ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
Stimulant medication is the first-choice treatment for ADHD and for many people they work well. However, for some patients, they trigger side negative effects or aren't helpful.
Some doctors prescribe stimulants in addition to non-stimulant ADHD medications. These medications include those that treat high blood pressure, for instance clonidine and guanfacine hcl (Tenex). These include other medicines that aid in promoting wakefulness.
Benefits
Stimulants are among the first drugs doctors usually prescribe to treat ADHD. They work by increasing communication between brain nerves. These medications boost levels of neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This can improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Full Post come in various forms and fall into two drug categories amphetamines or methylphenidates. 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 mix of nonstimulant and stimulant drugs. They may do this because a stimulant isn't working effectively enough or due to insufferable adverse effects, or because a person suffers from a mental health issue that requires to be treated. Adults and children often receive mixed treatments.
Nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine. These drugs are well-tolerated and do not carry the same risk of abuse or addiction as stimulants do. They may take longer to start working and they do not last as long as stimulants do, however they're often effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD.
Most people who take nonstimulant ADHD medication report mild to moderate side effects, including headaches, stomach upsets, dry mouth and insomnia. Some people may be more difficult to stay awake when taking these medications but this can be less of an issue for children than for adults.
If you're thinking of taking medication to manage your or your child's ADHD discuss with your doctor about it. They'll explain what medication is available as well as the advantages and dangers of each, and the best way to begin. They'll also help you select the best dosage and medication for your needs.
It may take a few times to determine the correct dosage and medication. The aim is to manage ADHD symptoms with as few adverse effects as is possible. Once you've found the right medication, it is best to keep it in place. If you stop taking it, your symptoms will recur. The majority of people suffering from ADHD will require 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 concentration, focus and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. It's the first medication that doctors typically prescribe for ADHD. It's not for everyone, and it may cause undesirable side effects.
FDA-approved non-stimulant medications like Strattera (atomoxetine), and Intuniv(guanfacine) are used 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 typically used in conjunction with stimulant medication, or if the stimulant medication doesn't work for you.
Both atomoxetine and guanfacine are in the alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists class of medications, which means they act by blocking receptors which transmit dopamine to other cells. This allows other chemicals to be absorbed into the brain, such as norepinephrine, which can be calming and improves focus, which reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity.
While the amphetamine and methylphenidate classes of medications are very effective at cutting down or eliminating ADHD symptoms, they carry the potential for abuse, addiction and overdose. They're classified as controlled substances, and have "boxed warnings" that warn patients of these risks. These drugs are also subject to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants start to work within 30 to 45 minutes of taking them and last 3-4 hours. They can be taken as frequently as three times per day. Intermediate and long-acting stimulants take longer to work, but can provide symptom relief for 8-16 hours. These stimulants can be taken daily if you are struggling to remember to take your medication every day at the same time.
There are some who experience the rebound effect when the medication wears off, which means that their symptoms return to their previous levels. This can result in short-lasting depression, fatigue and a heightened hunger. This can be cured by changing the dosage, time it is taken, or the type of medication. If you're experiencing this issue discuss with your doctor about the best way to make changes to your medication.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD medications increase dopamine levels in the brain, encouraging focus and reducing hyperactive and impulsive behavior. They can also improve memory and decrease aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These medications are usually taken in capsule form, but some children may take them as drops or chewable tablets. The stimulants can cause adverse reactions, such as dry mouth, reduced appetite, and trouble sleeping. In some cases, these effects are minor and fade when the medication has worn off. In other instances these effects may be severe and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medications can help treat ADHD symptoms by targeting various neurotransmitters in the brain. They also carry less risk of addiction or dependence than stimulants. Common side effects of these medications include drowsiness, loss appetite, and dizziness. To minimize drowsiness, take the medication earlier in your day, eat breakfast before the medication starts to work and stay clear of caffeine-based drinks.
A lot of people are more responsive to long-acting or extended release drugs. These formulations build up slowly within the body and decrease the risk of the drug running out too fast which can cause symptoms to become worse. They also can reduce the need to take the medication on a regular basis, especially if you or your child is having trouble keeping the count of multiple pills.
The majority of children and adults who take medication to treat ADHD will experience some adverse effects. These side effects can easily be managed by monitoring the reactions of your child or yourself, altering the dosage and taking the medication according to the prescription. Seek out an expert in mental health care in the event that you or your child experiences unpleasant or dangerous side effects.
Sometimes, it takes a while to find the right 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 can assist you to manage your symptoms, but it's not an effective cure. Your doctor may adjust the dosage to help control your symptoms while minimizing side effects. ADHD treatment plans typically consist of therapy, medication and support from family members and teachers.
The most popular ADHD medication is stimulant. They work by boosting brain chemicals that increase concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can cause a variety of adverse reactions, including the loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, stomachaches, headaches, anxiety, a higher heart rate and, occasionally, shaking hands.
It can be a challenge to determine the proper dosage and medication for your child or you. Sometimes it takes anywhere from between a few weeks and several months before the benefits of the medication begin to be evident. During this period it is vital to follow your physician's instructions carefully and report any side effects.
While stimulants are fast-acting and can be beneficial but they also pose a higher chance of abuse and dependence. This is why many people are hesitant to take them, particularly young children and adolescents. Non-stimulant drugs can be just as effective and are a great option for those who can't take the adverse effects of stimulants.
There are a variety of non-stimulant medicines, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) and Guanfacine (Concerta). A lot of these medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat other ailments, but are also used "off-label" to treat ADHD.
Recent research has shown that long-term ADHD medication use is linked with an increase in CVD risk. The risk was higher as the dose of medication was increased and was more prevalent for boys and girls. The researchers recommend that patients be closely monitored and undergo regular health screenings, especially for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This is particularly true in the event of a family history of early cardiovascular disease or heart attack.