ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
Stimulant drugs are the most popular treatment for ADHD and for a lot of people they work well. However, for some people, they cause side effects or don't help.
Doctors may prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medications instead, or in conjunction with stimulants. These include medications that treat high blood-pressure like clonidine and guanfacine (Tenex). They also include others which help in promoting awakening.
Benefits
The first medication doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulants. They improve communication between brain nerves. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) dopamine and norepinephrine, which aid in improving concentration and reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity. These drugs are available in a variety of forms, but they all fall into two drug categories amphetamines or methylphenidates. Due to their potential for abuse, they are controlled substances. The dosage, distribution and use of these medications are tightly controlled.
Doctors may also prescribe a combination of non-stimulant and stimulant medications. They may do this because a stimulant doesn't work well enough or because of insufferable adverse effects, or because a person has an underlying mental health condition that needs to be treated. Adults and children are often treated with mixed treatments.
Non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine guanfacine and viloxazine. These medicines are generally well tolerated and don't pose the same dangers of addiction or abuse as stimulants. They can take longer to begin working and do not last as long as stimulants, however they are often effective in treating symptoms of ADHD.
Most people who take nonstimulant ADHD medication report mild to moderate side effects, such as headaches, stomach upsets dry mouth and insomnia. Some people may struggle to stay awake while taking these medications but this can be less of a problem for children than for adults.
Talk to your doctor If you or your child are considering medication for ADHD. They'll discuss the different medications available as well as the advantages and dangers of each, as well as how to begin. They'll also assist you to choose the right medication and dosage for you.
It could require a few attempts to find the perfect dosage and medication. The aim is to manage ADHD symptoms with as few negative side effects as you can. When you've found the right medication, you must keep it in place because if you stop taking it, the symptoms will come back. The majority of people suffering from ADHD will need to take these medications for the rest of their lives.
Dosage
Stimulant medications like Adderall (methylphenidate/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) increase levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which boosts communication between nerves. This improves focus, concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is the first type that doctors prescribe for ADHD. However, it's not suitable for everyone, and it can cause side effects that are intolerable.
Non-stimulant drugs that are FDA-approved like Strattera (atomoxetine), and Intuniv(guanfacine) can be used to treat ADHD in adults. They are able to reduce symptoms by directly acting on the prefrontal cortex of the brain, and creating an effect of calming. They are often employed in conjunction with stimulant medications or if the stimulant medication doesn't work for you.
Both atomoxetine as well as guanfacine fall in the alpha-2 adrenergic agonists class of medications which means that they work by blocking receptors that transmit dopamine to other cells. This allows for other chemicals to be absorbed into the brain, such as norepinephrine, which has a calming affect and improves attention, reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity.
The methylphenidate and amphetamine and other classes of ADHD drugs are effective in decreasing or eliminating symptoms of ADHD. However they are also susceptible to being misused and addictive, leading to overdose. They're classified as controlled substances and come with "boxed warnings" that alert patients to the risks. These drugs are also prone to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants begin to work within 30 minutes and last for 3-4 hours. They can be taken at least three times a day. Intermediate and long-acting stimulates require longer to work, but they may provide relief from symptoms for between 8 and 16 hours. These stimulants are usually taken once a day in the event that you find it difficult to remember to take your medication every day at the same time.
When the medication wears off, some people are affected by a rebound effect. This means that their symptoms return to the levels they experienced previously. This can lead to temporary fatigue, a negative attitude, and a heightened hunger. This can be cured by adjusting the dosage, time it is taken, or the kind of medication. If you're experiencing this problem discuss with your doctor about how you can make adjustments to your medication.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD drugs increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, encouraging focus and reducing impulsive and hyperactive behavior. They may also improve memory and reduce aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These are typically consumed orally in capsules however some children consume them in chewable tablets or drops. Stimulants have the potential to cause adverse reactions, such as dry mouth, decreased appetite, and difficulty sleeping. In some instances, adverse effects are not severe and disappear once the medication wears away. In certain instances, these effects can be serious and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medication helps manage ADHD symptoms by targeting neurotransmitters inside the brain. They also have a lower dependency or dependency risk than stimulants. These medications can cause drowsiness or dizziness. To minimize drowsiness, take the medication earlier in the day, eat before the medication begins to work, and avoid caffeinated drinks.
medication for inattentive adhd of people are more responsive to long-acting or extended release medications. These formulations accumulate slowly within the body and decrease the possibility of wearing out too quickly which can cause symptoms to become worse. They also can make it easier to take the medication on a regular basis, especially if you or your child has trouble keeping the track of several pills.
Most children and adults who take medications for ADHD will experience at least some adverse effects. These side effects can be controlled by monitoring the reactions of your child or yourself, and adjusting the dosage and taking the medication as prescribed. Talk to an expert in mental health care if you or your child experiences uncomfortable or harmful adverse reactions.
Sometimes, it takes a while to find the right medication for a child with ADHD. In addition, it's not uncommon for a doctor to switch you or your child between the two categories of medications--stimulant and non-stimulant--because one isn't effective or causes intolerable side effects.
Monitoring
The most important thing to keep in mind about ADHD medication is that it can help manage your symptoms but it's not an effective cure. Your doctor might need to monitor you or your child and adjust the dosage until it's effective at controlling your symptoms with minimal side negative effects. ADHD treatment plans typically include medication, therapy, and assistance from family members and teachers.
Stimulant drugs are the most popular ADHD medications, and they are effective in increasing levels of brain chemicals that increase concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Side effects can include weight loss as well as sleeplessness, headaches and stomachaches as well as jitteriness and an increased heart rate.
It can be challenging to find the right dose and medication for your child or you. It may take several months or weeks for the benefits of a medication to be apparent. During this time, it's important to follow your doctor's directions and report any side-effects.
Although stimulants are quick-acting and can be beneficial, they also carry a higher risk of dependence and abuse. This is the reason why many avoid taking them, especially children and young adults. Non-stimulant medications are just as effective and are a better choice for people who are unable to tolerate the adverse effects of stimulants.
Non-stimulant drugs include atomoxetine dextroamphetamine and guanfacine. A number of these medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat other conditions, but are also utilized "off-label" to treat ADHD.
Recent research has shown that long-term ADHD medication use is linked with an increase in CVD risk. The risk of developing CVD increased as the dosage of the medication increased, and was more prevalent for girls and boys. The researchers recommend that patients be monitored closely and undergo regular health screenings, specifically for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This is especially true when the person has a family history of early heart attack or cardiovascular disease.