ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
Stimulant drugs are the most popular treatment for ADHD and for many people, they work effectively. However, for some, they cause side effects or don't help.
Some doctors prescribe stimulants in addition to non-stimulant ADHD medication. These medications include those that treat high blood pressure, for instance clonidine and guanfacine hcl (Tenex). These are among the other medications that aid in promoting awakening.
Benefits
The first drug doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulants. They work by increasing communication between brain nerves. These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) dopamine and norepinephrine which aid in improving concentration and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs are available in a variety of forms however they all belong to two categories of drugs: methylphenidates or amphetamines. They are controlled substances due to the possibility of their potential misuse. These medications are strictly regulated in terms of dosage, distribution and use.
Doctors may prescribe a mix medication that includes stimulants and nonstimulants. They may do this because a stimulant is not functioning properly, due to the fact that side effects are too extreme or because the patient is suffering from a mental illness which needs to be treated. Children and adults often receive treatment in combination.
Nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine, viloxazine, and guanfacine. They are generally tolerated and don't carry the danger of abuse or addiction as stimulants do. They may take longer to work and last longer than stimulants however they are effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
The majority of people who use non-stimulant ADHD medication have mild to moderate side effects, including stomach upset, headaches, dry mouth and sleepiness. Some people may struggle to stay awake when taking these medications, but this tends to be less of a problem for children than adults.
Speak to your doctor If you or your child is thinking about medication for ADHD. They'll discuss the different medications available, the benefits and risks of each, as well as how to start. They'll also assist you in finding a medication and dose that's right for you.
It might require a few attempts to land on the right medication and dose. The aim is to manage your ADHD symptoms with the least number of side negative effects. Once you've found the best medication, you must continue to take it. If you stop taking it, your symptoms will return. The majority of people suffering from ADHD will need to take these drugs 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 increases concentration and focus and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulse control. It's the first type of medication doctors often prescribe for ADHD. But, it's not a good fit for everyone, and it can cause side effects that are intolerable.
Non-stimulant drugs, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv (guanfacine) are FDA-approved for treating ADHD in adults. They reduce symptoms by directly affecting the prefrontal cortices in the brain, creating a calming affect. They are usually employed in conjunction with stimulant medications or if the stimulant medication fails to work for you.
Both atomoxetine (also known as Guanfacine) and guanfacine belong to the alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists category of drugs. This means that they work by blocking receptors that transmit dopamine from one cell to another. This allows for other chemicals to enter the brain, such as norepinephrine, which has a calming affect and improves focus, which reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity.
While the amphetamine and methylphenidate classes of drugs are extremely efficient in reducing or eliminating ADHD symptoms, they carry the potential for abuse, addiction and overdose. They're classified as controlled substances and come with "boxed warnings" which warn users of the dangers. These drugs are also susceptible to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants kick in within 30-45 minutes of taking them and last for 3-4 hours. They can be taken up to three times a day. Intermediate and long-acting stimulants take longer to work however they can provide symptom relief for 8-16 hours. They can be taken just once a day, and can be a good choice when you are struggling to remember to take your medication at the same time every day.
Some suffer from the rebound effect, as the medication wears off, which means that their symptoms return to their earlier levels. This can lead to short-lived fatigue, a bad mood and an intense hunger. This can be prevented by altering the dosage, when it is taken or the kind of medication. If you're experiencing this problem, talk to your doctor about the best way to make adjustments to your medication.
adhd medication adults uk increase dopamine levels in the brain, encouraging focus and reducing hyperactive and impulsive behavior. They can also improve memory and decrease aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These are typically taken orally in capsules however some children use them as chewable tablets or drops. The stimulants can cause adverse reactions, such as dry mouth, reduced appetite, and difficulty sleeping. In some cases these side effects are mild and disappear when the medication wears off. In some cases, these effects can be serious and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medications help manage ADHD symptoms by targeting various neurotransmitters within the brain. They also carry a lower risk for dependence or addiction than stimulants. These medications can cause drowsiness or dizziness. The risk of drowsiness is reduced by taking the medication earlier in the morning, eating meals before the medication begins to take effect and avoiding beverages with caffeine.
Many people notice that they are more responsive to the extended release versions of these medications. This is due to the fact that these formulations build up gradually in the body, decreasing the possibility of the drug wearing off too quickly, the symptoms returning more severe than before. They also help you remember to take your medication, especially if either you or your child has difficulty keeping track of the number of pills in a bottle.
The majority of children and adults who are taking medication to treat ADHD will experience some adverse reactions. These side effects can easily be managed by monitoring the reactions of your child or yourself, adjusting the dosage and taking the medication according to the prescription. Consult an expert in mental health when you or your child experience uncomfortable or harmful adverse effects.
Sometimes, it takes time to determine the appropriate medication for a person 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
It's important to remember that ADHD medication can be used to manage symptoms, but it is not an effective cure. Your doctor may need to monitor you or your child and alter the dosage until it's effective in reducing your symptoms with minimal side negative effects. ADHD treatment plans usually include medication, therapy, and assistance from family and teachers.
The most common ADHD medications are stimulant medications. They function by increasing brain chemicals that help improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. The side effects include loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, 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. Sometimes it takes anywhere from between a few weeks and several months before the benefits of the medication are apparent. During this time it is vital to follow your doctor's prescriptions carefully and report any adverse effects.
Although stimulants are quick-acting and can be beneficial however, they also come with a greater chance of abuse and dependence. This is the reason why many avoid taking them, especially youngsters and young adults. Non-stimulant medicines are just as effective and are better for people who are unable to tolerate stimulants' side effects.
Non-stimulant medicines include atomoxetine dextroamphetamine, and guanfacine. Many of these drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat other ailments however, they can also be employed "off-label" to treat ADHD.
Recent research has shown that long-term ADHD medication use is associated with an increase in CVD risk. The risk increased with the amount of medication taken and was higher in both genders. Researchers recommend that people be monitored closely and undergo regular health screenings. This is especially important for those suffering from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. This is particularly true in the event of an early family history of heart attack or cardiovascular disease.