ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
adhd medication and pregnancy is the first-choice treatment for ADHD, and for many people, they are effective. Certain people experience adverse reactions or they don't work.
Some doctors prescribe stimulants in addition to non-stimulant ADHD medications. These medicines include ones that treat high blood pressure, like clonidine and guanfacine hcl (Tenex). These are among the other medications that help to increase the state of being awake.
Benefits
The first drug doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulants. They help improve communication between nerves within the brain. These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) dopamine and norepinephrine, which improve concentration and reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity. They are available in a variety of forms, but the majority fall into two classes of drugs amphetamines and methylphenidates. Due to their potential for abuse, they are classified as controlled substances. The dosage, distribution and use of these medications are tightly controlled.
Doctors may prescribe a mix medication which includes stimulants and nonstimulants. They might do so because a stimulant isn't working well enough, or because of insufferable adverse effects or if a person has an underlying mental health issue that requires to be treated. Combination treatments are common in both adults and children.
Nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine. They are generally tolerated and don't carry the same risk for abuse or addiction as stimulants do. They might take longer to work and last longer than stimulants however, they are effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
The majority of people who use non-stimulant ADHD medications report moderate to minor side effects. These include stomach upset, headaches and insomnia. Some people may be more difficult to stay awake when taking these medications but this can be less of an issue for children than for adults.
Talk to your doctor if you or your child are considering medication for ADHD. They'll explain the various medications available as well as the advantages and dangers of each, and the best way to get started. They'll also assist you in finding a medication and dose that works best for you.
It may require a few tries to find the right dosage and medication. The goal is to reduce ADHD symptoms with as little adverse effects as is possible. Once you've found a suitable medication, it is best to stick with it. If you stop taking it your symptoms will come back. Most people suffering from ADHD need to take these medications throughout 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 concentration, focus and decreases impulsivity and hyperactivity. It's the first type of medication that doctors usually prescribe for ADHD. But, it's not a good fit for everyone and may cause adverse effects that are unpalatable.
Non-stimulant drugs, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv (guanfacine) are FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. They alleviate symptoms through direct stimulation of the prefrontal cortex of the brain, creating a calm effect. They are often used as an adjunct treatment to stimulant medication or if you don't react well to stimulants.
Both atomoxetine (also called guanfacine) and guanfacine belong to the class of alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists drugs. This means that they work by blocking receptors which transmit dopamine from one cell to the next. This allows other chemicals in the brain, such as norepinephrine, to reach the brain and cause a calming effect, which enhances attention and reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity.
While the methylphenidate and amphetamine classes of medicines are effective at reducing or eliminating ADHD symptoms but they are also prone to the risk for abuse, addiction and overdose. They're classified as controlled substances and come with "boxed warnings" which warn users of the risks. They are also vulnerable to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants begin to work within 30 minutes and last for 3-4 hours. They can be taken as many as three times per day. Long-acting and intermediate stimulants are more difficult to use however they can provide symptom relief for 8-16 hours. They can be taken just once per day and are a great option if you have trouble remembering to take your medication at the same time each day.
Some suffer from the rebound effect as their medication wears off and their symptoms revert to their previous levels. This can result in short-lasting depression, fatigue and an intense hunger. Altering the dosage, time you take it and the type of medication you use can help prevent this from happening. Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing this problem.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD medications boost dopamine levels in the brain, encouraging 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 usually given in capsule form, but some children may take them in drops or chewable tablets. Stimulants have the potential to cause side effects, including dry mouth, a decrease in appetite, and trouble sleeping. In some instances these effects are not serious and go away as the medication wears off. In other instances, they can be serious and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medications help manage ADHD symptoms by targeting different neurotransmitters within the brain. They may also have a lower dependence or dependence risk than stimulants. Common side effects of these medications include drowsiness and loss of appetite and dizziness. To avoid drowsiness the medication earlier in your day, eat breakfast before the medication starts to work and stay clear of caffeine-based drinks.
Many people notice that they are more responsive to the extended or long-acting release versions of these medications. This is because these formulas build up gradually in the body, decreasing the possibility of the drug being worn off too quickly and the symptoms returning more severe than before. They can also make it easier to remember to take your medication, particularly if either you or your child is having difficulties keeping track of the number of pills in a bottle.
Most adults and children who are taking medication to treat ADHD will experience some adverse reactions. adhd medication and pregnancy can be managed by monitoring the reactions of your child or yourself, altering the dosage and taking the medication as prescribed. If you or your child is experiencing unpleasant or dangerous side effects, talk to an expert in mental health regarding the possibility of changing to another type of medication.
It may take some time to find the right 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
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD medication can help manage symptoms, but is not a cure. Your doctor may need to monitor you or your child and adjust the dosage until it is effective in reducing your symptoms with minimal side consequences. ADHD treatment plans typically comprise therapy, medication, and support from family and teachers.
The most common ADHD medication is stimulant. They work by increasing brain chemicals that improve concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can trigger a range of side effects, including the loss of appetite, trouble sleeping stomachaches, headaches, jitteriness, increased heart rate and sometimes shaky hands.
It can be difficult to find the right dose and medication for your child or yourself. Sometimes it takes anywhere from several weeks to a few months before the benefits of the drug are apparent. During this period it is crucial to follow your doctor's prescriptions carefully and report any adverse effects.
While stimulants are fast-acting and offer a benefit, they also pose a higher risk for abuse and dependency. Many people, especially children and young adults are hesitant to use them due to this. Non-stimulant medicines can be just as good and are better for those who cannot tolerate the side effects of stimulants.
There are a variety of non-stimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin), and Guanfacine (Concerta). inattentive adhd medication are endorsed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for other conditions, but can also be used to treat ADHD "off-label".
Recent research has revealed that long-term ADHD medication use is linked with an increase in CVD risk. The risk was increased with the dosage of the medication and was more prevalent for boys and girls. The researchers suggest that people be closely monitored and undergo regular health screenings, particularly for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This is especially important when the person has an ancestral history of heart attack or cardiovascular disease.