adhd medication pregnancy - Finding the Right One
Finding the best ADHD medicine requires a lot of trial and trial and. Many factors affect effectiveness and efficiency, including the individual's metabolism, side effects and how a drug interacts with other medications and supplements.
Stimulants can take a while to kick in, but they aid in improving attention, focus and impulsivity. They also boost levels of brain chemicals such as dopamine and epinephrine.
adhd treatment medication , also called uppers, increase the body's functions and make people feel more alert. Examples of stimulants are caffeine, a drug commonly used to keep people awake and alert and 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) which are commonly abused among young people. When they are taken legally by a doctor as prescribed, these drugs have been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms and improve the functioning of people suffering from the disorder.
Prescription stimulants are generally safe if used correctly, but they do carry a risk of adverse effects, including insomnia, nervousness, headache and stomach upset, tremors shaking, agitation, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. 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 dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and other prescription stimulants have been available as pills, liquids chewable tablets, chewable tablets, and skin patches. The drugs, also referred to as Adderall and Ritalin by their brand names, work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels of the brain. They can improve the ability to focus, behavior, and self-control. These medications are available in immediate-release and extended-release versions.
Over-the-counter stimulant medicines include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). These are both part of a class known as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and inhibit the action of norepinephrine within the brain. They do not aid in the treatment of symptoms of ADHD but they can be helpful in combination with other treatments, such as nonstimulant medication or behavioral therapy.
Nonstimulant medicines
FDA has approved several nonstimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They are generally easier to take and have less negative effects than stimulant drugs. They do not work as quickly as stimulants, however they can take several weeks before they begin working. They can also be less addictive than stimulant medications, and some doctors even recommend them as a first option for adults.
Clonidine (brand names Zanex and Tenex) are alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonists that are not stimulants. They are typically used "off-label" for ADHD, meaning that they are not specifically approved by the FDA to treat this condition. However they can be beneficial in reducing ADHD symptoms through acting as a sedative, and slowing the activity of specific nerve cells in the brain.
Treatment for ADHD also includes a variety of behavioral education and other forms of behavioral therapy. Training in behavioral therapy can teach adults and children with ADHD new strategies to manage their symptoms, improve their social skills, and learn better strategies to manage conflicts and frustration. These methods are particularly effective with younger children as well as those with milder symptoms. These treatments are not always effective for older children or adults who have more severe symptoms of ADHD.