ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
Stimulant medication is the first-choice treatment for ADHD and for many people, they are effective. Some suffer from negative side effects or they do not work.
Doctors often prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication instead, or in addition to stimulants. These include medications that treat high blood pressure, like Clonidine and Guanfacine hcl (Tenex). They also include others which help in promoting awakening.
Benefits
Stimulants are among the first drugs doctors typically prescribe to treat ADHD. They help improve communication between brain nerves. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) dopamine and norepinephrine which aid in improving concentration and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs come in different forms and belong to two categories of drugs: methylphenidates or amphetamines. Because of their potential for abuse, they are classified as controlled substances. They are strictly controlled in terms of dosage, distribution, and use.
Doctors may prescribe a combination medication that includes stimulants and nonstimulants. They might do this because a stimulant is not functioning properly, because of side effects that are too severe, or because the person is suffering from a mental illness that requires treatment. Combination treatments are commonplace for children and adults.
Nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine. These medications are generally well-tolerated and don't carry the same danger of addiction or abuse that stimulants do. They can take longer to begin working and they do not last as long as stimulants do, however they are often effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD.
The majority of people who use non-stimulant ADHD medication experience moderate to mild side-effects. These include stomach upset, headaches and sleepiness. Some people might struggle to stay awake when taking these medications but this can be less of an issue for children than for adults.
If you're considering the use of medication to treat 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, as well as how to begin. They'll also assist you to determine the right medication and dosage for you.
It could require a few attempts to find the perfect dosage and medication. The aim is to manage ADHD symptoms with as little side effects as possible. Once you've found the right medication, you must keep it in place. If you stop taking it your symptoms will return. Most people with ADHD require these medications for life.
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 impulse control. It is the first form that doctors prescribe for ADHD. It's not for everyone, and it can have undesirable side effects.
Non-stimulant medications that have been approved by FDA like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv(guanfacine) are used to treat ADHD in adults. They are able to reduce symptoms by directly acting on the prefrontal cortex of the brain and creating an calming effect. They are usually employed in conjunction with stimulant drugs or if the stimulant medication fails to work for you.
Both atomoxetine as well as guanfacine fall in the alpha-2 adrenergic agonists class of drugs, which means they act by blocking receptors that send dopamine to other cells. This allows for other chemicals to enter the brain, such as norepinephrine, which is calming and improves attention, as well as reducing the impulsivity and hyperactivity.
The methylphenidate, amphetamine, and various other classes of ADHD medications are effective in decreasing or eliminating symptoms of ADHD. However they can also be misused, addictive, and lead to an overdose. They're classified as controlled substances, and have "boxed warnings" which warn users of the risks. 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 up to three times a day. Long-acting and intermediate stimulants require longer to work but can provide relief from symptoms for 8-16 hours. They can be used just once per day and can be a good choice when you are struggling to remember to take your medication at the same time every day.
As the medication wears off certain people suffer from a rebound effect. This means that their symptoms will return to previous levels. This can result in short-lasting depression, fatigue and intense hunger. Changing adhd medication uk , when you take it and the kind of medication you take can stop this from happening. Consult your physician in case you're experiencing this issue.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD medications boost dopamine levels in the brain, which can help improve focus and reducing impulsive and hyperactive behavior. They can also improve memory and reduce aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These drugs are typically given orally as capsules, though certain children can take them in drops or chewable tablets. These stimulants could cause side effects, including dry mouth, reduced appetite, and trouble sleeping. In some instances, side effects are minor and fade as the medication is gone. In other instances, these effects can be serious and need medical attention.
Non-stimulant medication can help treat ADHD symptoms by targeting neurotransmitters within the brain. They also carry less risk of addiction or dependence than stimulants. These medications can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Drowsiness can be minimized by taking the medication earlier in the day, eating meals before the medication starts to work and avoiding beverages with caffeine.
A lot of people are more responsive to long-acting or extended release medications. These formulations are slowly absorbed within the body and decrease the risk of the drug being absorbed too quickly which can cause symptoms to become worse. They also help make it easier to take the medication regularly, especially when your child or you struggles to keep track of multiple pills.
Most kids and adults who are taking medications for ADHD will experience at least some side effects. These adverse effects can be controlled by monitoring your the child's reactions by making adjustments to the dosage, and taking the medication as prescribed. Consult a mental health professional in the event that you or your child experiences uncomfortable or harmful adverse effects.
It can take a while to find the right treatment for a person 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's important to remember that ADHD medication can be used to manage symptoms, but is not a cure. Your doctor might need to monitor your child or yourself and adjust the dosage until it's effective at controlling your symptoms, with no side negative effects. ADHD treatment plans usually comprise therapy, medication, and assistance from family and teachers.
The most popular ADHD drugs are stimulant medicines. They work by boosting brain chemicals that improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can cause a variety of adverse effects, such as weight loss, difficulty sleeping stomachaches, headaches, increased heart rate, jitteriness, and occasionally shaky hands.
It can take a while to find the right dosage and medication for you or your child's specific needs. Sometimes it takes anywhere from several weeks to a few months before the benefits of the medication are apparent. In this time it is vital to follow your doctor's prescriptions carefully and report any side effects.
While stimulants can be fast-acting and have an advantage, they also carry a higher risk of dependence and abuse. Many people, especially children and young adults, avoid them because of this. Non-stimulant medications are just as effective and are a better choice for people who cannot tolerate the side effects of stimulants.
There are several different types of non-stimulant medicines, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera), dextroamphetamine (Ritalin), and Guanfacine (Concerta). A number of these medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat other ailments however, they can also be employed "off-label" to treat ADHD.
A recent study has found that the long-term use of ADHD medications is associated with a higher risk for CVD. The risk of developing CVD increased as the dosage of the medication was increased and was greater for both genders. Researchers recommend that patients be closely monitored, and have regular health screenings. This is especially true for people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. This is especially important in the case of a family history or early cardiovascular disease.