ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medication is the initial option for treating ADHD. They have a long track record of robust response, good tolerance, and safety over the entire lifespan.
It's important to find a medication and dosage that eases your child's or your own symptoms without causing side consequences. This can take a lot trial and error, as well as an open communication with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that enhance the activity of the central nervous system. Students athletes, artists, workers, and others use these drugs to improve their cognitive and performance. They are also used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), eating disorders that cause binge eating, and other anxiety disorders. Amphetamines and methylphenidates as well as other stimulant medications are among the most commonly used.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in both extended-release and immediate-release formulations. Immediate-release medications are usually taken every four hours as required. They can trigger sudden, temporary decrease in energy, referred to as a crash when they are worn off. The crash can cause extreme hunger, mood swings and fatigue. Immediate-release medications can also raise blood pressure and heartbeat in certain people. This is especially the case when they don't take enough food.
Extended-release medication is formulated to release active ingredients over a period of 8 to 16 hours. This type of medication may be prescribed by your doctor in case you're seeking long-lasting control of symptoms without having to take pills several times a day. Methylphenidate products in the extended-release category include Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. Another alternative is the methylphenidate long-acting patch, known as Daytrana, which sticks to the skin like a bandage and lasts all day. This type of medication is usually prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD who require daily doses that last longer than the immediate-release alternatives.
The use of stimulants doesn't treat ADHD However, they can assist in managing symptoms by enhancing the way that neurons in the brain communicate with one with each other. By blocking or binding their receptors, they can alter the levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, in the brain. This allows more neurotransmitters to be released, and it aids in ensuring that messages between neurons are more effectively transmitted and received.
In addition to stimulants, doctors can prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD. The majority of antidepressants doctors prescribe for ADHD affect the levels of norepinephrine dopamine and serotonin in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors are an excellent option for people with anxiety or depression. These drugs are typically mixed with stimulants to increase their effectiveness. medication for adhd might switch you between stimulant and non-stimulant medication is if the previous medication isn't working or has undesirable side effects.
Long-acting
Between 70 and 70% to with ADHD benefit from stimulants. They can reduce symptoms such as fidgeting and talking over others. They also enhance social skills and job performance.
Stimulant medications begin to work as soon as they cross the blood-brain barrier, which can take between 45 and 60 minutes. They increase the levels of dopamine and Norepinephrine between 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 weight loss, an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, headaches, and nervousness or anxiety. They can also cause tics to become worse and may cause problems sleeping in some people.
Long-acting stimulants (such as Strattera and Wellbutrin) can be used throughout the night and day unlike medications that last just for a couple of hours. They also aid in other disorders like anxiety or depression.
These medications work by changing the way your body regulates chemicals known as monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases, or enzymes, break down dopamine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. When these chemicals aren't broken down into smaller pieces, they remain in your body for longer and affect your behavior and thinking. Long-acting medications can have fewer adverse effects. Your doctor will prescribe smaller doses, which you can take throughout the day.
Certain stimulants are available as extended-release forms that you take every day. This may be more convenient for some adults, however it's crucial to remember that you take them each day.
SSRIs and other medicines have proven to be effective in treating ADHD in many adults. These are usually used to treat anxiety or depression, but they can also be prescribed for ADHD, and about 70% of people react. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is another SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been demonstrated to be more efficient than placebos in a controlled study. These medications can trigger serious adverse effects, including hearing ringing anxiety, and changes in heart and lung function.
Short-acting
Stimulant medications reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain. These are two chemicals that aid people in focusing and regulate their behavior. They come in a variety of different forms and each has its own brand, like Adderall Vyvanse Ritalin Concerta. There are two major kinds of stimulant drugs that are methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and the amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). They all have similar effects, however their duration of action varies. The methylphenidates can have a shorter-lasting effect lasting up to three hours. Amphetamines on the other hand have a longer-lasting effect.
Certain people are tolerant of stimulant drugs better than others, and your doctor may prescribe them. It is essential to learn as much as possible about the medication. This includes any possible side effects, how frequently it is recommended to take it, and any warnings. This will assist you and your doctor to determine the most suitable medication for you.
It is important to understand that these drugs can cause a few negative side effects, including trouble sleeping or loss of appetite. Talk to your doctor when you experience these side effects. You may have to adjust the dosage or try a different drug.
Adults suffering from ADHD who are unable to respond well to stimulants, may be treated with nonstimulant medications. These medications require longer time to work, but can improve the ability to focus and manage impulses. These medications can be prescribed either alone or in combination.
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera or Qelbree is the very first. It increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the prefrontal cortex, which regulates the behavior. Another is the guanfacine (brand name Intuniv), which belongs to a group of medications called alpha agonists. They work by preventing the release of brain chemicals and increasing their concentration in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was developed for high blood pressure but it has also been proven to help people with ADHD.
Combinations
There are a number of combinations of drugs used by those who suffer from ADHD. This includes stimulants paired with depressants such as Guanfacine or Clonidine. These drugs can have a calming effect on the brain and can reduce symptoms like sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. They also help to prevent withdrawal symptoms of stimulants. However, this combination could be dangerous if it is not used correctly. Serotonin syndrome is a drug emergency that occurs when there is a high concentration of serotonin in the body. This combination can also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. The risks of using this medication are more pronounced for those with pre-existing health conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Combinations of stimulants are now being used by teens and young adults. These are commonly referred to as "legal highs" and are sold at pharmacies. They are also available on the black market. These substances are extremely dangerous particularly when they are combined with alcohol or other substances. The use of polydrugs can be hazardous. Mixing drugs can result in dangerous and unpredictable effects. They include an increase in heart rate, decreased breathing, hallucinations and paranoia.
A study showed that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy for treating ADHD. Combining medications improved compliance and allowed patients to achieve more symptom relief than monotherapy. However, many patients stopped their treatment because of side effects. In a few instances the medication was stopped because of sleep problems or worsening tics. This could be a result of poor diagnosis or a lack of access to medications.
Nonstimulants can also be used to treat ADHD. These drugs improve the quality of attention and impulse control, but they don't work like stimulants do. They are less likely to suppress appetite and growth. Certain antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD. However they have a less chance of improving concentration and focus.
In several studies, atomoxetine (Concerta), when combined with methylphenidate, produced better results than any other drug taken on its own. The combination of these two medications was proven to increase adherence and decrease adverse effects in the majority of people. The combination was effective for adolescents and young adults. This combination could be a viable treatment for children with severe ADHD.