ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medications are the first option for treating ADHD. They have a history of a robust response, good tolerance and safety across the lifespan.
It's crucial to find the right dosage and medication that alleviates your or your child's symptoms without causing any adverse side negative effects. It usually takes many trials and trial and open communication with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that increase the activity of the central nervous system. Students, artists, athletes, workers, and others use them to boost their cognitive and performance. adhd without medication are also used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), binge eating disorder, and other anxiety disorders. The most commonly used stimulant medications are amphetamines and methylphenidates.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in both extended-release and immediate-release formulations. The immediate-release medications are typically taken every 4 hours. When they stop working they can cause sudden and temporary drop in energy. The crash can cause extreme hunger, mood swings and fatigue. Immediate-release medications also can increase blood pressure and heart rate for some people, particularly when they don't eat enough.
Extended-release drugs are designed to release their active ingredients over a time of between 8 and 16 hours. Your doctor might suggest this type of medication if you want long-lasting symptom control without having to take a pill several times a day. Methylphenidate products in the extended-release category include Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. Another alternative is the long-acting methylphenidate patch called Daytrana that adheres to the skin as a band-aid and lasts for the entire day. This kind of medication is often given to people with ADHD who need a daily dose that lasts longer than the immediate-release alternatives.
Stimulant medication does not cure ADHD but it can help manage the symptoms by enhancing how neurons in the brain communicate. By blocking or binding their receptors they can alter the level of neurotransmitters, like dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. This permits the release of more neurotransmitters which improves the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.
In addition to stimulants, doctors may prescribe antidepressants for ADHD. The majority of antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD are based on the norepinephrine and dopamine levels in your brain. One class, referred to as selective serotonin receptor inhibitors, is a good option for those suffering from depression or anxiety, too. These drugs are typically combined with stimulants to increase their effectiveness. Your doctor may 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 can help 70%-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. They can reduce symptoms like fidgeting, arguing with others, and losing focus in conversations or in tasks. They also help improve job performance and social abilities.
The stimulant medication begins to work once it has crossed the blood-brain barriers that can take 45 to 60 minutes. They increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels in brain cells, which reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity. The FDA-approved stimulant medication consists of one of two molecules, methylphenidate (Adderall Ritalin Vyvanse Concerta) or amphetamine (Ritalin Adderall XR Vyvanse Vyvanse). These stimulants can cause adverse reactions that include stomach upset loss of appetite, increased blood pressure and heart rate as well as headaches, anxiety or nervousness. They can also make tics more severe and cause sleep issues for some people.
Long-acting stimulants, like Strattera or Wellbutrin, are effective both at night and day. The short-acting drugs only last a few hours. They can be used to treat other ailments such as anxiety or depression.
These medications work by changing how your body regulates monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases break down dopamine inside the brain and other neurotransmitters. These chemicals stay in the body for longer if not broken down. This could affect your behavior and thinking. Long-acting medicines can cause fewer side effects, and your doctor may prescribe smaller doses of the drugs that you take throughout the day.
Some stimulants come in extended-release form that you can take once every day. Adults may prefer this method however, it is important to be sure to take your stimulants each day.
Other medications have been proven to be effective in treating many adults suffering from ADHD, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These are usually prescribed for depression or anxiety, but they can also be prescribed for ADHD and around 70% of people respond. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is a different SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been proven to be more efficient than placebos in a controlled study. These medications can have severe side effects like hearing ringing anxiety, changes to vision and lung and heart function in some people.
Short-acting
Stimulant medication helps reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain. These are the two chemical compounds that aid people in focusing and control their behavior. These drugs are available in different forms, and each has its own brand, like Adderall Vyvanse Ritalin Concerta. There are two main types of stimulant medications such as the methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and the amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). They have the same effects, but their duration of action varies. The methylphenidates have a shorter-lasting effect lasting up to three hours. Amphetamines on the other hand have a longer-lasting effect.
Some people tolerate stimulant medications better than others, so your doctor might prescribe them. It is crucial to learn as much as possible about the medication. This includes any possible side effects, how frequently it should be taken, and any warnings. This will allow you to work with your doctor to determine the best medication and dose for you.
It is important to know that these medications can have certain negative adverse effects, like difficulty sleeping or loss of appetite. If these occur consult your physician about changing the dosage or attempting other medications.
Adults with ADHD who aren't responding well to stimulants could be treated with non-stimulant medicines that take longer to begin working but increase the capacity of an individual to concentrate and control impulses. These drugs may be prescribed either in combination or on their own.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera or Qelbree is the very first. It works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the prefrontal cortex that regulates the behavior. Guanfacine, also referred to as Intuniv is part of the group of drugs called alpha-agonists. They work by preventing the absorption of these brain chemicals and increasing their level in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was created to treat high blood pressure but it has also been proven to help people with ADHD.
Combinations
People suffering from ADHD make use of a variety drug combinations. This includes stimulants paired with depressants like clonidine or guanfacine. These drugs can have a calming affect on the brain and help reduce symptoms like insomnia and aggressive behavior. They also help prevent withdrawal symptoms from stimulants. This combination can be dangerous but only if it is not used properly. Serotonin Syndrome is a medical emergency which occurs when there is too much serotonin in the body. This combination may also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. The risks associated with this medication are more pronounced for those with pre-existing health conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Combinations of stimulants are increasingly being used by teenagers and young adults. These drugs, which are sold in pharmacies, are sometimes called "legal highs". These drugs are also available on the black market. These substances are extremely dangerous particularly when they are mixed with alcohol or other drugs. Polydrug use can be dangerous. Mixing drugs can cause unpredictably harmful consequences, such as an increased heart rate, slow breathing, paranoia, hallucinations seizures, and addiction.
A study concluded that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy when treating ADHD. Combining medications improved adherence, and helped patients achieve more relief from symptoms than monotherapy. A majority of patients, however, were unable to continue treatment due side effects. In a few cases, the medication was discontinued due to sleep issues or worsening tics. This could be a result of poor diagnosis or a lack of access to medications.
Nonstimulants are also used to treat ADHD. These drugs help improve attention span and impulse regulation however they are not as effective as stimulants. They are also less likely to inhibit growth and reduce appetite. Certain antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD. However they have a lower chance of improving focus and concentration.
In a variety of studies, the atomoxetine (Concerta) when combined with methylphenidate, produced better results than any other drug taken on its own. The combination of these two medications was found to increase adherence and decrease adverse effects in the majority of people. The combination proved effective for young adults and adolescents. This combination could be a feasible option for children with severe ADHD.