ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
For many people stimulant medications are the first choice for treating ADHD. Some people have adverse reactions or they don't perform as well.
Doctors may prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication in lieu of or in conjunction with stimulants. These include medications that treat high blood-pressure like clonidine and guanfacine (Tenex). They also include other medications that help to increase wakefulness.
Benefits
The first drug doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulants. They help improve communication between nerves within the brain. These medications increase levels of neurotransmitters or chemical messengers like dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs are available in different forms and belong to two categories of drugs amphetamines or methylphenidates. Due to their potential for abuse, they are controlled substances. They are strictly controlled in terms of dosage, distribution, and usage.
Doctors may also prescribe a combination of non-stimulant and stimulant medications. They may do this because a stimulant doesn't work well enough, or because of undesirable side effects or because a patient is suffering from an underlying mental health issue that needs to be treated. Adults and children often receive treatment in combination.
Non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine viloxazine, and guanfacine. They are generally tolerated and don't carry the risk for abuse or addiction as stimulants do. They may take longer to start working and they do not last as long as stimulants do, but they're often effective in treating symptoms of ADHD.
The majority of people who use non-stimulant ADHD medication have mild to moderate side effects, including headaches, stomach upsets dry mouth and insomnia. Some people may have trouble staying awake when taking these drugs. However this is less of an issue for children than for adults.
Talk to your doctor consult your doctor if you or your child is contemplating taking medication for ADHD. They'll explain the various medications, their benefits and risks and how you can begin. They'll also assist you in finding a medication and dose that works best for you.
natural adhd medication could take a few attempts to find the right medication and dosage. The goal is to control ADHD symptoms with as little adverse effects as is possible. Once you've found the best medication, you must keep it in place. If you stop taking it your symptoms will return. Most people with 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 reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is the first form that doctors prescribe for ADHD. However, it doesn't work for everyone and may cause side effects that are intolerable.
Non-stimulant drugs, like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv (guanfacine) are FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. They reduce symptoms by directly affecting the prefrontal cortex of the brain, resulting in a calming affect. They are typically utilized in conjunction with stimulant medication or when the stimulant medication fails to work for you.
Both atomoxetine and Guanfacine belong in the alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists class of drugs, which means they act by blocking receptors which transmit dopamine to other cells. This allows 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 drugs are effective in reducing or eliminating ADHD-related symptoms. However they can also be misused, addictive, and lead to overdose. They're classified as controlled substances and have "boxed warnings" that alert patients to these risks. These drugs are also prone to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants start to work within 30-45 minutes of taking them and last for 3-4 hours. They can be taken at least three times a day. Intermediate and long-acting stimulates are more difficult to activate but may provide relief from symptoms for up to 8-16 hours. adhd medication online can be used just once a day, and can be a good choice if you have trouble remembering to take your medication at the same time each day.
Some suffer from the rebound effect when their medication wears off, which means that their symptoms return to their earlier levels. This can lead to temporary fatigue, a negative attitude, and a heightened hunger. Modifying the dosage, the time you take it or what kind of medication you are taking can help prevent this from happening. Talk to your doctor when you're having this issue.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD drugs increase the levels of dopamine 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 usually taken orally in capsules, although some children may consume them in chewable tablets or drops. Stimulants have the potential to cause adverse reactions, such as dry mouth, decreased appetite, and trouble sleeping. In some cases these side effects are mild and disappear when the medication has worn off. In some cases, these effects can be serious and need medical attention.
Non-stimulant medications help manage ADHD symptoms by targeting various neurotransmitters in the brain. They also carry a lower risk for dependence or addiction than stimulants. These drugs can cause drowsiness as well as dizziness. Drowsiness can be reduced by taking the medication earlier in the day, eating meals before the medication begins to work, and avoiding caffeinated beverages.
Many people find that they are more responsive to the long-acting or extended release versions of these drugs. These formulations are slowly absorbed within the body and decrease the risk of the drug being absorbed too quickly, causing symptoms to worsen. They can also reduce the need to take the medication regularly, especially if you or your child is having trouble keeping the count of multiple pill bottles.
Most adults and children who take medication to treat ADHD will experience adverse reactions. These side effects can be controlled by monitoring your or your child's reactions and making adjustments to the dosage, and taking the medication as directed. If you or your child experiences bothersome or dangerous adverse effects, consult an expert in mental health about the possibility of changing to another type of medication.
Sometimes, it can take time to determine the appropriate medication for someone 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 keep in mind about ADHD medication is that it may help manage your symptoms, but it's not an effective cure. Your doctor may alter dosage to manage your symptoms while minimizing the side effects. Medication is usually only one aspect of the treatment program for ADHD as is therapy and support from family and teachers.
Stimulant medicines are the most common ADHD drugs. They help by increasing levels brain chemicals that increase focus and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. They can trigger a range of adverse effects, such as the loss of appetite, trouble sleeping stomachaches, headaches anxiety, a higher heart rate and sometimes shaky hands.
It can be challenging to determine the appropriate dose and medication for you or your child. Sometimes, it takes between a few weeks and a few months before the benefits of the medication are apparent. During this time, it's important to follow your doctor's instructions and report any side-effects.
Although stimulants are quick-acting and can be beneficial but they also carry a higher risk of dependence and abuse. This is the reason why many avoid taking them, especially youngsters and young adults. Non-stimulant medicines are equally effective and are better for people who are unable to tolerate stimulants' side effects.
There are a variety of non-stimulant drugs, including atomoxetine (Strattera) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin), and Guanfacine (Concerta). Many of these drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat various conditions however, they can also be employed "off-label" to treat ADHD.
Recent research has found that long-term ADHD medication usage is associated with an increase in CVD risk. The risk of developing CVD increased as the dosage of medication was increased and was higher for girls and boys. The researchers recommend that patients be closely monitored and undergo regular health screenings, particularly for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This is particularly true when there is a family history or early cardiovascular disease.