ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medications are the first option for treating ADHD. They have a long history of a high response, good tolerance and safety across the lifespan.
It is essential to choose the right dosage and medication that eases your child's or your own symptoms without causing any side effects. This can take a lot trial and error, as well as a constant communication with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that enhance the activity of the central nervous system. They are extensively used as enhancement of cognitive and performance by students, athletes as well as artists and workers. They also serve to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as narcolepsy, binge eating disorder, as well as other anxiety disorders. Amphetamines, methylphenidates and other stimulant medications are the most commonly used.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants come in both extended-release and immediate-release formulations. The immediate-release medication is usually taken every 4 hours as needed. If they are not taken as often, they can cause an abrupt and brief decrease in energy. The crash could cause severe hunger, mood swings, and fatigue. Instant-release medication can also increase blood pressure and heartbeat in some people. This is especially true when they don't take enough food.
Extended-release medication is formulated to release active ingredients over 8-16 hours. Your doctor may suggest this type of medication if you are looking for lasting symptom control and do not need to take a pill several times per 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 that adheres to the skin like a band-aid and lasts for the entire day. This type of medication can be prescribed to adults with ADHD and require a daily dosage that lasts longer than the immediate-release options.
The use of stimulants doesn't cure ADHD, but they can help manage symptoms by improving the way neurons in the brain communicate with each and each. They accomplish this by altering the levels of neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They do this by blocking or binding to their receptors. This permits the release of more neurotransmitters, which aids in the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.
Doctors sometimes prescribe antidepressants in addition to stimulants for ADHD. The majority of antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD work on the norepinephrine and dopamine levels in your brain. One of the groups, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is a good option for those suffering from depression or anxiety, too. These medications are usually combined with stimulants to enhance their effectiveness. Your doctor could switch between stimulant and non-stimulant drug if your current medication isn't effective or has intolerable side effects.
Long-acting
Stimulants help about 70%-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. They help reduce symptoms like fidgeting and talking over others. They also help improve the social skills of employees and improve their performance.
Stimulant medications start working when they cross the blood-brain barrier which can take between 45 and 60 minutes. They boost the levels of dopamine and Norepinephrine between brain cells, which reduces the amount of hyperactivity and impulseivity. FDA-approved stimulant medications use two molecules: the methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). The stimulants can cause negative side effects, such as nausea, loss of appetite and increased blood pressure. They can also trigger anxiety and headaches. They can also make tics more severe and cause sleep issues in some people.
Long-acting stimulants, such as Strattera or Wellbutrin, are effective all day and night. Short-acting medications are only effective for a few hours. They can also be used to treat other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
The medications affect how your body regulates monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases break down dopamine within the brain, along with other neurotransmitters. When these chemicals aren't broken down, they stay in your body for a longer time and can affect your thinking and behavior. Long-acting medicines can cause less negative effects. Your doctor may prescribe smaller doses of the drugs that you can take throughout the day.
Some stimulants come in extended-release form that you can take daily. This may be more convenient for some adults, however it's crucial to remember that you should take them daily.
Other medications have been found to be effective in treating many adults with ADHD such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). They are typically prescribed for anxiety or depression however they can also be prescribed for ADHD and 70% of people are able to respond. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is another SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been shown to be more efficient than placebos in a controlled study. These SSRIs can cause severe side effects like ringing in the ears, anxiety, and changes to vision as well as lung and heart function in some individuals.
Short-acting
Stimulant medications reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain. These are two chemicals that help people focus and control their behavior. These drugs come in many different forms, and each has its own brand, like Adderall Vyvanse Ritalin Concerta. There are two major types of stimulant drugs that are methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and the amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). They all have similar effects, but differ in their duration of action. The methylphenidates are less effective and can last for up to three hours, while the amphetamines are more long-lasting.
Some people can tolerate stimulant medication better than others, so your doctor might prescribe them. It is crucial to know all you can about the drug, including potential side effects, how often it should be taken, and any specific warnings that must be followed. This will assist you and your doctor determine the most suitable medication for you.
It is important to understand that these drugs can cause a few negative side effects, including problems sleeping or loss of appetite. If these happen, talk to your doctor about altering the dosage or using another drug.
Adults with ADHD who do not respond well to stimulants may be treated with non-stimulant drugs that take longer to get started but improve a person's ability to pay attention and control impulses. These drugs may be prescribed either alone or in combination.
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera or Qelbree, is the first. It works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the prefrontal cortex, which regulates the behavior. Another is Guanfacine (brand name Intuniv) is a member to a class of drugs known as alpha agonists. These drugs work by blocking the reuptake process and increasing the amount of brain chemicals in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was created to treat high blood pressure, but it has also been proven to help people with ADHD.
Combinations
There are a number of drug combinations used by people who suffer from ADHD. These include stimulants with depressant type drugs like Guanfacine and Clonidine. These drugs are calming for the brain and can reduce symptoms like insomnia and aggressive behavior. They also help to prevent withdrawal symptoms of stimulants. This combination could be risky however, if it is not used correctly. Serotonin syndrome is a drug emergency which occurs when there is an excess of serotonin in the body. This combination may also increase blood pressure and heart rate. People with heart disease or high blood pressure are at higher chance of experiencing adverse reactions from this drug.
Combinations of stimulants are increasingly being used by teenagers and young adults. These substances are often referred to as "legal highs" and are readily available at pharmacies. They are also available on the black market. These substances can be dangerous, especially if combined with alcohol or other drugs. The use of multiple drugs can be risky. Mixing drugs can have unpredictability and negative consequences. These include increased heart rate, decreased respiration, hallucinations, and paranoia.
A study concluded that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy in treating ADHD. Combined adhd and medication improved compliance and allowed patients to achieve more symptom relief than monotherapy. However some patients halted their treatment due to side effects. In a few cases the medication was stopped due to sleep issues or worsening tics. This could be due to a poor diagnosis or lack of medication.
Nonstimulants are a different treatment option for ADHD. These medications are effective in improving the ability to focus and impulse control, but not as well as stimulants. They are also less likely to suppress growth and alter appetite. Some antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD, but they are less likely of enhancing concentration and focus.
In a number of studies, in a number of studies, atomoxetine (Concerta), when combined with methylphenidate, gave better results than either drug on its own. Combining adult adhd medication was found to increase adherence and reduce the risk of adverse reactions in a majority of people. The combination was also successful for adolescents and young adults. This combination may be an option for children with severe ADHD.