ADHD Medication - The Difference Between Stimulant and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can aid in improving your your child's ability to focus, manage impulses and follow through with tasks. But it's not a magic bullet.
Stimulants enhance the communication between nerves in the brain, reducing impulsivity and excessive activity. Short-acting medications that must be taken several times per week and long-acting medicines that can last up to 12 hours each day are available.
Stimulants
For many people suffering from ADHD, stimulant medications are the first treatment option. They increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, which improve focus and reduce impulsive behavior. The most effective effects of the drugs occur when they are taken regularly. However, they may also trigger side effects, such as anxiety, insomnia, and rapid heart rate. In addition, they may become habit-forming. It is crucial to work closely with your physician when you are deciding to stop or start a medication and follow their directions regarding dosage as well as frequency and use.
Short-acting stimulant medications and long-acting stimulant drugs are both available. The short-acting stimulants peak in a few hours and should be taken at least twice daily. The long-acting pills such as Ritalin (methylphenidate), Concerta(methylphenidate), Adderall(amphetamine), and Vyvanse(lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) last up to eight hours. Long-acting drugs may lessen the need for additional doses throughout the day, but can be harder to remember to take.
Since stimulants are categorized as controlled substances in most jurisdictions and require a prescription to purchase them and be subject to strict guidelines regarding refills or changing doctors. There are alternatives that offer similar benefits, but without the danger of abuse or addiction. These medications include:
Nonstimulant ADHD medications take longer to take effect. It is possible that you won't feel their full effects until three to four weeks of regular use. These medications could be the best option for you if you are struggling to get motivated, are prone to side effects, or are unable to take stimulants due a family history or addiction.
Strattera, Kapvay and Qelbree all increase the levels of norepinephrine in your brain. This can help improve concentration and control impulse control and hyperactivity. They're usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD which means they're not endorsed by the FDA for this reason, but have been used for years to treat other health conditions and have been proven to affect ADHD symptoms.
If you're seeking an alternative to prescription ADHD medication, Vyvamind is an excellent choice that combines cognitive-support ingredients that deliver real-world improvements in mental agility and endurance. It's designed to combat mental fatigue which can be a barrier to those with ADHD. It also boosts the mood and resilience to stressful situations, which are crucial in managing ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants
Although stimulants are the most popular ADHD treatment for adults, they're not safe or effective for everyone. Other adverse effects include headaches, decreased appetite and sleeplessness. Some doctors prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication for these reasons. medication for inattentive adhd , which improve focus and concentration, work differently from stimulants and don't have the same negative side effects.
In this category, medications include atomoxetine (Strattera), bupropion (Wellbutrin) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They increase the levels of chemical messengers, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, much like stimulants. The difference is that they perform this in a particular area of the brain which is involved in attention. These antidepressants are generally used to treat depression and anxiety, but they can also be prescribed to treat ADHD.
Although the FDA has not given them approval for this use However, some doctors have prescribed them off-label as a treatment for ADHD. They are usually prescribed after other treatments like diet and exercise have failed. Some experts believe that antidepressants can aid with ADHD by improving mood and decreasing anxiety and irritability. These could affect how a person concentrates.
They also have a lower chance of abuse and don't affect growth or weight growth. They can also help reduce the tics that cause eye blinks and throat clearing but they may make them more obvious. They can also increase heart rate, which can be dangerous for people with heart issues.
Certain studies show that combining stimulants and these medications can enhance their effectiveness more than or in isolation. It's essential to consult your doctor prior to attempting this combination.
Stimulants aren't recommended for children under age 12 years old. They might cause long-term changes to the brains of teens and young children which can be detrimental for their mental health in later life. They might also reduce appetite and cause weight loss, and they could increase the risk of seizures in some children.
It's not common but certain children with severe ADHD don't respond well to stimulant drugs. They might require another treatment, such as Guanfacine or atomoxetine.
Other medication
Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD are usually the first medications prescribed. These drugs can aid in focusing and improve their memory, but they can also cause negative side effects such as insomnia, headaches, stomachaches, and heart palpitations. Many people with ADHD look for stimulants as an alternative to alleviate their symptoms. These alternatives include natural supplements and dietary changes as well as cognitive behavior therapy.
While some holistic methods can help with ADHD symptoms, they might not work as well for all people. These methods are most effective in conjunction with more traditional forms of treatment such as psychiatric therapy. For instance therapy can teach patients techniques to manage their symptoms and formulate an action plan for their success.
Children with ADHD are treated with nonstimulant ADHD medication, including viloxazine, guanfacine, atomoxetine and (brand name Strattera, to be discontinued in 2022). Atomoxetine reduces symptoms by reducing norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that regulates behavior1. Similarly, long-acting guanfacine and viloxazine both are alpha agonists, and were initially created to treat high blood pressure. These drugs can calm the tics and aid in sleep and aggression, but they're not as effective in improving concentration.
These medications are less potent than stimulants, but are still beneficial to people who are unable to tolerate stimulants or don't see their benefits. They're also less likely cause heart issues, which can be a serious concern for children with ADHD.
L-tyrosine is another alternative to stimulants. This naturally occurring amino acid can boost brain health by increasing levels of epinephrine as well as dopamine. This supplement can be found in health food stores, however it is crucial to discuss the use of it with a physician prior to taking it. Melatonin can also be effective in treating sleep disorders and insomnia related to ADHD. It is available as a sleep aid on the market and has been proven to be effective in treating some individuals with ADHD. These natural ADHD treatments are worth trying for those who suffer from symptoms but cannot or do not want to take prescription medications.
Other treatment options
If your stimulant medication isn't effective or the side effects of your stimulant medication are too extreme, your doctor may recommend a different drug. Non-stimulant medicines are less prone for abuse or addiction but also may not be as effective at decreasing ADHD symptoms, especially in young children.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, was the first medication that is non-stimulant approved for treating ADHD. It is often prescribed as a first-line treatment. It is a stimulant that increases the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your brain, which helps nerves send messages more effectively between brain cells. It also reduces agitation, sleep problems and fatigue, but has some side consequences, including a decreased appetite, stomachaches, and sleep problems. Atomoxetine may cause suicidal feelings in rare cases. Long-acting guanfacine (Intuniv) is another option, and it increases the amount of norepinephrine present in your body by blocking a mechanism that eliminates it. It's used to treat ADHD symptoms, but it has also been found to reduce anxiety, so it can be prescribed for kids who have both disorders. It can increase heart rate and blood pressure, so it is recommended that you consider having your child's blood tested.
Stimulant medications often cause issues with sleep, appetite, and tics, so some parents opt for nonstimulant treatments to lessen the adverse effects. Several antidepressants are prescribed for ADHD, and they're generally called alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists or SNRIs. They alter dopamine and norepinephrine levels in your brain, which can enhance your mood and focus and help with impulse control. These drugs can be administered either by themselves or in combination with stimulants.
Behavioral therapy is an essential part of treatment for anyone with ADHD and can assist you or your child develop strategies to manage stress and reduce the impact of ADHD symptoms. Ginkgo biloba and passionflower are two natural products that have been proven to reduce hyperactivity. However it is essential to consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
Complementary and alternative medicine is broad term used to describe therapies that aren't part of the normal scope of Western medical practice. These therapies include mind/body practices such as meditation, body-based methods such as massage and natural products like nutritional supplements. Certain alternative treatments are being investigated for their effectiveness in helping to manage ADHD However, more research is needed before they can be recommended as a primary treatment method.