ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
For many stimulant medications are the first choice for treating ADHD. Some suffer from side effects or they don't work for everyone.
Some doctors prescribe stimulants along with non-stimulant ADHD medications. These include medicines that treat high blood pressure like clonidine or Guanfacine (Tenex). These include other medicines that help to increase the state of being awake.
Benefits
The first prescription medication doctors recommend to treat ADHD is stimulants. They work by increasing the communication between brain nerves. These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) dopamine and norepinephrine, which help improve concentration and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs are available in various forms and are classified into two categories amphetamines and methylphenidates. They are controlled substances because of the possibility of misuse. They are strictly controlled in terms of dosage, distribution, and use.
Doctors may prescribe a mixture of non-stimulant and stimulant medications. They may do this because a stimulant doesn't work well enough, or because of insufferable adverse effects, or because a person is suffering from an underlying mental health issue that needs to be treated. Combination treatments are common in both adults and children.
Viloxazine, guanfacine, and atomoxetine are nonstimulant medications. These drugs are well-tolerated and don't carry the same risk of addiction or abuse like stimulants. They may take longer to work and last longer than stimulants however they can be effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
The majority of people who use non-stimulant ADHD medication experience moderate to minor side effects. They can experience headaches, stomach upsets, and insomnia. Some people may have trouble staying awake when they take these drugs. However, this is less of a problem for children than adults.
If you're thinking about taking medication to manage your or your child's ADHD Talk to your doctor about it. They'll discuss the various medications with regards to their benefits and potential risks, and how you can start. They will also help you choose the right dosage and medication for you.
It may require a few tries to determine the correct dosage and medication. The aim is to manage your ADHD symptoms with the lowest amount of adverse negative effects. When you've found the right medication, it's important to stick with it because when you stop using it, your symptoms will be back. Most people with 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 and concentration, and reduces hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. It is the first type that doctors prescribe for ADHD. However, it's not suitable for everyone, and it can cause adverse effects that are unpalatable.
Non-stimulant drugs that are FDA-approved like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv(guanfacine), can be used to treat ADHD in adults. They reduce symptoms through direct stimulation of the prefrontal cortices in the brain, resulting in an euphoric effect. They are often used in conjunction with stimulant medication, or if the stimulant medication fails to work for you.
Both atomoxetine (also known as Guanfacine) and guanfacine belong to the alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists category of drugs. This means that they function by blocking receptors that send dopamine from one cell to the next. This allows other chemicals in the brain, like norepinephrine, to enter the brain and create the effect of calming, which improves attention and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity.
While the methylphenidate and amphetamine classes of medications are very effective at cutting down or eliminating ADHD symptoms, they carry the potential for abuse, addiction and overdose. These drugs are classified as controlled substances and have "boxed" warnings that warn users of the dangers. These drugs are also subject to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants begin working within 30 minutes and last for between 3 and 4 hours. They can be taken as frequently as three times per day. Intermediate and long-acting stimulates require longer to work however they may provide relief from symptoms for between 8 and 16 hours. They can be taken just once per day and can be a good choice for those who struggle to remember to take your medication at the same time each day.
inattentive adhd medication from the rebound effect when their medication wears off, and their symptoms revert to their previous levels. This can cause temporary fatigue, a negative attitude and intense hunger. This can be prevented by changing the dosage, time it is taken, or the kind of medication. Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing this issue.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD medications boost dopamine levels in the brain, encouraging focus and reducing impulsive and hyperactive 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 capsule form, although some children may use them as chewable tablets or drops. These stimulants can trigger side effects like dry mouth, decreased appetite, and trouble sleeping. In some instances these effects are not serious and go away as the medication wears off. In some cases these reactions can be serious and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medications help manage ADHD symptoms by targeting various neurotransmitters within the brain. They also have an lower risk of addiction or dependence than stimulants. These medications can cause drowsiness or dizziness. The risk of drowsiness is reduced by taking the medication earlier in the day, eating meals before the medication starts to work and avoiding caffeine-rich beverages.
Many people find that they are more responsive to the extended or long-acting release versions of these drugs. adhd medication and pregnancy accumulate slowly in the body, and reduce the possibility of being absorbed too quickly, causing symptoms to worsen. They also help reduce the need to remember to take the medication on a regular basis especially in the case that your child struggles to keep track of multiple pills.
The majority of children and adults who take medication to treat ADHD will experience some adverse effects. These side effects can be managed by observing the reactions of your child or yourself, altering the dosage and following the prescribed dosage. If you or your child suffers adverse or potentially dangerous side effects, talk to an expert in mental health about the possibility of changing to a different kind of medication.
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
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD medication can be used to manage symptoms, but isn't a cure. Your doctor can alter dosage to manage your symptoms while minimizing any adverse effects. The medication is typically only one element of the treatment plan for ADHD as is therapy and support from family and teachers.
Stimulant medicines are the most commonly used ADHD drugs. They help by increasing levels brain chemicals that improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Some of the side effects include a loss of appetite as well as sleeplessness stomachaches and headaches as well as jitteriness and an increased heart rate.
It can be difficult to determine the proper dosage and medication for you or your child. It can take a few weeks or months for the benefits of a drug to become apparent. During this period, it is important to follow your doctor's directions and report any adverse effects.
While stimulants can be fast-acting and offer a benefit however, they also come with a greater risk of dependence and abuse. This is why many people are hesitant to take them, particularly youngsters and young adults. Non-stimulant medications are just as effective and are a better choice for people who cannot tolerate the side 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 ailments, but are also utilized "off-label" to treat ADHD.
A recent study has found that the long-term use of ADHD medications is linked to a higher risk for CVD. The risk increased with amount of medication taken and was more prevalent for boys and girls. Researchers recommend that people be closely monitored, and have regular health screenings. This is especially true for high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. This is particularly true in the case of an ancestral history of cardiovascular disease.