ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
Stimulant drugs are the most popular treatment for ADHD and for many people, they work effectively. Certain people experience negative side effects or they do not work.
Some doctors prescribe stimulants along with non-stimulant ADHD medications. These include medications to treat high blood-pressure like clonidine or Guanfacine (Tenex). These are in addition to other medicines that promote awakening.
Benefits
The first medication doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulants. They work by boosting communication between nerves in the brain. These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) dopamine and norepinephrine which help improve concentration and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity. They come in a variety of forms, but most fall into two drug classes amphetamines and methylphenidates. They are controlled substances due to the possibility of the possibility of abuse. The dosage, distribution, and usage of these medications are tightly controlled.
Doctors can prescribe a combination medication that includes stimulants and nonstimulants. They might do this because a stimulant isn't working well enough, or because of undesirable adverse effects, or because a person suffers from a mental health issue that needs to be treated. Adults and children are often treated with mixed treatments.
Non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine viloxazine, and guanfacine. These medications are well tolerated and don't pose the same risk of abuse or addiction as stimulants do. They can take longer to start working and do not last as long as stimulants do, but they are often effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD.
Most people who take nonstimulant ADHD medication report mild to moderate side effects, including stomach upset, headaches, dry mouth and sleepiness. Some people may have difficulty staying awake when they take these drugs. However this is less of an issue for children than adults.
Consult your physician consult your doctor if you or your child is considering medication for ADHD. They will explain the different medications with regards to their benefits and potential risks, and how you can get started. They will also help you determine the right dosage and medication for your needs.
It could require a few attempts to land on the right dosage and medication. The goal is to reduce ADHD symptoms with as few negative side effects as you can. Once you've found the best medication, you must stick with it. If you stop taking it, your symptoms will recur. Most people with ADHD will require 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. It's not for everyone and it could cause adverse effects that are unpalatable.
Non-stimulant drugs that are FDA-approved like Strattera (atomoxetine), and Intuniv(guanfacine) can be used to treat ADHD in adults. They ease symptoms through direct stimulation of the prefrontal cortex of the brain, creating an euphoric effect. They are typically employed in conjunction with stimulant medication or if the stimulant medication isn't working for you.
Both atomoxetine (also known as guanfacine) and guanfacine are part of the alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists class of drugs. This means that they function by blocking receptors which transmit dopamine from one cell to the next. This allows other chemicals to be absorbed into the brain, such as norepinephrine. This chemical has a calming affect and improves attention, as well as reducing the impulsivity and hyperactivity.
While the methylphenidate and amphetamine classes of medications are very effective at decreasing or eliminating ADHD symptoms however, they also carry the risk for abuse, addiction, and overdose. They're classified as controlled substances and have "boxed warnings" that warn patients of the risks. They are also susceptible to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants begin to work within 30 to 45 minutes of taking them and last for 3-4 hours. They can be taken as frequently as three times per day. Long-acting and intermediate stimulants take longer to act, but they can provide relief from symptoms for up to 8-16 hours. They can be used just once a day and are a great option when you are struggling to remember to take your medication at the same time each day.
There are some who experience the rebound effect when their medication wears off, which means that their symptoms return to their previous levels. This can result in short-term fatigue, a bad attitude, and a heightened hunger. This can be prevented by adjusting the dosage, time it is taken or the type of medication. If you're experiencing this issue consult your physician about how you can make changes to your medication.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD medications increase dopamine levels in the brain, encouraging focus and reducing impulsive and hyperactive behavior. They may also improve memory and decrease aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These drugs are typically given in capsule form, but some children can take them in drops or chewable tablets. Stimulants have the potential to cause side effects, such as dry mouth, decreased appetite, and difficulty sleeping. In some cases these side effects are mild and go away when the medication wears off. In other instances, they can be serious and require medical attention.
adhd medication for adults uk -stimulant medications help manage ADHD symptoms by targeting different neurotransmitters in the brain. They also have a lower dependence or dependence risk than stimulants. These medications can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Drowsiness can be minimized by taking the medication earlier in the day, eating meals prior to when the medication starts to work and avoiding beverages with caffeine.
Many people discover that they are more responsive to the extended or long-acting release versions of these drugs. These formulations are slowly absorbed in the body and reduce the risk of the drug wearing out too quickly and causing symptoms to get worse. They also help make it easier to take the medication on a regular basis, especially when your child or you is having trouble keeping track of multiple pills.
The majority of children and adults who take medications for ADHD will experience at the very least some adverse effects. These side effects can be managed by monitoring the reactions of your child or yourself, altering the dosage and taking the medication according to the prescription. Consult a mental health professional if you or your child experiences unpleasant or dangerous side effects.
It may take some time to determine the most effective medication for someone 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 help control symptoms, but is not a cure. Your doctor can alter the dosage to help control your symptoms while minimizing the side effects. ADHD treatment plans typically include medication, therapy, as well as support from teachers and family members.
The most commonly used ADHD drugs are stimulant medicines. They work by boosting brain chemicals that help improve concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. The side effects include weight loss and sleeplessness, headaches and stomachaches as well as jitteriness and an increased heart rate.
It can be a challenge to find the right dose and medication for you or your child. Sometimes it takes anywhere from several weeks to several months before the benefits of the medication become apparent. During this period, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions and report any side-effects.
While stimulants have the advantage of being quick-acting, they do have a higher risk of dependence and abuse. This is why many people avoid taking them, especially young children and adolescents. Non-stimulant medications can be equally efficient and are a good alternative for those who cannot take the adverse effects of stimulants.
There are many different kinds of non-stimulant medications, including Atomoxetine (Strattera), dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) and guanfacine (Concerta). A number of these medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat other conditions however, they can also be used "off-label" to treat ADHD.
A recent study revealed that the long-term use of ADHD medications is associated with a higher risk for CVD. The risk increased with the amount of medication taken and was greater in both genders. Researchers recommend that people be closely monitored and have regular health screenings. This is particularly true for people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. This is especially true if the individual has a family history of early cardiovascular disease or heart attack.