ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
Stimulant medications are the first-choice treatment for ADHD, and for many people they work well. However, for some people individuals, they can cause adverse negative effects or aren't helpful.
Some doctors prescribe stimulants along with non-stimulant ADHD medication. These medicines include ones that treat high blood pressure, like clonidine and guanfacine hcl (Tenex). They also include other medications that help to increase wakefulness.
Benefits
The first drug doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulants. They work by increasing the brain's communication. These medications boost levels of neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs are available in a variety of forms and are classified into two categories amphetamines and methylphenidates. Due to their potential for abuse, they are controlled 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 because a stimulant doesn't work effectively enough or due to undesirable side effects or because a patient suffers from a mental health issue that requires to be treated. Combination treatments are common in both adults and children.
Viloxazine, guanfacine, and Atomoxetine are all non-stimulant drugs. They are generally well-tolerated and don't carry the same danger of abuse or addiction as stimulants do. They might take longer to work and last longer than stimulants, but they are effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
Most people who take nonstimulant ADHD medication report that they experience mild to moderate side effects. medication for inattentive adhd include stomach upset, headaches, dry mouth and insomnia. Some people may have trouble staying awake when taking these drugs. However, this is less of an issue for children than for adults.
If you're thinking of taking medications to help manage your or your child's ADHD Talk to your doctor about it. They'll discuss the different medications available along with the advantages and risks of each, and the best way to get started. They will also help you choose the right dosage and medication for you.
It may require a few times to determine the appropriate dosage and medication. The goal is to control ADHD symptoms with as little side effects as possible. Once you've found the best medication, you must continue to take it. If you stop taking it your symptoms will return. The majority of people with ADHD 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 increases concentration and focus and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is the first form that doctors prescribe for ADHD. It's not suitable for everyone, and it can have undesirable side effects.
Non-stimulant drugs, like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv (guanfacine), are FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. They are able to reduce symptoms directly on the prefrontal cortex of the brain, and creating an effect of calming. They are typically employed as an alternative treatment to stimulant medication or if you aren't able to respond well to stimulants.
Both atomoxetine and guanfacine are in the alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists class of drugs that is, they work by blocking receptors that send dopamine to other cells. This permits other chemicals in the brain, like norepinephrine, to enter the brain and cause the effect of calming, which improves attention and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity.
While the methylphenidate and amphetamine classes of medications are very efficient in decreasing or eliminating ADHD symptoms but they are also prone to the risk for abuse, addiction and overdose. These drugs are classified as controlled substances and have "boxed" warnings that alert patients to the risks. These drugs are also prone to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants begin 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. Intermediate and long-acting stimulates are more difficult to activate but may provide relief from symptoms for between 8 and 16 hours. These stimulants can be used daily when you find it difficult to remember to take your medication every day at the same time.
As the medication wears off some people are affected by a rebound effect. This means that their symptoms will return to their previous levels. This can lead to short-term fatigue, a bad mood and an intense hunger. Modifying the dosage, the time you take it or what kind of medication you take can stop this from occurring. Consult your physician when you're having this issue.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD medication boosts dopamine levels in brain cells, which aids in focus and reduces impulsive behavior. They may also improve memory and decrease aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These medications are usually taken orally as capsules, though some children can use them as drops or chewable tablets. Stimulants have the potential to cause adverse reactions, such as dry mouth, a decrease in appetite, and trouble sleeping. In some cases, these effects are minor and go away when the medication wears off. In other instances, these effects can be severe and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medicines help to manage ADHD symptoms by targeting different neurotransmitters in the brain. They also have a lower dependency or dependency risk than stimulants. Common adverse reactions of these medications include drowsiness, loss appetite, and dizziness. To avoid drowsiness the medication earlier in your day, eat breakfast before the medication starts to work and stay clear of caffeine-based drinks.
Many people respond better to extended release drugs. This is because these formulations are slowly absorbed by the body, decreasing the possibility of the drug wearing off too quickly and making symptoms return more severe than before. They also help reduce the need to take the medication regularly, especially in the case that your child struggles to keep track of multiple pill bottles.
Most children and adults who take medication to treat ADHD will experience some adverse effects. These side effects can be controlled by monitoring your or the child's reactions by making adjustments to the dosage, and using the medication only as directed. If you or your child is experiencing bothersome or harmful side effects, consult with a mental health professional about the possibility of changing to another type of medication.
Sometimes, it can take time to find the right 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's important to remember that ADHD medication can help manage symptoms, but it is not an effective cure. Your doctor may have to monitor your child or yourself and alter the dosage until it's effective in controlling your symptoms with minimal side consequences. Medication is typically just one aspect of the treatment strategy for ADHD in addition to therapy as well as support from family and teachers.
Stimulant medicines are the most common ADHD drugs. They are effective in increasing levels of brain chemicals that increase concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. The side effects include weight loss, difficulty sleeping, headaches and stomachaches, jitteriness and increased heart rate.
It can be challenging to determine the appropriate dose and medication for you or your child. It could take a few months or weeks for the benefits of a particular drug to be apparent. During this period it is crucial to follow your physician's instructions closely and report any side effects.
Although stimulants are quick-acting and offer a benefit, they also come with a greater risk of dependence and abuse. This is the reason why many avoid taking them, especially young children and adolescents. Non-stimulant medicines can be just as effective and are a great alternative for those who cannot take the adverse effects of stimulants.
Non-stimulant drugs include atomoxetine dextroamphetamine, as well as guanfacine. A number of these medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat other ailments however, they can also be utilized "off-label" to treat ADHD.
Recent research has shown that long-term ADHD medication use is linked with an increase in CVD risk. The risk increased as the dosage of medication was increased and was greater for boys and girls. Researchers recommend that patients be monitored closely and regularly undergo health screenings. This is especially important for people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. This is especially true in the event of an ancestral history of heart attack or cardiovascular disease.