ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant drugs are the first line treatment for ADHD. They have a long history of a strong response, a high tolerance and safety across the entire life span.
It's important to find a medication and dosage that will relieve your child's or your own symptoms without causing any side consequences. It can take a lot of trial and error, as and a clear communication with your physician.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs which increase the activity of the central nervous system. Students, workers, athletes, artists, and others use these drugs to improve their cognitive performance and performance. They are also employed for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) and eating disorders that cause binge eating, and other anxiety disorders. The most common stimulant medications are methylphenidates and amphetamines.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants come in both immediate-release and prolonged-release formulations. Immediate-release pills are usually taken every 4 hours. When they wear off they can trigger a sudden and short-term drop in energy. The crash can trigger extreme hunger, mood swings, and fatigue. Instant-release medication can also increase blood pressure and heartbeat in some people. This is especially the case when they do not eat enough.
Extended-release drugs are designed to release their active ingredients over a time of between 8 and 16 hours. Your doctor may suggest this type of medication if you want long-lasting symptom control without having to take a pill multiple times a day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate products. Another option is the long-acting methylphenidate patch, known as Daytrana which adheres to the skin as a band-aid and lasts throughout the day. This type of medication is usually prescribed to adults with ADHD who need daily doses that last longer than the immediate-release alternatives.
Stimulant medications don't cure ADHD however they can assist in managing symptoms by enhancing the way that neurons in the brain communicate with one with each other. By blocking or binding their receptors they can alter the level of neurotransmitters, like norepinephrine and dopamine, in the brain. This allows more neurotransmitters to be released and helps messages between neurons be more efficiently transmitted and received.
In addition to stimulants, doctors can prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD. The majority of antidepressants prescribed by doctors for ADHD are based on the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors are a good choice for people suffering from depression or anxiety. These medications are usually mixed with stimulants to increase their effectiveness. adhd and medication could also switch between stimulant and a non-stimulant medication if your current medication isn't effective or has intolerable side effect.
Long-acting
Stimulants aid in the treatment of 70%-80% of children and adults with ADHD. They can reduce symptoms like fidgeting, talking over others and losing focus in conversations or in tasks. They can also improve the quality of work and social abilities.
Stimulant medications begin to work when they cross the blood-brain barrier, which takes about 45 to 60 minutes. medication for adhd boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in brain cells, which decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. The FDA-approved stimulant drugs contain two molecules that are methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). These stimulants can cause adverse reactions that include stomach upset and loss of appetite, increased blood pressure and heart rate as well as headaches, anxiety or nervousness. They can also make tics worse and cause sleep issues in certain people.
Long-acting stimulants, like Strattera or Wellbutrin, can be used day and night. Short-acting medications are only effective for a few hours. They can also be used to treat other conditions like anxiety or depression.
These medicines work by altering the ways your body regulates chemicals known as monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases break down dopamine inside the brain, along with other neurotransmitters. If these chemicals aren't broken down, they stay in your body for a longer time, which affects your thinking and behavior. Long-acting medication can have fewer negative effects. Your doctor may prescribe it in smaller doses, which you can take throughout the day.
Certain stimulants are available in extended-release form that you can take once every day. This may be more convenient for some adults, but it's crucial to remember that you take them each day.
Other medications have been shown to be effective for many adults suffering from ADHD, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These are usually used for depression or anxiety however, they can be prescribed for ADHD and 70% of people respond. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is another SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been proven to be more effective than placebos in one controlled study. These medications can trigger serious side effects, such as hearing ringing anxiety, and changes in heart and lung function.
Short-acting
The stimulant drugs work to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain. These are two chemicals that help people focus and regulate their behavior. They come in a variety of different forms and each comes with its own distinct brand, like Adderall Vyvanse Ritalin Concerta. There are adhd and medication of stimulant medications that are methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and the amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). All have similar effects, but their duration of action is different. The methylphenidates produce a less lasting effect, lasting up to three hours. Amphetamines, on the other are more effective.
Certain individuals are better in their ability to take stimulant drugs that have a long-acting effect than those that use short-acting drugs which is why your doctor may prescribe this kind of drug. It is important to learn all you can about the drug that you are taking, including the potential side effects, how often it should be taken, and any special warnings that should be heeded. This will allow you to work with your doctor in determining the appropriate medication and dose for you.
These medications can also cause adverse side effects, like insomnia or loss in appetite. If these occur consult your physician about altering the dosage or using other medications.
Adults with ADHD who don't respond well to stimulants can be treated with nonstimulant medications. These medications require longer time to work, but improve the ability to pay attention and manage impulses. These drugs might be prescribed on their own or in combination with stimulants.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera or Qelbree is the first. It increases dopamine and norepinephrine within the prefrontal cortex that regulates behavior. Guanfacine, also referred to as Intuniv is part of the class of drugs known as alpha-agonists. These drugs block the reuptake process and increasing the amount of brain chemicals in the bloodstream. Guanfacine, originally developed to treat high blood pressure, has now been proved to be effective in treating ADHD.
Combinations
There are many combinations of drugs used by those who suffer from ADHD. This includes stimulants that are depressant type drugs like Guanfacine and Clonidine. These drugs can influence a calming effect on the brain, and reduce symptoms like sleeplessness and aggressive behaviour. They also help prevent the onset of withdrawal from stimulants. This combination could be dangerous, however, when it is not utilized correctly. Combining two stimulants at the same time increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, a type of drug emergency that happens when the body is overloaded with much serotonin. This combination can also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. The risks of taking this medication are more pronounced for people with pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
Teenagers and young adults are increasingly using stimulant combinations. These are commonly called "legal highs" and are readily available at pharmacies. They are also available on the black market. These substances are extremely dangerous particularly when they are they are combined with alcohol or other substances. The use of multiple drugs can be risky. Mixing drugs can trigger unpredictably harmful consequences, such as an increased heart rate, slow breathing, paranoia, hallucinations, seizures and addiction.
Combination therapy is more effective than monopharmacotherapy in treating ADHD according to an investigation. Combining medications increased adherence and helped patients achieve better relief from symptoms than monotherapy. Some patients, however stopped their treatment due to side effects. In a few cases it was reported that the medication was withdrawn due to sleep issues or worsening tics. This could be due to a misdiagnosis or the absence of medication.
Nonstimulants are an alternative treatment for ADHD. These drugs improve the quality of attention and impulse control however they don't work as effectively as stimulants. They are less likely to suppress appetite and growth. Certain antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD. However they have a less chance of improving focus and concentration.
In several studies, the atomoxetine (Concerta) when combined with methylphenidate, gave better results than any drug on its own. Combining these two drugs improved the adherence of patients and decreased the risk of adverse reactions for a majority of people. The combination was effective for adolescents and young adults. This combination could be a feasible option for children suffering from severe ADHD.