ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
For many stimulant medication is the first option for treating ADHD. But for some patients, they trigger side effects or don't help.
Doctors sometimes prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication in lieu of or in conjunction with stimulants. These include medications that treat high blood pressure, such as Clonidine and Guanfacine hcl (Tenex). They also include other medications that help to increase wakefulness.
Benefits
The first prescription medication doctors recommend to treat ADHD is stimulants. They work by increasing the communication between brain nerves. These drugs increase levels of neurotransmitters, also known as chemical messengers like dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps improve concentration and reduce excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs are available in a variety of forms and are classified into two categories: methylphenidates or amphetamines. Because of their potential for abuse, they are controlled substances. The dosage, distribution, and use of these medications are tightly regulated.
Doctors may prescribe a mix medication which includes stimulants and nonstimulants. They might do this because a stimulant isn't working well enough, or because of intolerable adverse effects or if a person is suffering from an underlying mental health condition that needs to be treated. Adults and children are often treated with treatment in combination.
Nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine, viloxazine, and guanfacine. They are generally tolerated and don't carry the danger of abuse or addiction as stimulants do. They might take longer to work and last less than stimulants, but they are effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
The majority of people who use non-stimulant ADHD medication report mild to moderate side effects. These include headaches, stomach upsets dry mouth and insomnia. Some people may be more difficult to stay awake while taking these drugs however this is likely to be less of a problem for children than for adults.
Talk to your doctor if you or your child are considering medication for ADHD. They'll discuss the various medications with regards to their benefits and potential risks and how to start. They will also help you choose the right medication and dosage for you.
It could require a few times to determine the correct dosage and medication. The goal is to control ADHD symptoms with as few negative side effects as you can. Once you've found the best medication, it is best to keep it in place. If you stop taking it, your symptoms will recur. The majority of people suffering from 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 focus, concentration and decreases impulsivity and hyperactivity. It's the primary type of medication that doctors typically prescribe for ADHD. It's not for everyone, and it can have adverse effects that are unpalatable.
FDA-approved non-stimulant medications such as Strattera (atomoxetine), and Intuniv(guanfacine) can be used to treat ADHD among adults. They can reduce symptoms directly on the prefrontal cortex of the brain and creating a calming effect. They are frequently employed as an alternative treatment to stimulant medication or if you don't respond well to stimulants.
Both atomoxetine and guanfacine are part of the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists class of drugs that is, they work by blocking receptors that send dopamine to other cells. This allows other chemicals within the brain, for instance norepinephrine to enter the brain and produce a calming effect, which improves attention and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity.
While the amphetamine and methylphenidate classes of medications are very efficient in decreasing or eliminating ADHD symptoms, they carry the potential for abuse, addiction, and overdose. They're classified as controlled substances and have "boxed warnings" that alert patients to these risks. They are also vulnerable to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants kick in within 30 to 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 require longer to work, but they may provide relief from symptoms for up to 8-16 hours. These stimulants can be taken every day when you are struggling to remember to take your medication each day at the same time.
As the medication wears off some people experience a phenomenon called a rebound effect. This means that their symptoms return to previous levels. This can result in short-lasting fatigue, mood swings and an intense hunger. This can be avoided by adjusting the dosage, when it is taken, or the type of medication. If you're experiencing this problem consult your physician about the best way to make changes to your medication.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD medication boosts dopamine levels in brain cells, which improves concentration and decreases impulsive behavior. They may also improve memory and reduce aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). adhd medications for adults are typically taken orally in capsule form, although some children may use them as chewable tablets or drops. These stimulants can trigger adverse effects, such as dry mouth, reduced appetite, and trouble sleeping. In some instances, side effects are minor and disappear as soon as the medication wears away. In other instances these reactions can be severe and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medication can help treat ADHD symptoms by targeting neurotransmitters within the brain. They also have a lower risk for addiction or dependence than stimulants. These medications can cause drowsiness and dizziness. The risk of drowsiness is reduced by taking the medication earlier in the day, eating meals before the medication begins to work and avoiding beverages with caffeine.
Many people discover that they respond better to the extended or long-acting release versions of these drugs. This is because these formulations are slowly absorbed by the body, decreasing the possibility of the drug wearing off too quickly and making symptoms return more severe than before. They also help you remember to take your medication, especially if either you or your child have difficulties keeping track of multiple pill bottles.
The majority of children and adults who take medication to treat ADHD will experience side effects. These side effects can be controlled by keeping track of the child's reactions by making adjustments to the dosage, and taking the medication as directed. If you or your child experiences bothersome or potentially dangerous side effects, consult with a mental health professional about the possibility of switching to another type of medication.
Sometimes, it takes a while to find the right 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
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD medication can be used to manage symptoms, but it is not an effective cure. Your doctor might need to monitor your child or you and adjust the dosage until it is effective at controlling your symptoms, with no side negative effects. ADHD treatment plans usually consist of therapy, medication and assistance from family and teachers.
Stimulant medicines are the most popular ADHD drugs, and they work by increasing levels of brain chemicals that increase focus and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Some of the side effects include loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping or sleeping, stomachaches and headaches as well as jitteriness and an increased heart rate.
It may take a while to determine the best medication and dose for your or your child's requirements. Sometimes it takes anywhere from several weeks to a few months before the benefits of the medication are evident. During this time, it's crucial to follow your doctor's instructions and report any side effects.
While stimulants offer the benefit of being quick-acting, they do be more susceptible to dependency and abuse. Many people, particularly young children and adolescents, avoid them because of this. adhd medications for adults -stimulant drugs can be just as efficient and are a good choice for people who cannot take the adverse effects of stimulants.
There are many different kinds of non-stimulant medications, including the atomoxetine (Strattera) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin), and Guanfacine (Concerta). These drugs are endorsed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for other conditions, but can also be used to treat ADHD "off-label".
Recent research has shown that long-term ADHD medication use is associated with an increase in CVD risk. The risk increased with amount of medication taken and was higher for boys and girls. The researchers recommend that individuals be monitored closely and undergo regular health screenings, especially for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This is particularly true if there is a family history of cardiovascular disease.