ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
For a lot of people stimulant medication is the first option for treating ADHD. However, for some people patients, they trigger side effects or don't help.
Some doctors prescribe stimulants in addition to non-stimulant ADHD medications. These include medications that treat high blood pressure like clonidine and guanfacine (Tenex). These include other medicines that promote wakefulness.
Benefits
Stimulants are among the first drugs doctors prescribe to treat ADHD. They help improve communication between nerves in the brain. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) dopamine and norepinephrine which help improve concentration and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity. They are available in a variety of forms, but most fall into two classes of drugs: methylphenidates and amphetamines. They are controlled substances because of the possibility of misuse. The dosage, distribution, and usage of these medications are strictly controlled.
Doctors may prescribe a mix of stimulant and nonstimulant medications. They might do so due to a stimulant that doesn't function effectively enough or due to insufferable side effects or because a patient has an underlying mental health issue that needs to be treated. Combination treatments are common in both adults and children.
Nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine, viloxazine, and guanfacine. These medicines are generally well tolerated and do not carry the same dangers of addiction or abuse as stimulants. They can take longer to begin working and they don't last as long as stimulants, however they're usually effective in treating symptoms of ADHD.
The majority of people who use non-stimulant ADHD medications report mild to moderate side-effects. This includes stomach upset, headaches and insomnia. Some people may have difficulty staying awake when taking these drugs. However this is not as much of a problem for children than for adults.
Talk to your doctor if you or your child is thinking about treatment for ADHD. They'll explain what medication is available along with the advantages and risks of each, and the best way to start. They'll also assist you in finding a medication and dose that works best for you.
concerta adhd medication could take a few tries to land on the right medication and dose. The aim is to manage your ADHD symptoms with the least amount of side effects. Once you find the right medication, you must stick with it because when you stop taking it, your symptoms will come back. 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 medication that doctors typically prescribe for ADHD. However, it doesn't work for everyone and can have undesirable side effects.
Non-stimulant drugs, like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv (guanfacine), are FDA-approved for treating ADHD in adults. They alleviate symptoms by acting directly on the prefrontal cortices of the brain, resulting in a calming affect. They are frequently used as an adjunct treatment to stimulant medications or if you aren't able to respond well to stimulants.
Both atomoxetine (also known as Guanfacine) and guanfacine belong the alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists category of drugs. This means that they function by blocking receptors which transmit dopamine from one cell to the next. This allows for other chemicals to be absorbed into the brain, such as norepinephrine. This chemical has a calming affect and improves attention, reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity.
The methylphenidate, amphetamine and various other classes of ADHD drugs are effective in decreasing or eliminating symptoms of ADHD. However they can also be misused as addictive and lead to overdose. These drugs are classified as controlled substances, and they have "boxed" warnings that warn users of the risks. These drugs are also susceptible to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants start to work within 30 minutes and last for 3 to 4 hours. They can be taken as many as three times a day. Intermediate and long-acting stimulants take longer to work but they can provide symptoms relief for up to 8-16 hours. They can be taken only once a day, and are a great option if you have trouble remembering to take your medication at the same time every day.
As the medication wears off certain patients are affected by a rebound effect. This means that their symptoms will return to the levels they experienced previously. This can cause short-lived depression, fatigue and a heightened hunger. This can be avoided 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 medication boosts the levels of dopamine in brain cells, which promotes concentration and decreases impulse-driven behavior. They may also improve the memory and decrease aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These medications are usually taken orally in capsules, however some children may take them as drops or chewable tablets. Stimulants can cause adverse effects, such as dry mouth, reduced appetite, and difficulty sleeping. In some instances, the adverse effects are not severe and fade as the medication is gone. In other instances they may be more serious and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medications help manage ADHD symptoms by targeting neurotransmitters inside the brain. They may also carry an lower risk of dependence or addiction than stimulants. These medications can cause drowsiness or dizziness. To reduce the risk of drowsiness, take the medication earlier in your day, eat before the medication starts to take effect and stay clear of caffeine-based drinks.
Many people discover that they respond better to the long-acting or extended release versions of these drugs. These formulations build up slowly in the body, and reduce the chance of running out too fast, causing symptoms to worsen. They also help you remember to take your medication, particularly in the event that you or your child is having difficulty keeping track of the number of pills in a bottle.
Most adults and children who take medication to treat ADHD will experience side effects. These side effects can be controlled by monitoring your your child's reactions and making adjustments to the dosage, and taking the medication only as directed. If you or your child experiences bothersome or harmful side effects, consult with an expert in mental health regarding the possibility of changing to another type of medication.
It may take some time to determine the most effective medication for someone suffering from 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
The most important aspect to be aware of with ADHD medication is that it can assist you to manage your symptoms however it's not an effective cure. Your doctor might need to monitor your child or yourself and adjust the dosage until it is effective in reducing your symptoms, with no side negative effects. ADHD treatment plans typically include medication, therapy, and assistance from teachers and family members.
The most popular ADHD medications are stimulant medications. They work by boosting brain chemicals that help improve concentration and decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. The side effects include loss of appetite and sleeplessness stomachaches and headaches, jitteriness, and an increase in heart rate.
It can take a while to determine the best dosage and dosage for your or your child's specific needs. Sometimes, it takes a few weeks to several months before the benefits of the medication become evident. During this period, it is important to follow your doctor's directions and report any adverse effects.
While stimulants are beneficial due to being fast-acting, they can have a higher risk of dependency and abuse. Many people, particularly young adults and children are hesitant to use them due to this. Non-stimulant drugs are equally effective and are better for people who are unable to tolerate the adverse effects of stimulants.
treating adhd without medication -stimulant medicines 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 however, they can also be utilized "off-label" to treat ADHD.
Recent research has found that long-term ADHD medication usage is associated with an increase in CVD risk. The risk increased as the dosage of the medication was increased and was higher for boys and girls. The researchers suggest that people 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.