ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
Stimulant medications are the first-choice treatment for ADHD and for many people they work well. Certain people experience side effects or they don't work for everyone.
Doctors often prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication in lieu of or in combination with stimulants. These include medications that treat high blood pressure like clonidine or guanfacine (Tenex). These are in addition to other medicines that promote the state of being awake.
Benefits
The first drug doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulants. They work by increasing the brain's communication. These medications boost levels of neurotransmitters, also known as chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps improve concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsiveness. They come in a variety of forms, but they are generally classified into two classes of drugs amphetamines and methylphenidates. They are controlled substances due to the possibility of their potential misuse. These drugs are strictly controlled in terms of dosage, distribution, and use.
Doctors can prescribe a combination medication that includes stimulants and nonstimulants. They might do this because a stimulant doesn't work well enough or because of undesirable side effects or because a patient suffers from a mental health issue that needs to be treated. Combination treatments are commonplace in children and adults.
Non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine guanfacine and viloxazine. These drugs are well-tolerated and don't pose the same dangers of abuse or addiction as stimulants. They can take longer to begin working and aren't as long-lasting as stimulants do, but they are often effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD.
The majority of people who use non-stimulant ADHD medications experience moderate to mild side-effects. This includes headaches, stomach upsets, and sleepiness. adhd medication for adults uk may have trouble staying awake when taking these medications. However this is less of a problem for children than adults.
Speak to your doctor if you or your child is considering medication for ADHD. They'll discuss the various medications with regards to their benefits and potential risks and how you can start. They'll also assist you in finding the medication and dosage that is most suitable for you.
It may take a few attempts to determine the appropriate dosage and medication. The goal is to reduce ADHD symptoms with as little negative side effects as you can. Once you've found the right medication, it is best to keep it in place. If you stop taking it your symptoms will return. Most people with 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 focus and concentration, and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. It's the first medication that doctors usually prescribe for ADHD. However, it doesn't work for everyone, and it can cause side effects that are intolerable.
Non-stimulant drugs, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv (guanfacine) are FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. They alleviate symptoms by directly affecting the prefrontal cortices of the brain, which creates an euphoric effect. They are often employed as an alternative treatment for stimulant medications or when you don't respond well to stimulants.
Both atomoxetine as well as guanfacine fall in the alpha-2 adrenergic agonists class of medications which means that they work by blocking receptors that transmit dopamine to other cells. This permits other chemicals in the brain, like norepinephrine, to reach the brain and create the effect of calming, which enhances attention and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity.
The methylphenidate and 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 and addictive, leading 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 working within 30 minutes and last for 3 to 4 hours. They can be taken up to three times a day. adhd medication uk for adults -acting and intermediate stimulants require longer to work however they can relieve symptoms for 8-16 hours. They can be used just once a day and are a good option when you are struggling to remember to take your medication at the same time every day.
There are some who experience the rebound effect as their medication wears off meaning their symptoms return to their prior levels. This can result in short-lasting depression, fatigue and an intense hunger. Changing the dosage, when you take it or what type of medication you use can help prevent this from happening. If you're experiencing this problem consult your physician about the best way to make changes to your medication.
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 help improve memory and reduce aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These are typically taken orally in capsules however some children take them as chewable tablets or drops. The stimulants can cause adverse effects, such as dry mouth, reduced appetite, and trouble sleeping. In some instances, side effects are minor and fade as the drug wears off. In certain instances, these effects can be serious and need medical attention.
Non-stimulant medications can help treat ADHD symptoms by targeting various neurotransmitters in the brain. They also have a lower risk for dependence or addiction than stimulants. Common adverse reactions of these medications include drowsiness, loss appetite and dizziness. To avoid drowsiness the medication earlier in your day, eat breakfast before the medication starts to take effect, and avoid caffeinated drinks.
Many people respond better to long-acting or extended release drugs. These formulations build up slowly in the body and reduce the chance of running out too fast and causing symptoms to get worse. They also make it easier to remember to take your medication, especially if either you or your child has difficulties keeping track of multiple pill bottles.
Most children and adults who take medication to treat ADHD will experience side effects. These side effects can be managed by monitoring your or the child's reactions, making adjustments to the dosage and using the medication only as prescribed. Seek out an expert in mental health if you or your child experiences unpleasant or dangerous adverse effects.
Sometimes, it takes time to find the right 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 thing to remember about ADHD medication is that it can help manage your symptoms but it's not a cure. Your doctor may adjust the dosage to help control your symptoms while minimizing the side effects. ADHD treatment plans usually comprise therapy, medication, and support from teachers and family members.
The most commonly used ADHD drugs are stimulant medicines. They work by boosting brain chemicals that help improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Some of the side effects include weight loss as well as sleeplessness, headaches and stomachaches, jitteriness and increased heart rate.
It may take a while to determine the appropriate medication and dose for your or your child's particular requirements. Sometimes it can take several weeks to several months before the benefits of the drug are evident. During this time it is crucial to follow the instructions of your doctor carefully and report any side effects.
Although stimulants are quick-acting and offer a benefit, they also pose a higher risk for abuse and dependency. This is one reason why many are hesitant to take them, particularly children and young adults. Non-stimulant medications can be just as efficient and are a good alternative for those who cannot take the adverse effects of stimulants.
There are several different types of non-stimulant medications, including Atomoxetine (Strattera), dextroamphetamine (Ritalin), and guanfacine (Concerta). A lot of these medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat other ailments however, they can also be utilized "off-label" to treat ADHD.
Recent research has found that long-term ADHD medication use is linked with an increase in CVD risk. The risk increased as the dosage of the medication was increased and was higher for boys and girls. The researchers recommend that patients be closely monitored and receive regular health screenings, specifically for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This is particularly true when the person has an ancestral history of heart attack or cardiovascular disease.