication
ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the right ADHD medication requires lots of trial and error. Effectiveness is affected by many factors that include metabolism side effects, the dosage, and the way in which a medication interacts with other medications and supplements.
Stimulants may take a while to work however they do aid in improving focus, attention and impulsivity. They also increase 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. Stimulants include caffeine (a drug that is commonly used to keep you alert and awake), amphetamines and dextroamphetamines (Adderall and Vyvanse) Lisdexafetamine, and prescription drugs like methylphenidate, Concerta, Adderall and Vyvanse. They also include illicit substances such as crystal meth, cocaine, and bath salts (synthetic cathinones) that are often used by young people for their stimulating effects. If taken by a physician as prescribed the drugs have been proven to decrease ADHD symptoms and improve functioning in people who suffer from the disorder.
When used correctly prescribed stimulants are generally safe. However, they can cause side effects such as insomnia, nervousness and headaches as well as stomach upsets, tremors, agitation or shakiness, rapid pulse, confusion and tremors. There is also a significant risk of abuse and addiction. 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, methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine and other prescription stimulants are available in the form of liquids, pills chewable tablets, chewable tablets, and skin patches. The drugs, referred to by their generic names as well as brand names such as 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-discipline. These medications are available in immediate-release and extended-release forms.
Over-the-counter stimulant medicines include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). These drugs are part of a class called selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and inhibit the action of norepinephrine inside the brain. They are not able to treat symptoms of ADHD but can be useful in combination with other treatments, such as nonstimulant medication and behavioral therapy.
Nonstimulant medicines
There are a variety of non-stimulant medications that have been FDA-approved to treat ADHD. They are generally simpler to use and have less adverse effects than stimulant medication. They may not work as quickly as stimulants, and can take several weeks before they begin to work. They may also have a lower risk of addiction than stimulant medications and some doctors even recommend these for adults as a first choice for treatment.
Clonidine (brand names Zanex and Tenex) are alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonists that are not stimulants. These drugs are usually prescribed "off-label", meaning that the FDA has not approved them to treat ADHD. They can reduce ADHD symptoms by acting as a sedate, and reducing the activity of specific brain nerve cells.
Treatment for ADHD also includes behavioral education as well as other types of behavioral therapy. Full Record and adults with ADHD can benefit from behavioral training to develop new strategies for managing their symptoms, improve social skills, and create strategies for managing conflicts and anger. These methods are most effective for children younger than or those with milder symptoms. However, they aren't always effective in older children and adults who have more severe ADHD symptoms.