ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
Stimulant medication is the first-choice treatment for ADHD, and for many people they work well. Some suffer from adverse reactions or they don't work for everyone.
Doctors often prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication in lieu of or in addition to stimulants. These medicines include ones that treat high blood pressure, such as clonidine and guanfacine hcl (Tenex). They also include other medications that act to promote awakening.
Benefits
The first prescription medication doctors recommend to treat ADHD is stimulants. They improve communication between nerves within the brain. These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) dopamine and norepinephrine, which help improve concentration and reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity. They come in a variety of forms, but the majority fall into two classes of drugs: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Due to their potential for misuse, they are regulated substances. The dosage, distribution and usage of these medications are tightly regulated.
Doctors can prescribe a mix of non-stimulant and stimulant medications. They may do this because a stimulant isn't working effectively enough or due to undesirable adverse effects or because a patient has an underlying mental health issue that needs to be treated. Children and adults often receive combination treatments.
Viloxazine and Guanfacine as well as Atomoxetine are medications that are not stimulants. These medications are generally well-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 are effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
The majority of people who use non-stimulant ADHD medication report that they experience mild to moderate side effects, such as stomach upset, headaches, dry mouth and insomnia. Some people may have difficulty staying awake when taking these medications. However this is less of a problem for children than adults.
If you're thinking of taking medication to manage your or your child's ADHD Talk to your doctor about it. They'll explain the various medications with regards to their benefits and potential risks and how you can get started. They'll also help you find a medication and dose that's right for you.
adhd stimulant medication could require a few tries to find the right dosage and medication. The goal is to control your ADHD symptoms with the least amount of side effects. Once best adhd medication for adults found the right medication, you must stick with it. If you stop taking it your symptoms will return. The majority of people suffering from ADHD will require 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 improves focus, concentration and decreases impulsivity and hyperactivity. It's the first medication that doctors typically prescribe for ADHD. It's not for everyone and it could cause side effects which are intolerable.
Non-stimulant drugs, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv (guanfacine) are FDA-approved for treating ADHD in adults. They can reduce symptoms by directly acting on the prefrontal cortex of the brain, and creating an calming effect. They are usually used in conjunction with stimulant medications or if the stimulant medication isn't working for you.
Both atomoxetine (also called guanfacine) and guanfacine are part of the alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists category of drugs. This means that they work by blocking receptors that send dopamine from one cell to another. This allows other chemicals to enter the brain, such as norepinephrine, which can be calming and improves attention, reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity.
While the methylphenidate and amphetamine classes of medicines are efficient in cutting down or eliminating ADHD symptoms but they are also prone to the risk for misuse, addiction and overdose. They're classified as controlled substances, and have "boxed warnings" that alert patients to these risks. These drugs are also prone to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants start to work within 30-45 minutes of taking them and last 3-4 hours. They can be taken as many as three times a day. Long-acting stimulants and intermediate ones require more time to work, but can provide symptom relief for 8-16 hours. They can be used just once a day and can be a good choice when you are struggling to remember to take your medication at the same time every day.
Some suffer from the rebound effect when their medication wears off, and their symptoms revert to their earlier levels. This can result in short-term fatigue, a bad attitude and intense hunger. Modifying the dosage, the time you take it and the type of medication you use can stop this from happening. If you're experiencing this type of problem consult your physician about the best way to make changes to your medication.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD medication increases dopamine levels in brain cells, which promotes concentration and decreases impulsive behavior. They can also help improve memory and decrease aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These medications are usually consumed orally in capsules but some children consume them in chewable tablets or drops. Stimulants can cause side effects such as dry mouth, decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping. In some instances, side effects aren't too severe and fade as the medication wears away. In certain instances, these effects can be serious and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medication helps manage ADHD symptoms by targeting neurotransmitters within the brain. They also carry less risk of addiction or dependence than stimulants. These drugs can cause drowsiness as well as dizziness. The risk of drowsiness is reduced by taking the medication earlier in the morning, eating meals before the medication starts to work, and avoiding caffeinated beverages.
Many people find that they respond better to the extended 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, making symptoms return more severe than before. They help you remember to take your medication, particularly in the event that you or your child is having trouble keeping track the number of pills in a bottle.
Most kids and adults who take medication for ADHD will experience at the very least some adverse effects. These side effects can be controlled by monitoring your or your child's reactions and making adjustments to the dosage, and using the medication only according to the prescription. If you or your child is experiencing bothersome or harmful side effects, consult with a mental health professional about the possibility of switching to a different type of medication.
It can take a while to determine the most effective treatment 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 can assist you to manage your symptoms but it's not an effective cure. Your doctor might need to monitor your child or yourself and adjust the dosage until it is effective in reducing your symptoms with minimal side effects. ADHD treatment plans usually consist of therapy, medication and assistance from family members and teachers.
The most common ADHD drugs are stimulant medicines. They work by boosting brain chemicals that increase concentration and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can cause a variety of adverse effects, such as the loss of appetite, trouble sleeping stomachaches, headaches, anxiety, a higher heart rate and, occasionally, shaking hands.
It can take a while to determine the appropriate dosage and dosage for your or your child's requirements. It could take a few weeks or months for the benefits of a particular drug to be evident. During this time, it's crucial to follow your doctor's directions and report any adverse effects.
Although best adhd medication for adults are quick-acting and can be beneficial, they also come with a greater risk for abuse and dependency. This is one reason why many stay clear of them, especially youngsters and young adults. Non-stimulant medicines are just as effective and are a better alternative for those who cannot take the adverse effects of stimulants.
There are many different kinds of non-stimulant drugs, including Atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as dextroamphetamine (Ritalin), and Guanfacine (Concerta). A number of these medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat various conditions however, they are also used "off-label" to treat ADHD.
Recent research has shown that long-term ADHD medication usage is associated with an increase in CVD risk. The risk of developing CVD increased as the dosage of medication was increased and was more prevalent for boys and girls. Researchers recommend that patients be monitored closely and undergo regular health screenings. This is especially true for high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. This is particularly true if the individual has an ancestral history of cardiovascular disease or heart attack.