ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
Stimulant drugs are the most popular treatment for ADHD and for a lot of people they work well. Some suffer from adverse reactions or they don't work for everyone.
Some doctors prescribe stimulants along with non-stimulant ADHD medication. These include medicines that treat high blood-pressure like clonidine and Guanfacine (Tenex). These include other medicines that help to increase awakening.
Benefits
Stimulants are the first medication doctors usually prescribe to treat ADHD. They improve communication between nerves in the brain. These drugs increase levels of neurotransmitters or chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps improve concentration and reduce excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs are available in various forms however they all belong to two categories of drugs: methylphenidates or amphetamines. They are controlled substances because of the possibility of misuse. The dosage, distribution and usage of these medications are tightly controlled.
Doctors may prescribe a mixture of stimulant and nonstimulant medications. They may do this due to a stimulant that doesn't function well enough or because of intolerable side effects, or because a person is suffering from an underlying mental health condition that needs to be treated. Combination treatments are common in both adults and children.
Viloxazine, guanfacine, and atomoxetine are nonstimulant medications. These drugs are well-tolerated and do not carry the same risks of abuse or addiction like stimulants. They may take longer to begin working and they do not last as long as stimulants, however they are often effective in treating symptoms of ADHD.
The majority of people who use non-stimulant ADHD medications report moderate to mild side-effects. They can experience stomach upset, headaches and sleepiness. Some people may have a harder time staying awake while taking these medications however this is likely to be less of a problem for children than 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 explain the various medications, their benefits and risks and how you can start. They'll also assist you in finding the medication and dosage that is most suitable for you.
It may require a few tries to determine the appropriate dosage and medication. The goal is to reduce ADHD symptoms with as little side effects as possible. When you've found the right medication, it's crucial to adhere to it as when you stop taking it, the symptoms will come back. The majority of people suffering from ADHD will 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 focus and concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulse control. It is the first form that doctors prescribe for ADHD. But, it's not a good fit for everyone and can have undesirable side effects.
Non-stimulant medications that have been approved by FDA such as Strattera (atomoxetine), and Intuniv(guanfacine) can be used to treat ADHD among adults. They alleviate symptoms through direct stimulation of the prefrontal cortices of the brain, resulting in a calming affect. They are frequently employed as an alternative treatment to stimulant medications or if you don't respond well to stimulants.
Both atomoxetine as well as guanfacine fall in the alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists class of drugs which means that they work by blocking receptors that send dopamine to other cells. This allows other chemicals in the brain, like norepinephrine, to enter the brain and produce a calming effect, which increases attention and decreases impulsivity and hyperactivity.
While the amphetamine and methylphenidate classes of medicines are effective in reducing or eliminating ADHD symptoms however, they also carry the risk for abuse, addiction and overdose. These drugs are classified as controlled substances and come with "boxed" warnings that alert patients to the dangers. They are also vulnerable to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants kick in within 30 to 45 minutes after taking them and last for 3-4 hours. They can be taken up to three times a day. Long-acting and intermediate stimulants are more difficult to activate, but they can provide relief from symptoms for 8-16 hours. They can be taken only once a day and are a great option when you are struggling to remember to take your medication at the same time every day.
When the medication wears off, some people experience a phenomenon called a rebound effect. This means that their symptoms will return to the levels they experienced previously. This can cause short-lived depression, fatigue and intense hunger. Altering the dosage, time you take it, or the type of medication you use can stop this from occurring. Speak to your doctor in case you're having this issue.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD medications increase dopamine levels in the brain, which can help improve focus and reducing impulsive and hyperactive behavior. They may also improve memory and reduce aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These drugs are typically given orally as capsules, though some children may take them in drops or chewable tablets. Stimulants can cause side effects like dry mouth, a decrease in appetite, and trouble sleeping. In some instances these side effects are mild and go away when the medication wears off. In some cases these effects may be severe and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medications can help treat ADHD symptoms by targeting various neurotransmitters within the brain. They also have a lower dependency or dependence risk than stimulants. These medications can cause drowsiness or dizziness. The risk of drowsiness is reduced by taking the medication earlier in the morning, eating meals before the medication begins to work and avoiding beverages with caffeine.
Many people respond better to long-acting versions or extended release medications. medication for autism and adhd is because these formulas are slowly absorbed by the body, reducing the risk of the drug wearing off too quickly, causing symptoms to return more severe than they were before. They can help you remember to take your medication, especially if either you or your child is having trouble keeping track multiple pill bottles.
Most children and adults who are taking medications for ADHD will experience at the very least some side effects. These side effects can be managed by keeping track of the child's reactions, making adjustments to the dosage, and using the medication only as prescribed. If you or your child is experiencing bothersome or harmful side effects, talk to an expert in mental health regarding the possibility of changing to a different type 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 be used to manage symptoms, but isn't an effective cure. Your doctor may have to keep an eye on your child or you and adjust the dosage until it is effective at controlling your symptoms, with no side effects. Medication is typically just one aspect of the treatment program for ADHD, along with therapy and support from family members and teachers.
The most commonly used ADHD medication is stimulant. They function by increasing brain chemicals that improve concentration and decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can trigger a range of adverse reactions, including the loss of appetite, trouble sleeping stomachaches, headaches, increased heart rate, jitteriness and, occasionally, shaking hands.
It may take a while to determine the best dosage and medication for you or your child's specific requirements. Sometimes it can take several weeks to several months before the benefits of the medication become apparent. During this time, it's important to follow the doctor's prescriptions and report any side-effects.
While stimulants offer the benefit of being fast-acting, they also be more prone to abuse and dependence. Many people, especially young children and adolescents, avoid them because of this. Non-stimulant medications can be equally efficient and are a good choice for people who cannot endure the negative side effects of stimulants.
There are many different kinds of non-stimulant drugs, including atomoxetine (Strattera) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin), and guanfacine (Concerta). These medications are endorsed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for other conditions but are also used to treat ADHD "off-label".
Recent research has found that long-term ADHD medication use is associated with an increase in CVD risk. The risk increased as the dosage of medication was increased and was greater for both genders. The researchers recommend that individuals be closely monitored and receive regular health screenings, especially for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This is especially important in the event of an early family history of heart attack or cardiovascular disease.