ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medications are the first line treatment for ADHD. They have a long track record of high response, excellent tolerance and safety throughout the lifespan.
However, it's important to find the right medication and dosage that relieves your child's or your own symptoms without causing any adverse side adverse effects. This can take a lot trial and error as well as a constant dialogue with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that boost activity in the central nervous system. Students and athletes, artists, workers and others take them to enhance their cognitive performance and performance. They are also used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as narcolepsy, binge eating disorder, as well as other anxiety disorders. Amphetamines and methylphenidates as well as other stimulant drugs are the most commonly used.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in both immediate-release and prolonged-release formulations. The immediate-release medication is usually taken every four hours, as needed. When they stop working, they can cause a sudden and short-term drop in energy. The crash could cause severe hunger, mood swings, and fatigue. Immediate-release medications also can increase heart rate and blood pressure for some people, particularly those who don't eat enough.
Extended-release drugs are designed to release their active ingredients over a period of between 8 and 16 hours. This type of medication may be prescribed by your physician in case you're seeking long-lasting relief from symptoms without taking pills several times a day. Methylphenidate products that fall into the extended-release category include Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. Another alternative is the long-acting methylphenidate patch called Daytrana which adheres to the skin as a band-aid and lasts throughout the day. This type of medication is available to adults with ADHD and need a daily dosage that lasts longer than immediate-release alternatives.
The use of stimulants does not cure ADHD but it can assist manage the symptoms by enhancing how neurons in the brain communicate. By blocking or binding their receptors they can alter the level of neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, in the brain. This allows more neurotransmitters to be released, and it aids in ensuring that messages between neurons are more effectively transmitted and received.
In addition to stimulants, doctors may prescribe antidepressants for ADHD. Most antidepressants doctors prescribe for ADHD are based on the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors are an excellent option for people with depression or anxiety. These medications are often combined with stimulants to enhance their effectiveness. Your doctor can change between stimulant and non-stimulant medication in the event that your current medication isn't working or has an unacceptably side effects.
Long-acting
Stimulants can help 70%-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. They help reduce symptoms like talking to others and fidgeting. They also enhance the quality of work and social skills.
The stimulant medication starts to work once it has crossed the blood-brain boundaries that can take 45 to 60 minutes. They boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in brain cells, which reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity. FDA-approved stimulant medication uses one of two molecules, methylphenidate, (Adderall Ritalin Vyvanse Concerta) or amphetamine (Ritalin Adderall XR Vyvanse Vyvanse). These stimulants can trigger adverse effects like nausea and loss of appetite. They can also cause increased blood pressure. add adhd medication can also cause anxiety and headaches. They can also make tics more severe, and they may cause sleep problems in some people.
Long-acting stimulants (such as Strattera and Wellbutrin) can be used throughout the day and night unlike the short-acting drugs that last just a few hours. They can also aid with other conditions like depression or anxiety.
The medications affect the ways your body regulates chemicals called monoamine oxides. Monoamine oxidases are enzymes which break down dopamine as well as other neurotransmitters inside the brain. These chemicals stay in your body for longer if not broken down. This can impact your behavior and your thinking. Long-acting drugs can have less adverse effects. Your doctor may prescribe smaller doses, which you can take throughout the day.
Certain stimulants are available as extended-release formulations that you take daily. Some adults might find this more convenient, but you should still be sure to take the stimulants every day.
SSRIs and other medications have shown to be effective in treating ADHD in many adults. These are usually used to treat anxiety or depression, but they can also be prescribed for ADHD and around 70% of people are able to respond. Bupropion, also known as Wellbutrin, is an SSRI approved for ADHD. It was proven to be more efficient in a controlled research than placebos. These SSRIs can cause severe side effects like ringing in the ears, anxiety, and changes to vision and heart and lung function in certain people.
Short-acting
Stimulant medication reduces ADHD symptoms by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These two chemicals help people manage their behavior and improve their focus. They are available in numerous varieties, and each has their own brand name such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are two main types of stimulant medications amphetamines and methylphenidates. They all have similar effects, however their duration of action is different. The methylphenidates have shorter-lasting effects; they can last as long as three hours, whereas the amphetamines provide longer-lasting effects.
Some people are better able to tolerate long-acting stimulant medications than those with short-acting stimulants which is why your doctor may prescribe this type of medication. It is crucial to know all you can about the medication that you are taking, including the potential side effects, how often it should be taken and any warnings specific to the medication that should be heeded. This will help you and your doctor to determine the best medication for you.
You should also understand that these drugs can cause a few negative side effects, such as problems sleeping or loss of appetite. Consult your physician if you experience these side effects. You may have to alter your dosage or try a different drug.
Adults with ADHD, who do not respond well to stimulants are treated with non-stimulant drugs. These drugs require longer time to work, but can improve the ability to pay attention and to manage impulses. These medications can be prescribed on their own or in conjunction with stimulants.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera or Qelbree is the very first. It is a stimulant of dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the prefrontal cortex that regulates behavior. Another is Guanfacine (brand name Intuniv), which belongs to a class of medications called alpha agonists. These drugs work by preventing Reuptake and increasing levels of brain chemicals in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was developed to treat high blood pressure but has also been shown to help those suffering from ADHD.
Combinations
People suffering from ADHD use a variety of drug combinations. These include stimulants combined with depressant drugs such as the guanfacine or clonidine. These drugs can have a calming affect on the brain and help reduce symptoms such as sleeplessness and aggressive behaviour. They can also reduce withdrawal symptoms of stimulants. However, this combination can be dangerous if not used correctly. Taking two stimulants at the simultaneously increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, an emergency drug that occurs when the body is flooded with too many serotonin. This combination may also increase blood pressure and heart rate. The risks of using this medication are more pronounced for those who have pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
Young adults and teenagers are increasingly using stimulant combinations. These drugs are often referred to as "legal highs" and are available at pharmacies. They are also sold on the black market. These substances can be hazardous particularly when they are combined with alcohol and other substances. The use of polydrugs can be hazardous. Mixing drugs can cause unpredictability and negative consequences. This includes an increase in heart rate, decreased respiration, hallucinations, and paranoia.
A study found that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy when treating ADHD. Combining medications increased adherence and allowed patients to achieve better relief from symptoms than monotherapy. However some patients halted their treatment due to adverse effects. In a few instances, the medication was discontinued because of sleep problems or worsening tics. This could be the result of a poor diagnosis or lack of access to medication.
Nonstimulants are also used to treat ADHD. These drugs can be effective in enhancing attention span and impulse regulation however, they do not perform as well as stimulants. They are also less likely to inhibit growth and alter appetite. Certain antidepressants may also be prescribed for ADHD. However, they have a smaller chance of improving concentration and focus.
In several studies, the atomoxetine (Concerta), when combined with methylphenidate, gave better results than either drug on its on its own. The combination of these two medications was found to increase adherence and reduce side effects in most people. The combination was beneficial for young adults and adolescents. This combination could be a feasible option for children suffering from severe ADHD.