ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
For many people stimulant medication is the first choice to treat ADHD. Certain people experience negative side effects or they do not perform as well.
Doctors often prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication in lieu of or in combination with stimulants. These include medications to treat high blood pressure, such as clonidine or guanfacine (Tenex). These include other medicines that aid in promoting the state of being awake.
Benefits
The first medication doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulants. They help 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 various forms, but they all belong to two categories of drugs amphetamines or methylphenidates. add adhd medications are controlled substances due to the possibility of the potential for abuse. The dosage, distribution and usage of these drugs are tightly regulated.
Doctors may prescribe a mix medication which includes stimulants and nonstimulants. This could be because a stimulant is not effective enough, or due to the fact that side effects are too extreme, or because the person is suffering from a mental illness which needs to be treated. Combination treatments are commonplace for both adults and children.
Viloxazine and Guanfacine as well as Atomoxetine are medications that are not stimulants. They are generally well-tolerated and don't carry the risk for abuse or addiction that stimulants do. They might take longer to be effective and last less than stimulants however, they can be effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
The majority of people who use non-stimulant ADHD medication experience mild to moderate side-effects. These include headaches, stomach upsets, and sleepiness. Some people may have trouble staying awake while taking these medications. However this is less of a problem for children than adults.
Consult your physician if you or your child is contemplating medication for ADHD. They'll explain what medication is available along with the advantages and risks of each, and how to begin. They'll also assist you in finding a medication and dose that's right for you.
It may require a few tries to determine the appropriate medication and dosage. The aim is to manage ADHD symptoms with as little adverse effects as is possible. When you've found the right medication, it's crucial to keep it in place because should you stop using it, your symptoms will come back. Most people with 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 reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. It's the first type of medication doctors often prescribe for ADHD. It's not for everyone, and it could cause undesirable side effects.
Non-stimulant medications, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv (guanfacine), are FDA-approved for treating ADHD in adults. They can reduce symptoms directly on the prefrontal cortex of the brain, and creating a calming effect. They are typically employed in conjunction with stimulant medication or if the stimulant medication isn't working for you.
Both atomoxetine and guanfacine are in the alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists class of medications that is, they work by blocking receptors that send dopamine to other cells. This allows other chemicals within the brain, for instance norepinephrine, to enter the brain and cause an calming effect that increases attention and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity.
While the methylphenidate and amphetamine classes of medicines are efficient in cutting down or eliminating ADHD symptoms but they are also prone to the risk for misuse, addiction and overdose. These substances are categorized as controlled substances, and they have "boxed" warnings that warn patients of the risks. These drugs are also prone to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants begin working within 30 minutes and last for 3-4 hours. They can be taken up to three times per day. Intermediate and long-acting stimulates are more difficult to activate however they can provide relief from symptoms for up to 8-16 hours. These stimulants can be taken daily when you find it difficult to remember to take your medication every day at the same time.
When the medication wears off some people suffer from a rebound effect. This means that their symptoms will return to previous levels. This can lead to short-term fatigue, a bad mood and an intense hunger. Altering the dosage, time you take it and the type of medication you use can help prevent this from occurring. If you're experiencing this issue, talk to your doctor about making adjustments to your medication.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD medication boosts the levels of dopamine in brain cells, which promotes concentration and decreases impulse-driven behavior. They may also improve memory and decrease aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These drugs are usually taken orally in capsules, although some children may use them as chewable tablets or drops. The stimulants can cause adverse effects, such as dry mouth, reduced appetite, and trouble sleeping. In some instances these side effects are mild and go away when the medication has worn off. In certain instances, these effects can be serious and need medical attention.
Non-stimulant medications can help treat ADHD symptoms by targeting different neurotransmitters in the brain. They also have a lower dependence or dependency risk than stimulants. Common side effects of these medications include drowsiness, loss appetite, and dizziness. To minimize drowsiness, take the medication earlier in your day, eat breakfast before the medication begins to work and stay clear of caffeine-based drinks.
Many people find that they are more responsive to the extended or long-acting release versions of these drugs. This is because these formulations build up gradually in the body, reducing the chance of the drug wearing off too quickly and making symptoms return more severe than they were before. They also help reduce the need to remember to take the medication on a regular basis particularly if you or your child has trouble keeping the count of multiple pills.
Most children and adults who take medication to treat ADHD will experience some adverse reactions. These side effects can be managed by monitoring your or your child's reactions and making adjustments to the dosage and taking the medication only according to the prescription. If you or your child suffers adverse or dangerous adverse effects, consult a mental health professional about the possibility of changing to a different kind of medication.
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 manage symptoms, but is not an effective cure. Your doctor may alter the dosage to control your symptoms while minimizing side effects. ADHD treatment plans typically consist of therapy, medication as well as support from teachers and family members.
The most popular ADHD medication is stimulant. They work by increasing brain chemicals that improve concentration and decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. The side effects include weight loss, difficulty sleeping, headaches and stomachaches, jitteriness and increased heart rate.
It may take a while to determine the appropriate dosage and dosage for your or your child's particular requirements. Sometimes it takes anywhere from between a few weeks and several months before the benefits of the drug become apparent. During this period, it is very important to follow your doctor's prescriptions carefully and report any side effects.
While stimulants offer the benefit of being fast-acting, they can be more susceptible to abuse and dependence. Many people, especially young children and adolescents are hesitant to use them due to this. Non-stimulant drugs can be equally efficient and are a good choice for people who cannot take the adverse effects of stimulants.
Non-stimulant drugs include atomoxetine dextroamphetamine, and guanfacine. These drugs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for other conditions, but are also used to treat ADHD "off-label".
A recent study has found that long-term use of ADHD medications is associated with an increased risk of CVD. The risk increased as the dosage of the medication was increased and was greater for boys and girls. The researchers recommend that patients be closely monitored and undergo regular health screenings, especially for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This is especially true in the case of a family history or early cardiovascular disease.