ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
Stimulant drugs are the most popular treatment for ADHD and for a lot of people, they are effective. But for some, they cause side effects or do not help.
Doctors often prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medications instead, or in combination with stimulants. These medicines include ones that treat high blood pressure, like the clonidine drug and guanfacine HCL (Tenex). They also include others that help to increase wakefulness.
Benefits
The first drug doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulants. They work by increasing communication between brain nerves. These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) dopamine and norepinephrine which aid in improving concentration and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity. They are available in a variety of forms, but they are generally classified into two drug classes: methylphenidates and amphetamines. 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 mix medication which includes stimulants and nonstimulants. This could be because a stimulant is not functioning properly, because of side effects that are too extreme or because the patient is suffering from a mental illness which needs to be treated. Combination treatments are commonplace for both adults and children.
Viloxazine, Guanfacine, and Atomoxetine are medications that are not stimulants. They are generally tolerated and don't carry the same risk for abuse or addiction that stimulants do. They might take longer to work and last less than stimulants however they can be effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
Most people who take nonstimulant ADHD medication report mild to moderate side effects, such as headaches, stomach upsets dry mouth and sleepiness. adhd treatment medication may have a harder time staying awake when taking these medications, but this tends to be less of an issue for children than adults.
Consult your physician consult your doctor if you or your child is thinking about taking medication for ADHD. They will explain the different medications with regards to their benefits and potential risks, and how you can get started. They will also help you determine the right medication and dosage for you.
It could take a few attempts to find the right medication and dosage. The goal is to control your ADHD symptoms with the lowest number of side consequences. Once you've found a suitable medication, you should stick with it. If you stop taking it, your symptoms will come back. The majority of people suffering from 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 and concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. It's the first type of medication that doctors typically prescribe for ADHD. It's not suitable for everyone, and it could cause adverse effects that are unpalatable.
FDA-approved non-stimulant medications such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv(guanfacine) are used to treat ADHD in adults. They can reduce symptoms directly on the prefrontal cortex of the brain and creating a calming effect. They are often used in conjunction with stimulant medication or when the stimulant medication fails to work for you.
Both atomoxetine (also called guanfacine) and guanfacine belong the class of alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists drugs. This means that they work by blocking receptors which transmit dopamine from one cell to another. This allows other chemicals in the brain, for instance norepinephrine, to reach the brain and create a calming effect, which increases attention and decreases impulsivity and hyperactivity.
The methylphenidate and amphetamine and other classes of ADHD medications are effective in decreasing or eliminating symptoms of ADHD. However, they can be misused and addictive, leading to overdose. These substances are categorized as controlled substances, and they come with "boxed" warnings that warn patients of the risks. They are also susceptible to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants begin working within 30 minutes and last for 3 to 4 hours. They can be taken as often as three times per day. Long-acting and intermediate stimulants require longer to work, but they can provide relief from symptoms for 8-16 hours. They can be taken only once per day and can be a good choice for those who struggle to remember to take your medication at the same time every day.
There are some who experience the rebound effect, as their medication wears off, which means that their symptoms return to their prior levels. This can result in short-lasting fatigue, a bad mood and a heightened hunger. Changing the dosage, when you take it and the kind of medication you are taking can help prevent this from happening. Talk to your doctor when you're experiencing this issue.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD medication boosts the levels of dopamine in brain cells, which aids in focus and reduces impulse-driven behavior. They can also help improve memory and reduce aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These medications are usually taken in capsule form, but certain children can take them as drops or chewable tablets. Stimulants have the potential to cause side effects, such as dry mouth, a decrease in appetite, and difficulty sleeping. In some instances, these effects are minor and go away when the medication has worn off. In other cases they could be severe and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medicines help to manage ADHD symptoms by targeting different neurotransmitters within the brain. They also carry less risk of dependence or addiction than stimulants. These drugs can cause drowsiness as well as dizziness. To reduce the risk of drowsiness, take the medication earlier in the day, eat before the medication starts to take effect, and avoid caffeinated drinks.
Many people discover that they respond better to the long-acting or extended release versions of these drugs. This is due to the fact that these formulations build up gradually in the body, reducing the chance of the drug wearing off too quickly, the symptoms returning more severe than before. They can also help you remember to take your medication, especially when you or your child has difficulty keeping track of several pill bottles.
Most kids and adults who are taking medications for ADHD will experience at least some adverse effects. These side effects can easily be controlled by monitoring the reactions of your child or yourself, altering the dosage and taking the medication according to the prescription. If you or your child experiences unpleasant or harmful side effects, consult with an expert in mental health regarding the possibility of changing to a different type of medication.
Sometimes, it takes time to determine the appropriate 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
The most important thing to keep in mind about ADHD medication is that it may help manage your symptoms, but it's not an effective cure. Your doctor might need to monitor you or your child and alter the dosage until it is effective at controlling your symptoms with minimal side negative effects. Medication is typically just one element of the treatment plan for ADHD in addition to therapy and support from family and teachers.
The most popular ADHD medication is stimulant. They function by increasing brain chemicals that help improve concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can trigger a range of adverse effects, such as weight loss, difficulty sleeping stomachaches, headaches increased heart rate, jitteriness, and occasionally shaky hands.
It can be challenging to find the right dose and medication for your child or yourself. It can take a few weeks or months for the benefits of a particular drug to be evident. During this time, it's crucial to follow your doctor's directions and report any side-effects.
Although stimulants are quick-acting and have an advantage, they also pose a higher risk of dependence and abuse. This is one reason why many avoid taking them, especially young children and adolescents. Non-stimulant medicines can be just as good and are better for those who are not able to handle the adverse effects of stimulants.
Non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine, dextroamphetamine and guanfacine. A number of these medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat other conditions however, they can also be used "off-label" to treat ADHD.
Recent research has revealed that long-term ADHD medication use is linked with an increase in CVD risk. The risk increased as the dosage of the medication was increased and was higher for girls and boys. The researchers recommend that patients be monitored closely and undergo regular health screenings, especially for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This is especially important when the person has a family history of early cardiovascular disease or heart attack.