ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
For a lot of people, stimulant medications are the first choice for treating ADHD. However, for some individuals, they can cause adverse negative effects or aren't helpful.
Doctors sometimes prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medications instead, or in combination with stimulants. These medicines include ones that treat high blood pressure, like Clonidine and Guanfacine hcl (Tenex). These include other medicines that promote wakefulness.
Benefits
Stimulants are the first medication doctors usually prescribe to treat ADHD. They help improve the communication between brain nerves. These medications increase levels of neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This can improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness. These drugs come in various forms and are classified into two categories amphetamines or methylphenidates. They are controlled substances because of their potential abuse. The dosage, distribution and usage of these drugs are tightly controlled.
Doctors may prescribe a mix medication which includes stimulants and nonstimulants. They may do this due to a stimulant not working well enough, due to side effects that are too severe or because the patient is suffering from a mental illness that needs to be treated. Combination treatments are commonplace for children and adults.
Nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine, viloxazine and guanfacine. They are generally well-tolerated and don't carry the danger of addiction or abuse that stimulants do. They may take longer to start working and do not last as long as stimulants do, however they're often effective in treating symptoms of ADHD.
The majority of people who use non-stimulant ADHD medication report that they experience mild to moderate side effects. These include stomach upset, headaches, dry mouth, and a general feeling of sleepiness. Some people may struggle to stay awake while taking these drugs however this is likely to be less of a problem for children than adults.
Speak to your doctor if you or your child is thinking about medication for ADHD. They'll explain the various medications available along with the advantages and risks of each, and how to get started. They'll also help you choose the medication and dosage that is most suitable for you.
It may take a few times to land on the right medication and dose. The goal is to reduce ADHD symptoms with as little adverse effects as is possible. Once you find the right medication, it's crucial to stick with it because when you stop taking it, the symptoms will return. Most people suffering from ADHD require these medications throughout 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 concentration, focus and decreases impulsivity and hyperactivity. It's the first type of medication doctors often prescribe for ADHD. It's not suitable for everyone, and it could cause adverse effects that are unpalatable.
Non-stimulant drugs, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv (guanfacine), are FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. They can help reduce symptoms directly on the prefrontal cortex of the brain, and creating an effect of calming. They are often employed in conjunction with stimulant drugs or if the stimulant medication isn't working for you.
Both atomoxetine (also known as guanfacine) and guanfacine belong to the class of alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists drugs. This means that they function by blocking receptors that send dopamine from one cell to another. adhd medication names allows other chemicals in the brain, for instance norepinephrine to enter the brain and produce an calming effect that increases attention and decreases impulsivity and hyperactivity.
While the amphetamine and methylphenidate classes of medicines are efficient in reducing or eliminating ADHD symptoms however, they also carry the risk for abuse, addiction, and overdose. They're classified as controlled substances and have "boxed warnings" that warn patients of the risks. These drugs are also subject to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants start to work within 30 to 45 minutes after taking them and last 3-4 hours. They can be taken at least three times a day. Intermediate and long-acting stimulants require more time to work however they can provide symptom relief for up to 8-16 hours. These stimulants are usually taken once a day in the event that you are struggling to remember to take your medication every day at the same time.
There are some who experience the rebound effect as their medication wears off and their symptoms revert to their earlier levels. This can result in short-lasting fatigue, a bad mood and an intense hunger. This can be cured by altering the dosage, when it is taken or the type of medication. Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing this issue.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD medication boosts the levels of dopamine in brain cells, which promotes concentration and decreases impulsive behavior. They may also improve memory and decrease 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 use them as drops or chewable tablets. These stimulants could cause side effects, such as dry mouth, reduced appetite, and trouble sleeping. In some instances, side effects aren't too severe and disappear as soon as the medication is gone. In some cases these effects may be serious and need medical attention.
Non-stimulant medication helps manage ADHD symptoms by targeting neurotransmitters inside the brain. adhd medications for adults may also have a lower dependency or dependence risk than stimulants. Common adverse reactions of these medications include drowsiness, loss appetite and dizziness. To minimize drowsiness, take the medication earlier in your day, eat breakfast before the medication begins 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, reducing the risk of the drug being worn off too quickly and causing symptoms to return more severe than before. They can also reduce the need to take the medication regularly particularly in the case that your child has trouble keeping track of multiple pill bottles.
The majority of children and adults who take medication to treat ADHD will experience adverse reactions. These side effects can easily be managed by monitoring the reactions of your child or yourself, altering the dosage and taking the medication as prescribed. Consult a mental health professional if you or your child experience dangerous or bothersome adverse effects.
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 thing to keep in mind about ADHD medication is that it can assist you to manage your symptoms, but it's not a cure. Your doctor may have to monitor your child or yourself and adjust the dosage until it is effective in controlling your symptoms, with no side consequences. ADHD treatment plans typically include medication, therapy, and support from family and teachers.
Stimulant drugs are the most commonly used ADHD drugs. They help by increasing levels brain chemicals that increase attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can trigger a range of adverse effects, such as loss of appetite, trouble sleeping stomachaches, headaches, jitteriness, increased heart rate and, occasionally, shaking hands.
It can be challenging to find the right dose and medication for you or your child. Sometimes it takes anywhere from several weeks to a few months before the benefits of the medication become apparent. During this period, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions and report any side effects.
While stimulants offer the benefit of being fast-acting, they can be more prone to dependency and abuse. This is one reason why many avoid taking them, especially young children and adolescents. Non-stimulant medications are just as efficient and are a good choice for people who cannot take the adverse effects of stimulants.
Non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine, dextroamphetamine and guanfacine. 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 revealed that long-term ADHD medication use 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 recommend that patients be monitored closely and undergo regular health screenings, particularly for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This is especially true if there is an ancestral history of cardiovascular disease.