ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medication is the first-line treatment for ADHD. They have a long record of high response, excellent tolerance and safety throughout the life span.
adhd without medication is important to choose the right dosage and medication that eases the symptoms of your child or yourself without causing side effects. It usually takes many trials and error, as well as open communication with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that increase activity in the central nervous system. They are extensively used as enhancement of cognitive and performance by students, athletes artists, workers, and students. They are also used in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder and some anxiety disorders. Amphetamines, methylphenidates, and other stimulant medications are the most frequently used.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in immediate-release and extended-release formulas. The immediate-release medications are typically taken every 4 hours. If they are not taken as often they can trigger sudden and temporary decrease in energy. The crash can cause extreme craving, mood swings and fatigue. Instant-release medication can also increase blood pressure and heartbeat in certain people. This is especially true when they do not take enough food.
Extended-release medications are designed to release active ingredients over a time of 8-16 hours. Your doctor may suggest this type of medication if your goal is long-lasting control of symptoms without having to take a pill multiple times a day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate drugs. Daytrana is a methylphenidate that acts long-lastingly product that sticks to your skin like a bandage and is able to last for the entire day. This kind of medicine is available to adults with ADHD and need a daily dosage that lasts longer than immediate-release options.
Stimulant medication does not cure ADHD but it can assist manage the symptoms by enhancing how neurons in the brain communicate. By blocking or binding their receptors they can alter the levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, in the brain. This permits the release of more neurotransmitters which helps to improve the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.
Doctors may prescribe antidepressants in addition to stimulants for ADHD. The majority of antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD are based on the norepinephrine and dopamine levels in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibiters are a great choice for people suffering from anxiety or depression. These medications are often combined with stimulants to boost their effectiveness. Your doctor could also switch between stimulant and non-stimulant medication in the event that your current medication isn't working or has an unacceptably side effect.
Long-acting
Stimulants help about 70% to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. They reduce symptoms such as fidgeting, talking over others, and losing focus in conversations or tasks. They also help improve the performance of your job and improve your social abilities.
The stimulant drugs begin to work once they pass through the blood-brain barrier which takes about 45 to 60 minutes. They boost the levels of dopamine and Norepinephrine within brain cells which reduces the intensity of impulses and hyperactivity. The FDA-approved stimulant drugs contain two molecules that are the methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). Stimulants can cause side effects such as stomach upset, decreased appetite, elevated blood pressure and heart rate, headaches, and nervousness or anxiety. They can also make tics more severe and cause sleep problems for some people.
Long-acting stimulants like Strattera or Wellbutrin, are effective all day and night. The short-acting drugs only last for a short period of time. They can also help with other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
These medicines work by altering the way your body regulates chemicals known as monoamine oxides. Monoamine oxidases break down dopamine in the brain, along with other neurotransmitters. These chemicals remain in the body longer if they are not broken down. This can impact your behavior and thinking. Long-acting medicines can cause lesser adverse effects, and your doctor may prescribe smaller doses of the drugs that you take throughout the day.
Certain stimulants are available as extended-release forms that you take once a day. Some adults may prefer this option however, it is important to keep in mind to take your stimulants each day.
SSRIs and other medicines have proven to be effective in treating ADHD in many adults. SSRIs are typically prescribed to treat anxiety or depression but they can also be prescribed for ADHD. About 70% of patients respond to these drugs. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is another SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been proven to be more efficient than placebos in a controlled study. These medications can cause serious side effects such as ringing in the ears anxiety, a change to vision and lung and heart function in some individuals.
Short-acting
Stimulant medications work to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. These are the two chemical compounds that aid people in focusing and manage their behavior. These drugs come in many different forms, and each comes with its own distinct brand, such as Adderall Vyvanse Ritalin Concerta. There are two main types of stimulant medications, methylphenidates and amphetamines. They have the same effects, however their duration of action varies. The methylphenidates can produce a less lasting effect, lasting for up to three hours. Amphetamines on the other hand have a longer-lasting effect.
Some people are better in their ability to take long-acting stimulant medication than short-acting medications and therefore, your doctor might prescribe this type. It is important to learn all you can about the medication, including potential side effects, how often it should be taken, and any warnings specific to the medication that should be followed. This will allow you to work with your doctor in determining the appropriate medication and dose for you.
You should also understand that these drugs can cause some negative side effects, such as difficulty sleeping or a loss of appetite. If you experience these issues consult your physician about altering the dosage or using other medications.
Adults with ADHD who aren't responding well to stimulants could be treated with non-stimulant medications that take longer to start working but increase the capacity of an individual to focus and manage impulses. These drugs can be prescribed alone or in combination with stimulants.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera or Qelbree, is the first. It increases dopamine and norepinephrine within the prefrontal cortex which controls behavior. Guanfacine is also known as Intuniv is part of the group of drugs called alpha-agonists. They block the reuptake of these brain chemicals, and increasing their levels in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was initially developed to treat high blood pressure, has been proved to be effective in treating ADHD.
Combinations
People with ADHD make use of a variety drug combinations. These include stimulants and depressant type drugs like clonidine and guanfacine. These drugs can have a calming effect on the brain and can help reduce symptoms like insomnia and aggressive behavior. They also prevent withdrawal symptoms from stimulants. This combination could be risky however, when it is not utilized correctly. Serotonin Syndrome is a medical emergency which occurs when there is too much serotonin in the body. This combination can also increase blood pressure and heart rate. The risks of using this medication are greater for those with pre-existing health conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Teenagers and young adults are increasingly consuming stimulant mixtures. These drugs are often called "legal highs" and are available at pharmacies. These drugs are also sold on the black market. These substances can be dangerous particularly when mixed with alcohol or other drugs. This is known as polydrug usage and is extremely risky. Mixing drugs can result in dangerous and unpredictable effects, such as increased heart rate, slow breathing, paranoia, hallucinations seizures, addiction and hallucinations.
A study showed that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy in treating ADHD. Combining medications increased adherence and helped patients achieve greater symptom relief than monotherapy. However, many patients stopped their treatment because of side effects. In some cases the medication was discontinued due to sleep problems or worsening of tics. This could be the result of a poor diagnosis, or a inaccessibility to medications.
Nonstimulants are also used to treat ADHD. They can be effective in enhancing the quality of attention and impulse control however, they do not perform as well as stimulants. They are less likely to inhibit appetite and increase. Some antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD, but they have a less chance of improving concentration and focus.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that atomoxetine and methylphenidate (Concerta) can be used together to achieve superior results than either alone. The combination of these two medications was found to increase adherence and decrease adverse effects in the majority of people. The combination was also effective for adolescents and young adults. This combination could be a feasible option for children suffering from severe ADHD.