ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
Stimulant medication is the first-choice treatment for ADHD and for many people they work well. However, for some individuals, they can cause adverse effects or do not help.
Some doctors prescribe stimulants in addition to non-stimulant ADHD medications. These include medications that treat high blood pressure, such as Clonidine and Guanfacine hcl (Tenex). These are in addition to other medicines that promote wakefulness.
Benefits
The first drug doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulants. They help improve the brain's communication. These medications boost levels of neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves concentration and reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness. These drugs come in different forms, but they all belong to two categories of drugs amphetamines or methylphenidates. Due to their potential for misuse, they are regulated substances. They are strictly controlled in terms of dosage, distribution and usage.
Doctors may prescribe a combination medication that includes stimulants and nonstimulants. They might do so due to a stimulant that doesn't function well enough or because of intolerable adverse effects or because a patient has an underlying mental health issue that requires to be treated. Adults and children often receive mixed treatments.
Viloxazine and Guanfacine as well as atomoxetine are nonstimulant medications. These medications are generally well-tolerated and don't carry the same danger of addiction or abuse that stimulants do. They may take longer to begin working and they don't last as long as stimulants do, however they're often effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD.
The majority of people who use non-stimulant ADHD medication report that they experience mild to moderate side effects, including headaches, stomach upsets dry mouth and insomnia. Some people may struggle to stay awake while taking these medications, but this tends to be less of a problem for children than adults.
If you're considering the use of medication to treat your child's ADHD Talk to your doctor about it. They'll explain the various medications as well as their advantages and risks, and how you can get started. They will also help you choose the right medication and dosage for you.
It may take a few times to find the perfect dosage and medication. The goal is to reduce ADHD symptoms with as little negative side effects as you can. Once you've found a suitable medication, you must stick with it. If you stop taking it your symptoms will recur. Most people suffering from ADHD require these medications for life.
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 and concentration, and reduces hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. It's the first type of medication doctors often prescribe for ADHD. It's not for everyone, and it may cause adverse effects that are unpalatable.
Non-stimulant drugs, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv (guanfacine) are FDA-approved for treating ADHD in adults. They can help reduce symptoms directly on the prefrontal cortex of the brain and creating an calming effect. They are often employed as an alternative treatment to stimulant medication or if you don't react well to stimulants.
Both atomoxetine and Guanfacine belong in the alpha-2 adrenergic agonists class of medications which means that they work by blocking receptors which transmit dopamine to other cells. This allows other chemicals in the brain, such as norepinephrine, to reach the brain and cause an calming effect that improves attention and reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity.
While the amphetamine and methylphenidate classes of drugs are extremely efficient in decreasing or eliminating ADHD symptoms, they carry the potential for abuse, addiction and overdose. These drugs are classified as controlled substances and have "boxed" warnings that warn users of the dangers. These drugs are also subject to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants start to work within 30 to 45 minutes after taking them, and last for 3-4 hours. They can be taken as many as three times per day. Long-acting and intermediate stimulants require longer to work, but they can relieve symptoms for up to 8-16 hours. These stimulants are usually taken every day in the event that you find it difficult to remember to take your medication every day at the same time.
Some people experience what's called the rebound effect, as their medication wears off, meaning their symptoms return to their prior levels. This can lead to short-lived fatigue, mood swings and an intense hunger. This can be prevented by adjusting the dosage, time it is taken or the type of medication. If you're experiencing this issue discuss with your doctor about the best way to make changes to your medication.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD medication boosts dopamine levels in brain cells, which aids in focus and reduces impulsive behavior. They can also help improve memory and reduce aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These are usually given orally in capsules, however some children may use them as drops or chewable tablets. Stimulants can cause side effects such as dry mouth, a decrease in appetite, and trouble sleeping. In some cases, these effects are minor and disappear as the medication wears off. In some cases these reactions can be serious and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medication can help treat ADHD symptoms by targeting neurotransmitters within the brain. They also carry an lower risk of dependence or addiction than stimulants. Common adverse effects of these drugs include drowsiness and loss of appetite and dizziness. To avoid drowsiness the medication earlier in the day, eat before the medication begins to work, and avoid caffeinated drinks.
A lot of people are more responsive to long-acting versions or extended release drugs. This is because these formulas are slowly absorbed by the body, reducing the risk of the drug fading too quickly and making symptoms return more severe than they were before. They help you remember to take your medication, especially if either you or your child have difficulty keeping track of the number of pills in a bottle.
Most kids and adults who are taking medications for ADHD will experience at least some adverse effects. These side effects can be controlled by monitoring your your child's reactions and making adjustments to the dosage and using the medication only as prescribed. Consult an expert in mental health in the event that you or your child experience unpleasant or dangerous adverse effects.
Sometimes, it takes a while 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 is important to keep in mind that ADHD medication can help control symptoms, but is not an effective cure. Your doctor may alter dosage to manage your symptoms while minimizing side effects. The medication is typically only one part of the treatment plan for ADHD, along with therapy and support from family members and teachers.
The most commonly used ADHD medications are stimulant medications. They function by increasing brain chemicals that improve concentration and decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. The side effects include weight loss as well as sleeplessness stomachaches and headaches as well as jitteriness and an increased heart rate.
It may take some time to determine the best dosage and medication for you or your child's specific requirements. It could take a few weeks or months for the benefits of a medication to be apparent. During this time, it's important to follow the doctor's prescriptions and report any side effects.
While stimulants are beneficial due to being quick-acting, they do have a higher risk of dependence and abuse. adhd medication is why many people avoid taking them, especially youngsters and young adults. Non-stimulant medicines can be just as effective and are a great option for those who can't endure the negative side effects of stimulants.
Non-stimulant drugs include atomoxetine dextroamphetamine and guanfacine. A lot of these medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat various conditions, but are also used "off-label" to treat ADHD.
A recent study found that the long-term use of ADHD medications is associated with a higher risk for CVD. The risk was higher as the dose of the medication increased, and was more prevalent for girls and boys. The researchers recommend that patients be closely monitored and undergo regular health screenings, specifically for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This is especially true if the individual has an ancestral history of cardiovascular disease or heart attack.