ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
I Am Psychiatry is the first-choice treatment for ADHD, and for many people, they are effective. Some people have side effects or they don't work for everyone.
Doctors sometimes prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication in lieu of or in combination with stimulants. These include medications that treat high blood-pressure like clonidine or Guanfacine (Tenex). These are among the other medications that promote the state of being awake.
Benefits
The first prescription medication doctors recommend to treat ADHD is stimulants. They help improve communication between brain nerves. These drugs increase levels of neurotransmitters or chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This can improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness. They come in a variety of forms, but the majority fall into two classes of drugs: methylphenidates and amphetamines. They are controlled substances because of the possibility of misuse. They are strictly controlled in terms of dosage, distribution, and usage.
Doctors can prescribe a mixture of nonstimulant and stimulant drugs. They may do this because a stimulant doesn't work well enough, or because of intolerable adverse effects or if a person suffers from a mental health issue that needs to be treated. Combination treatments are common in both adults and children.
Non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine viloxazine, and guanfacine. These medications are generally well-tolerated and don't carry the risk for abuse or addiction that stimulants do. They can take longer to get started and they don't 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 experience moderate to mild side-effects. These include stomach upset, headaches and sleepiness. Some people may have difficulty staying awake when they take these medications. However this is less of a problem for children than adults.
If you're considering the use of medication to treat your child's ADHD Talk to your doctor about it. They'll discuss the different medications available along with the advantages and risks of each, and the best way to begin. They'll also help you determine the right dosage and medication for you.
It could require a few attempts to determine the correct dosage and medication. The goal is to control your ADHD symptoms with the lowest number of side effects. Once you have found the best medication, it's crucial to stick with it because when you stop using it, your symptoms will return. Most people with ADHD will require these drugs 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 concentration, focus and decreases impulsivity and hyperactivity. It is the first form that doctors prescribe for ADHD. It's not for everyone and it can have side effects which are intolerable.
Non-stimulant medications that have been approved by FDA such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv(guanfacine) are used to treat ADHD in adults. They alleviate symptoms by acting directly on the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which creates a calming affect. They are usually utilized in conjunction with stimulant drugs, or if the stimulant medication doesn't work for you.
Both atomoxetine (also known as Guanfacine) and guanfacine belong the class of alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists drugs. This means that they work by blocking receptors that send dopamine from one cell to the next. This permits other chemicals in the brain, for instance norepinephrine, to enter the brain and produce the effect of calming, which improves attention and reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity.
The methylphenidate, amphetamine, and various other classes of ADHD medications are effective in alleviating or eliminating symptoms associated with ADHD. However, they can be misused, addictive, and lead to overdose. They're classified as controlled substances and have "boxed warnings" that warn patients of the risks. These drugs are also prone to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants begin to work within 30-45 minutes of taking them, and last for 3-4 hours. They can be taken as frequently as three times per day. Long-acting and intermediate stimulants are more difficult to use but they can provide symptoms relief for 8-16 hours. These stimulants are usually taken every day when you find it difficult to remember to take your medication each day at the same time.
Some suffer from the rebound effect as their medication wears off, which means that their symptoms return to their previous levels. This can result in short-lasting fatigue, mood swings and intense hunger. This can be prevented by adjusting the dosage, time it is taken, or the kind of medication. If you're experiencing this type of problem consult your physician about making changes to your medication.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD medications increase dopamine levels in the brain, promoting 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 are typically taken orally in capsule form but some children use them as chewable tablets or drops. 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 not serious and disappear as the medication wears off. In other instances, they can be serious and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medications can help treat ADHD symptoms by targeting different neurotransmitters in the brain. They also have a lower dependency or dependency risk than stimulants. Common adverse effects of these drugs include drowsiness, loss of appetite, and dizziness. Drowsiness can be minimized by taking the medication earlier in the morning, eating meals before the medication begins to take effect and avoiding caffeine-rich beverages.
Many people discover that they respond better to the extended or long-acting release versions of these drugs. This is because these formulations are slowly absorbed by the body, reducing the risk of the drug wearing off too quickly and the symptoms returning more severe than they were before. They can also reduce the need to remember to take the medication regularly especially when your child or you has trouble keeping the count of multiple pills.
Most kids and adults who take medication for ADHD will experience at least some side effects. These side effects can be controlled by monitoring the reactions of your child or yourself, altering the dosage and taking the medication as prescribed. If you or your child experiences adverse or dangerous side effects, consult with an expert in mental health about the possibility of switching to another type of medication.
It can take time to determine the most effective treatment for a person 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 can help manage your symptoms but it's not a cure. Your doctor might need to monitor your child or yourself and alter the dosage until it's effective at controlling your symptoms with no adverse consequences. Medication is usually only one element of the treatment program for ADHD in addition to therapy and support from family and teachers.
The most common ADHD medication is stimulant. They function by increasing brain chemicals that improve concentration and reduce the 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 difficult to determine the proper dosage and medication for you or your child. It may take several weeks or months for the benefits of a drug to be evident. During this period, it is important to follow your doctor's directions and report any side effects.
While stimulants have the advantage of being fast-acting, they also be more prone to abuse and dependence. This is why many people avoid taking them, especially youngsters and young adults. Non-stimulant drugs can be just as efficient and are a good option for those who can't take the adverse effects of stimulants.
Non-stimulant medicines include atomoxetine dextroamphetamine, and guanfacine. Many of these drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat other conditions, but are also utilized "off-label" to treat ADHD.
Recent research has revealed 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 greater for both genders. The researchers recommend that patients be monitored closely and undergo regular health screenings, especially for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This is particularly true in the case of a family history of cardiovascular disease.