Why No One Cares About Over The Counter ADHD Medication

ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One

Finding the best ADHD medication requires a lot of trial and error. Effectiveness is influenced by a variety factors, including metabolism side effects, the dosage, and how the medication interacts with other medications and supplements.

It can take some time for stimulants' effects to be felt but they do improve concentration, attention, and impulsivity. They also boost levels of brain chemicals such as dopamine and epinephrine.

Stimulants

Stimulants, also known as uppers, boost the body's functions and can make people feel more alert. These include caffeine (a drug that is often used to keep you alert and alert), 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) which are frequently abused by young people for their stimulating effects. These drugs, when prescribed by a physician, have been shown to help improve ADHD symptoms and performance in those who suffer from the disorder.

Prescription stimulants are generally safe if used in a controlled manner, however, they are not without risk of side effects such as headache, insomnia, nervousness and stomach upset, tremors and agitation, shakiness, 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, methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine and other prescription stimulants are available as pills, liquids chewable tablets, chewable tablets, and skin patches. The medications, known by their generic names as well as brand names like Adderall, Ritalin, and Metadate, work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels within the brain and can aid in improving concentration, 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).  concerta adhd medication  are part of a class called selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and inhibit the action of norepinephrine inside the brain. They do not help with the symptoms of ADHD however they can be helpful in conjunction with other treatments such as nonstimulant medications and behavioral therapy.

Nonstimulant medications

There are several nonstimulant medicines that have been FDA-approved to treat ADHD. They are generally more convenient to take than stimulant drugs and have fewer adverse consequences. They may not be like stimulants and may take a few weeks to start working. They may also have a lower risk of addiction than stimulant drugs and some doctors suggest them to adults as a first choice for treatment.

Medications that are not classified as stimulants include clonidine (brand name Zanex) and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists such as guanfacine (brand name Tenex). These medications are often prescribed "off-label", meaning that the FDA has not endorsed for use in treating ADHD. However they can be useful in decreasing ADHD symptoms through acting as a sedative, and slowing down the activity of certain nerve cells in the brain.

Behavioral education and other behavioral therapy are also important elements of treatment for ADHD. Adults and children suffering from ADHD can benefit from behavioral therapy to discover new methods of managing their symptoms, develop social skills, and develop strategies to manage conflicts and anger. These methods are particularly effective for younger children and those with milder symptoms. However, they're not always effective for older children and adults with more severe ADHD symptoms.