ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
Stimulant medications are the first-choice treatment for ADHD and for many people they work well. Some suffer from side effects or they don't perform as well.
Doctors often prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication instead, or in addition to stimulants. These include medications to treat high blood pressure like clonidine or guanfacine (Tenex). They also include other medications that help to increase awakening.
Benefits
The first prescription medication doctors recommend to treat ADHD is stimulants. They work by boosting communication between nerves in the brain. These drugs increase levels of neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers like dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves concentration and reduce excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs are available in various forms and belong to two categories of drugs amphetamines and methylphenidates. Because of their potential for abuse, they are controlled substances. These drugs are strictly controlled in terms of dosage, distribution, and usage.
Doctors may prescribe a combination medication which includes stimulants and nonstimulants. They might do this because a stimulant isn't working effectively enough or due to undesirable side effects or if a person suffers from a mental health condition that needs to be treated. Adults and children often receive mixed treatments.
Nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine, viloxazine and guanfacine. They are generally tolerated and don't pose the same risk for abuse or addiction as stimulants do. They may take longer to work and last less than stimulants however, they can be effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
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 insomnia. Some people might 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 consult your doctor if you or your child are thinking about treatment for ADHD. They will explain the different medications, their benefits and risks, and how you can start. They will also help you choose the right medication and dosage for you.
It could take a few tries to land on the right dosage and medication. The goal is to control your ADHD symptoms with the least amount of side negative effects. Once you've found a suitable medication, it is best to continue to take it. If you stop taking it your symptoms will recur. The majority of people suffering from ADHD will need to take these drugs 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 increases focus and concentration and decreases hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. It's the first medication doctors often prescribe for ADHD. It's not for everyone and it could cause adverse effects that are unpalatable.
Non-stimulant drugs, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv (guanfacine), are FDA-approved for treating ADHD in adults. They are able to reduce symptoms by directly acting on the prefrontal cortex of the brain and creating a calming effect. They are frequently used as an adjunct treatment to stimulant medications or if you aren't able to respond well to stimulants.
Both atomoxetine and guanfacine are in the alpha-2 adrenergic agonists class of medications which means that they work by blocking receptors which transmit dopamine to other cells. This allows other chemicals in the brain, like norepinephrine, to reach the brain and create an calming effect that increases attention and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity.
While the amphetamine and methylphenidate classes of medications are very efficient in reducing or eliminating ADHD symptoms however, they also carry the risk for misuse, addiction and overdose. They're classified as controlled substances and have "boxed warnings" that warn patients of the risks. These drugs are also susceptible to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants begin working within 30 minutes and last for 3-4 hours. They can be taken as often as three times per day. Intermediate and long-acting stimulates are more difficult to activate, but they can provide relief from symptoms for between 8 and 16 hours. They can be taken just once a day, and can be a good choice for those who struggle to remember to take your medication at the same time each day.
There are some who experience the rebound effect, as their medication wears off, and their symptoms revert to their previous levels. This can cause short-lived fatigue, a bad mood and an intense hunger. visit our website can be avoided by altering the dose, when it is taken or the kind of medication. Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing this issue.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD drugs increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, encouraging 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 usually given orally in capsules, however certain children can take them as drops or chewable tablets. The stimulants can cause adverse reactions, such as dry mouth, reduced appetite, and difficulty sleeping. In some cases, the adverse effects are not severe and disappear once the medication is gone. In some cases, these effects can be serious and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medication can help treat ADHD symptoms by targeting neurotransmitters within the brain. They may also carry less risk of addiction or dependence than stimulants. Common adverse reactions of these medications include drowsiness and loss of appetite, and dizziness. Drowsiness can be reduced by taking the medication earlier in the day, eating meals before the medication starts to work and avoiding beverages with caffeine.
Many people discover 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, reducing the chance of the drug fading too quickly and making symptoms return more severe than before. They also can reduce the need to remember to take the medication regularly, especially in the case that your child has trouble keeping track of multiple pills.
Most children and adults who are taking medication for ADHD will experience at least some side effects. These adverse effects can be controlled by monitoring your or your child's reactions, making adjustments to the dosage and taking the medication only as prescribed. If you or your child is experiencing unpleasant or harmful adverse effects, consult an expert in mental health 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's important to remember that ADHD medication can help manage symptoms, but isn't an effective cure. Your doctor may alter the dosage to control your symptoms while minimizing side effects. Medication is usually only one element of the treatment plan for ADHD as is therapy as well as support from family and teachers.
The most popular ADHD medications are stimulant medications. They work by increasing brain chemicals that improve concentration and decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can trigger a range of adverse reactions, including loss of appetite, trouble sleeping stomachaches, headaches, increased heart rate, jitteriness, and occasionally shaky hands.
It may take some time to determine the best dosage and dosage for your or your child's particular requirements. Sometimes it can take between a few weeks and several months before the benefits of the drug are apparent. During this period it is crucial to follow the instructions of your doctor carefully and report any adverse effects.
While stimulants can be fast-acting and offer a benefit however, they also carry a higher risk for abuse and dependency. Many people, especially young adults and children, avoid them because of this. Non-stimulant medicines can be equally efficient and are a good alternative for those who cannot tolerate the side effects of stimulants.
Non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine, dextroamphetamine, and guanfacine. A lot of these medications 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 revealed that long-term ADHD medication usage is associated with an increase in CVD risk. The risk was increased with the dosage of the medication and was greater in both genders. The researchers suggest that people be closely monitored and receive regular health screenings, specifically for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This is especially true if the individual has a family history of early cardiovascular disease or heart attack.