ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medication is the initial line treatment for ADHD. They have a history of a strong response, good tolerance, and are safe throughout the entire life span.
It is essential to choose the right dosage and medication that eases your child's or your own symptoms without causing any side effects. It can take a lot of trial and error as and a clear communication with your physician.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that increase the activity of the central nervous system. Students and artists, athletes, workers and other people use them to boost their cognitive and performance. They are also used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) as well as binge eating disorder and some anxiety disorders. Amphetamines and methylphenidates as well as other stimulant medications are the most commonly used.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in immediate-release and extended-release formulas. The immediate-release medication is usually taken every 4 hours as needed. They can cause an abrupt, short-term drop in energy known as a crash when they are worn off. The crash can result in severe cravings, mood swings and fatigue. Instant-release medication can also increase blood pressure and heartbeats in certain people. This is especially true when they do not take enough food.
Extended-release medications are designed to release its active ingredients over the course of 8-16 hours. Your doctor might suggest this kind of medication if you want long-lasting control of symptoms without having to take a pill multiple times per day. Methylphenidate medications in the extended-release category include Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. Daytrana is a methylphenidate that acts long-lastingly product that adheres to your skin like a bandage, and lasts throughout the day. This type of medication can be prescribed to adults who have ADHD and require a daily dosage that lasts longer than the immediate-release options.
Stimulant medications do not cure ADHD however it can help manage the symptoms by enhancing how neurons in the brain communicate. They do this by affecting the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. This is done by blocking or binding to their receptors. This allows for the release of more neurotransmitters, which helps to improve the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.
In addition to stimulants, doctors can prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD. Most antidepressants doctors prescribe for ADHD are based on the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. One group, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is a go od choice for people suffering from anxiety or depression, too. These medications are often mixed with stimulants to increase their effectiveness. Other reasons why your doctor may switch you between stimulant and non-stimulant medications are if your old medication isn't working or has undesirable side effects.
Long-acting
Around 70% to 80% children and adults with ADHD benefit from stimulants. They reduce symptoms like talking to others and fidgeting. They can also improve the social skills of employees and improve their performance.
Stimulant medications start working as soon as they pass through the blood-brain barrier which can take anywhere between 45 and 60 minutes. They increase the levels dopamine and Norepinephrine within brain cells, which decreases hyperactivity and impulseivity. FDA-approved stimulant medication uses one of two molecules, methylphenidate (Adderall Ritalin Vyvanse Concerta) or amphetamine (Ritalin Adderall XR Vyvanse Vyvanse). The stimulants can trigger side effects such as stomach upset loss of appetite, increased heart rate and blood pressure headaches, as well as nervousness or anxiety. They can also make tics more severe and can cause sleep issues in certain people.
Long-acting stimulants, such as Strattera or Wellbutrin, can be used all day and night. Short-acting medications only last for a short period of time. They can be used to treat other ailments such as depression or anxiety.
The medications affect the way your body regulates monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases, or enzymes, break down dopamine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. These chemicals remain in the body for longer if not broken down. This can affect your behavior and thinking. Long-acting medication can have fewer negative effects. Your doctor may prescribe it in smaller doses that you take throughout the day.
Certain stimulants are available in extended-release forms that you take once a day. This can be more convenient for some adults, but it's crucial to remember to take them every day.
Other medications have been found to be effective in treating many people suffering from ADHD, including selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These are usually used to treat anxiety or depression however they can also be prescribed for ADHD, and about 70% of people react. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is a different SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been proven to be more efficient than placebos in a controlled study. These medications can have serious side effects, such as ringing in the ears anxiety, changes to vision as well as lung and heart function in some people.
Short-acting
The stimulant medication helps reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain. These are the two chemical compounds that help people focus and control their behavior. They come in a variety of different forms and each has its own brand name, such as Adderall Vyvanse Ritalin Concerta. There are two major types of stimulant drugs: the methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and the amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). All have similar effects but differ in the length of their effect. The methylphenidates produce less lasting effects; they can last up to three hours, whereas amphetamines provide longer-lasting effects.
Some people tolerate stimulant medications better than others, and your doctor may prescribe them. It is essential to be aware of as much as you can about the medication. This includes any adverse effects, the frequency at which it should be taken, and any warnings. This will aid you and your doctor to determine the most suitable medication for you.
These medications may also cause some negative side effects such as insomnia, or a loss of appetite. Consult your physician when you experience these side effects. You may need to alter the dosage or try a different drug.
Adults with ADHD who don't respond to stimulants well, may be treated with nonstimulant medication. These medicines require longer time to work, but improve the ability to focus and control impulses. These drugs can be prescribed alone or in conjunction with stimulants.
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera or Qelbree is the very first. It increases dopamine and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex which controls behavior. Another is guanfacine (brand name Intuniv), which belongs to a class of medications known as alpha agonists. These drugs block reuptake and increasing the level of brain chemicals in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was originally designed to treat high blood pressure, has now been shown to be effective in treating ADHD.
Combinations
People suffering from ADHD make use of a variety drug combinations. These include stimulants and depressant drugs such as clonidine and guanfacine. These drugs are calming for the brain and can help reduce symptoms such as sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. They also prevent the onset of withdrawal from stimulants. This combination could be dangerous, however, if it is not used properly. Serotonin syndrome is a drug emergency which occurs when there is too much serotonin in the body. This combination can also increase the blood pressure and heart rate. The risks of taking this medication are greater for those with pre-existing health conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Young adults and teenagers are increasingly consuming stimulant mixtures. These substances are often called "legal highs" and are sold at pharmacies. They are also available on the black market. These substances are dangerous particularly when they are combined with alcohol or other drugs. Polydrug use can be dangerous. Mixing drugs can cause unpredictably harmful consequences, such as an increased heart rate, slower breathing, hallucinations, paranoia seizures, and addiction.
Combination therapy is more effective than monopharmacotherapy for treating ADHD, according to the findings of a study. Combining medications improved adherence, and enabled patients to experience greater symptom relief than monotherapy. A majority of patients, however, quit their treatment due to adverse effects. In some cases, the medication was discontinued due to sleep problems or worsening tics. This could be due to a poor diagnosis or the absence of medication.
Nonstimulants are another treatment option for ADHD. They can help improve the ability to focus and control impulses, but they don't work as effectively as stimulants. They are less likely to suppress appetite and increase. Certain antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD, but they have a lower chance 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 any drug on its on its own. Combining the two drugs was shown to improve adherence and reduce the risk of adverse reactions in a majority of people. The combination proved effective for young adults and adolescents. This combination may be an alternative for children suffering from severe ADHD.