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 patients, they trigger side negative effects or aren't helpful.
Doctors sometimes prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication in lieu of or in conjunction with stimulants. These include medications that treat high blood pressure like clonidine or guanfacine (Tenex). They also include others that help to increase awakening.
Benefits
The first prescription medication doctors recommend to treat ADHD is stimulants. They improve communication between nerves in the brain. These medications increase levels of neurotransmitters, also known as chemical messengers like dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs are available in different forms and fall into two drug categories amphetamines or methylphenidates. Due to their potential for abuse, they are classified as controlled substances. These drugs are strictly controlled in terms of dosage, distribution, and use.
Doctors may also prescribe a combination of nonstimulant and stimulant drugs. They might do this because a stimulant doesn't work well enough, or because of insufferable adverse effects or because a patient is suffering from an underlying mental health issue that needs to be treated. Adults and children are often treated with mixed treatments.
Non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine viloxazine and guanfacine. These drugs are well-tolerated and do not carry the same risks of addiction or abuse like stimulants. They can take longer to get started and they don't last as long as stimulants do, but they're often effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD.
Most people who take nonstimulant ADHD medication experience moderate to mild side-effects. They can experience stomach upset, headaches and sleepiness. Some people might struggle to stay awake while taking these drugs, but this tends to be less of a problem for children than for adults.
If you're thinking about taking medication to manage your or your child's ADHD discuss with 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. how does medication for adhd work 'll also assist you in finding a medication and dose that's right for you.
It may require a few times to find the right medication and dosage. The goal is to control your ADHD symptoms with the least number of side negative effects. Once you've found the right medication, you should keep it in place. If you stop taking it your symptoms will return. 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, concentration and decreases impulsivity and hyperactivity. It's the first type of medication doctors often prescribe for ADHD. However, it's not suitable for everyone, and it can cause side effects that are intolerable.
Non-stimulant medications, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv (guanfacine) are FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. They ease symptoms by acting directly on the prefrontal cortex of the brain, resulting in a calm effect. They are usually used in conjunction with stimulant medication or when the stimulant medication fails to work for you.
Both atomoxetine and guanfacine are in the alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists class of drugs which means that they work by blocking receptors that transmit dopamine to other cells. This allows other chemicals within the brain, like norepinephrine, to reach the brain and cause the effect of calming, which increases attention and decreases impulsivity and hyperactivity.
The methylphenidate and amphetamine and other classes of ADHD drugs are effective in alleviating or eliminating symptoms associated with ADHD. However they can also be misused as addictive and lead to overdose. They're classified as controlled substances and come with "boxed warnings" which warn users of these risks. These drugs are also prone to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants kick in within 30-45 minutes of taking them and last 3-4 hours. They can be taken as frequently as three times per day. Long-acting and intermediate stimulants require more time to work however they can provide symptom relief for up to 8-16 hours. These stimulants can be used daily in the event that 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 the levels they experienced previously. This can cause short-term fatigue, a bad attitude, and a heightened hunger. Modifying the dosage, the time you take it and the kind of medication you take can help prevent this from happening. Speak to your doctor when you're experiencing this problem.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD drugs increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, which can help improve focus and reducing hyperactive and 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 in capsules, however some children may take them in drops or chewable tablets. These stimulants can trigger side effects like dry mouth, a decrease in appetite and difficulty sleeping. In some instances, adverse effects are not severe and disappear as soon as the drug wears off. In some cases these reactions can be severe and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medication can help treat ADHD symptoms by targeting neurotransmitters inside the brain. They also carry a lower risk for dependence or addiction than stimulants. These medications can cause drowsiness and dizziness. To minimize treating adhd without medication , take the medication earlier in the day, eat before the medication starts to work, and avoid caffeinated drinks.
A lot of people are more responsive to long-acting or extended release medications. This is because these formulations build up gradually in the body, reducing the chance of the drug wearing off too quickly, making symptoms return more severe than they were before. They can help you remember to take your medication, especially in the event that you or your child has difficulty keeping track of multiple pill bottles.
Most children and adults who are taking medication to treat ADHD will experience some adverse effects. These side effects can be managed by monitoring your the child's reactions by making adjustments to the dosage, and taking the medication only as directed. Talk to an expert in mental health care when you or your child experiences unpleasant or dangerous side effects.
Sometimes, it takes time to determine the appropriate medication for a child 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 remember about ADHD medication is that it may help manage your symptoms but it's not a cure. Your doctor may have to keep an eye on you or your child and alter the dosage until it's effective in controlling your symptoms with minimal side effects. Medication is usually only one aspect of the treatment plan for ADHD, along with therapy and support from family members and teachers.
The most commonly used ADHD medications are stimulant medications. They function by increasing brain chemicals that increase concentration and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. The side effects include loss of appetite and sleeplessness or sleeping, stomachaches and headaches, jitteriness, and an increase in heart rate.
It may take some time to determine the best dosage and medication for you or your child's specific needs. It could take a few months or weeks for the benefits of a medication to become apparent. During this period it is vital to follow the instructions of your doctor closely and report any side effects.
While stimulants can be fast-acting and have an advantage however, they also pose a higher risk of dependence and abuse. Many people, especially children and young adults, avoid them because of this. Non-stimulant drugs can be just as good and are better for people who are unable to tolerate the adverse effects of stimulants.
Non-stimulant medicines include atomoxetine dextroamphetamine, and guanfacine. These drugs are endorsed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for other conditions but can also be used to treat ADHD "off-label".
Recent research has shown that long-term ADHD medication usage is associated with an increase in CVD risk. The risk was higher as the dose of the medication increased, and was more prevalent for girls and boys. The researchers recommend that individuals be closely monitored and undergo regular health screenings, especially for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This is especially true in the case of a family history of cardiovascular disease.