ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
Stimulant medication is the first-choice treatment for ADHD and for many people, they are effective. However, for some individuals, they can cause adverse effects or don't help.
Doctors often prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication instead, or in addition to stimulants. These include medications to treat high blood-pressure like clonidine and Guanfacine (Tenex). They also include other medications that help to increase the state of being awake.
Benefits
The first medication doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulants. They improve communication between brain nerves. These medications boost levels of neurotransmitters or chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness. They are available in a variety of forms, but the majority fall into two classes of drugs amphetamines and methylphenidates. Because of their potential for abuse, they are controlled substances. The dosage, distribution and usage of these drugs are strictly controlled.
Doctors can prescribe a mixture of nonstimulant and stimulant drugs. They might do this because a stimulant isn't effective enough, or due to side effects that are too severe or because the patient suffers from a mental health issue that requires treatment. Children and adults often receive combination treatments.
Viloxazine and Guanfacine as well as atomoxetine are nonstimulant medications. These medications are generally well-tolerated and don't pose the same danger of addiction or abuse as stimulants do. They can take longer to begin working and don't last as long as stimulants do, however they're often effective in treating symptoms of ADHD.
The majority of people who use non-stimulant ADHD medication report that they experience mild to moderate side effects. These include headaches, stomach upsets dry mouth, and a general feeling of sleepiness. Some people may have trouble staying awake when taking these drugs. However medication for autism and adhd is not as much of a problem for children than adults.
If you're thinking of taking medications to help manage your or your child's ADHD Talk to your doctor about it. They will explain the different medications, their benefits and risks and how you can start. They'll also assist you in finding a medication and dose that works best for you.
It may take a few times to determine the correct dosage and medication. The goal is to reduce ADHD symptoms with as few negative side effects as you can. When you've found the right medication, it's important to adhere to it as when you stop taking it, your symptoms will come back. Most people suffering from ADHD have to take 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 concentration, focus and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is the first form that doctors prescribe for ADHD. It's not for everyone and it could cause undesirable side effects.
Non-stimulant drugs, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv (guanfacine), are FDA-approved for treating ADHD in adults. inattentive adhd medication are able to reduce symptoms by directly acting on the prefrontal cortex of the brain, and creating an effect of calming. They are often employed in conjunction with stimulant drugs or when the stimulant medication fails to work for you.
Both atomoxetine and guanfacine are part of the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists class of medications, which means they act by blocking receptors that transmit dopamine to other cells. This allows for other chemicals to enter the brain such as norepinephrine. It can be 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 alleviating or eliminating symptoms associated with ADHD. However they are also susceptible to being misused as addictive and lead to overdose. They're classified as controlled substances, and have "boxed warnings" that alert patients to the risks. They are also susceptible to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants begin to work within 30 to 45 minutes of taking them and last 3-4 hours. They can be taken as often as three times per day. Long-acting and intermediate stimulants are more difficult to activate, but they may provide relief from symptoms for up to 8-16 hours. These stimulants are usually taken once a day if you are struggling to remember to take your medication each day at the same time.
Some suffer from the rebound effect when the medication wears off, which means that their symptoms return to their earlier levels. This can lead to temporary fatigue, a negative attitude and intense hunger. Changing the dosage, when you take it and the kind of medication you are taking can prevent this from occurring. If you're experiencing this problem, talk to your doctor about making adjustments to your medication.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD medications increase dopamine levels in the brain, which can help improve focus and reducing impulsive and hyperactive behavior. They may also improve the memory and reduce aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These are typically consumed orally in capsules however some children consume them in chewable tablets or drops. These stimulants could cause side effects, including dry mouth, a decrease in appetite, and difficulty sleeping. In some instances, the side effects are minor and disappear as soon as the medication is gone. In other instances, they can be serious and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medications can help treat ADHD symptoms by targeting different neurotransmitters within the brain. They also have a lower dependency or dependence risk than stimulants. Common adverse effects of these drugs include drowsiness, loss of appetite and dizziness. To reduce the risk of drowsiness, take the medication earlier in the day, eat breakfast before the medication starts to take effect and avoid drinking caffeinated beverages.
Many people find that they respond better to the extended release versions of these medications. This is due to the fact that these formulations are slowly absorbed by the body, decreasing the possibility of the drug fading too quickly and making symptoms return more severe than they were before. They also can reduce the need to remember to take the medication regularly especially in the case that your child has trouble keeping the track of several pills.
The majority of children and adults who are taking medication to treat ADHD will experience side effects. These side effects can easily be controlled by monitoring the reactions of your child or yourself, adjusting the dosage and following the prescribed dosage. Seek out an expert in mental health care if you or your child suffer dangerous or bothersome adverse effects.
Sometimes, it can take time to determine the appropriate medication 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
The most important aspect to be aware of with ADHD medication is that it may help manage your symptoms however it's not a cure. Your doctor might need to keep an eye on your child or you and adjust the dosage until it is effective at controlling your symptoms with no adverse negative effects. ADHD treatment plans typically comprise therapy, medication, and assistance from family members and teachers.
The most popular ADHD medications are stimulant medications. They function by increasing brain chemicals that help improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. The side effects include a loss of appetite as well as sleeplessness, headaches and stomachaches, jitteriness and increased heart rate.
It may take some time to find the right dosage and dosage for your or your child's particular requirements. Sometimes, it takes a few weeks to several months before the benefits of the medication become evident. During this time it is vital to follow your doctor's prescriptions carefully and report any side effects.
Although stimulants are quick-acting and offer a benefit, they also come with a greater risk for abuse and dependency. Many people, especially children and young adults, avoid them because of this. Non-stimulant medicines are just as effective and are better for people who cannot tolerate the adverse effects of stimulants.
There are many different kinds of non-stimulant drugs, including atomoxetine (Strattera), dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) and guanfacine (Concerta). Many of these drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat various conditions, but are also employed "off-label" to treat ADHD.
A recent study has found that long-term use of ADHD medications is linked to a higher risk for CVD. The risk increased with the dosage of the medication and was higher in girls and boys. Researchers recommend that people be closely monitored, and regularly undergo health screenings. This is especially true for people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. This is especially true in the event of an ancestral history of cardiovascular disease or heart attack.