Why We Why We Over The Counter ADHD Medication (And You Should Also!)
ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the right ADHD medication takes lots of trial and error. Many factors influence effectiveness, 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 however they do aid in improving attention, focus and impulsivity. They also increase levels of brain chemicals such as dopamine and epinephrine.
Stimulants
They are also known as uppers. They speed up the body's functions and make you feel more alert. The stimulants include caffeine (a drug that is commonly used to keep you awake and alert), amphetamines and dextroamphetamines (Adderall and Vyvanse), lisdexafetamine, and prescription drugs such as Concerta, methylphenidate, Adderall and Vyvanse. These stimulants could also be illegal substances such as crystal meth, Cocaine and bath salts (synthetic catshinones) which are commonly misused by adolescents. When taken legally by a doctor on a prescription, these drugs have been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms and improve the functioning of people with the disorder.
Prescription stimulants are generally safe if utilized correctly, however they can cause a variety of adverse effects, including insomnia, nervousness, headache, tremors, stomach upset shaking, agitation, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. T here is also a high chance of 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.
Since more than 30 year methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, 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, function by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine levels of the brain. They can improve the ability to focus, behavior, and self-discipline. These medications are available in immediate-release and extended release forms.
Viloxazine as well as atomoxetine both under the brand name Qelbree are stimulant drugs that can be purchased over-the-counter. These are in a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, and work by blocking the action of a specific neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, in the brain. They do not 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 medications
FDA has approved several nonstimulant medications to treat ADHD. They are generally less expensive than stimulant drugs and have fewer side effects. They don't perform as fast as stimulants, though they may take some time to begin working. They can also be less addictive than stimulant medication and some doctors suggest them as a first choice for adults.
Clonidine (brand names Zanex and Tenex) are alpha-2 adrenergic agonists that are not stimulants. These are generally used "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 through acting as a sedative and slowing the activity of specific nerve cells in the brain.
Behavioral education and related behavioral therapy are also important elements of treatment for ADHD. Adults and children with ADHD can benefit from behavioral training to discover new methods of managing their symptoms, improve social skills, and create strategies to manage conflicts and anger. These techniques are particularly effective with younger children and those who have milder symptoms. These treatments aren't always effective for older children or adults with more severe symptoms of ADHD.