ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
For many people stimulant medications are the first choice for treating ADHD. Some suffer from side effects or they don't work for everyone.
Some doctors prescribe stimulants in addition to non-stimulant ADHD medications. These include medications that treat high blood pressure, such as the clonidine drug and guanfacine HCL (Tenex). These are in addition to other medicines that aid in promoting wakefulness.
Benefits
Stimulants are the first medications doctors prescribe to treat ADHD. They help improve the communication between brain nerves. These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) dopamine and norepinephrine, which improve concentration and reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity. They come in a variety of forms, but they are generally classified into two classes of drugs amphetamines and methylphenidates. our website to their potential for misuse, they are regulated substances. The dosage, distribution and use of these medications are strictly controlled.
Doctors can prescribe a combination medication that includes stimulants and nonstimulants. They might do so due to a stimulant that doesn't function effectively enough or due to undesirable side effects, or because a person is suffering from an underlying mental health issue that needs to be treated. Combination treatments are commonplace in both adults and children.
Viloxazine, guanfacine, and Atomoxetine are medications that are not stimulants. These medications are well tolerated and don't pose the same dangers of abuse or addiction as stimulants. They might take longer to work and last longer than stimulants, but they are effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
The majority of people who use non-stimulant ADHD medications experience moderate to minor side effects. This includes stomach upset, headaches and sleepiness. Some people may have a harder time staying awake when taking these medications but this can be less of a problem for children than adults.
If you're thinking about taking the use of medication to treat your child's ADHD, talk to your doctor about it. They will explain the different medications as well as their advantages and risks and how to begin. They'll also help you find a medication and dose that's right for you.
It may require a few attempts to land on the right medication and dose. The goal is to control your ADHD symptoms with the lowest amount of adverse consequences. Once you find the right medication, you must keep it in place because should you stop taking it, the symptoms will return. Most people with ADHD need to take these medications for life.
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 concentration and focus and decreases hyperactivity and impulse control. It is the first type that doctors prescribe for ADHD. However, it doesn't work for everyone, and it can cause undesirable side effects.
Non-stimulant drugs that are FDA-approved such as Strattera (atomoxetine), and Intuniv(guanfacine), can be used to treat ADHD in adults. They ease symptoms by acting directly on the prefrontal cortices in the brain, resulting in an euphoric effect. They are typically utilized in conjunction with stimulant medication or when the stimulant medication isn't working for you.
Both atomoxetine (also called guanfacine) and guanfacine belong the alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists category of drugs. This means that they function by blocking receptors which transmit dopamine from one cell to another. This allows for other chemicals to enter the brain such as norepinephrine. This chemical is calming and improves focus, which reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity.
While the methylphenidate and amphetamine classes of drugs are extremely effective at decreasing or eliminating ADHD symptoms however, they also carry the risk for abuse, addiction and overdose. They're classified as controlled substances and come with "boxed warnings" which warn users of the dangers. These drugs are also subject to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants start to work within 30 to 45 minutes after taking them and last 3-4 hours. They can be taken as frequently as three times a day. Intermediate and long-acting stimulates take longer to act however they can relieve symptoms for 8-16 hours. These stimulants can be used once a day in the event that you are struggling to remember to take your medication every day at the same time.
As the medication wears off certain patients experience a phenomenon called a rebound effect. This means that their symptoms return to previous levels. This can result in short-term fatigue, a negative attitude, and a heightened hunger. Altering the dosage, time you take it, or the kind of medication you are taking can prevent this from happening. Speak to your doctor if you are having this issue.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD medications boost dopamine levels in the brain, encouraging focus and reducing hyperactive and impulsive behavior. They can also improve memory and decrease aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These are usually given in capsule form, but certain children can take them as drops or chewable tablets. Stimulants have the potential to cause side effects, such as dry mouth, decreased appetite, and difficulty sleeping. In some cases these effects are not serious and go away when the medication has worn off. In some cases these effects may be serious and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medication can help treat ADHD symptoms by targeting neurotransmitters within the brain. They may also carry an lower risk of dependence or addiction than stimulants. These medications can cause drowsiness and dizziness. To minimize drowsiness, take the medication earlier in the day, eat breakfast before the medication starts to work and stay clear of caffeine-based drinks.
Many people discover that they are more responsive to the long-acting or extended release versions of these medications. This is because these formulas will build up slowly in the body, reducing the chance of the drug fading too quickly and the symptoms returning more severe than they were before. They also help make it easier to take the medication regularly especially in the case that your child struggles to keep track of multiple pill bottles.
Most kids and adults who are taking medications for ADHD will experience at the very least some side effects. These side effects can be managed by monitoring your your child's reactions by making adjustments to the dosage and taking the medication according to the prescription. Talk to an expert in mental health care when you or your child experience uncomfortable or harmful side effects.
It can take a while to find the best medication for someone suffering from 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 thing to keep in mind about ADHD medication is that it can assist you to manage your symptoms, but it's not a cure. Your doctor may alter the dosage to help control your symptoms while minimizing side effects. Medication is typically just one part of the treatment program for ADHD as is therapy and support from family and teachers.
The most common ADHD drugs are stimulant medicines. They function by increasing brain chemicals that improve concentration and decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can cause a variety of adverse reactions, including the loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, stomachaches, headaches, anxiety, a higher heart rate and, occasionally, shaking hands.
It can be challenging to determine the proper dosage and medication for you or your child. Sometimes, it takes several weeks to several months before the benefits of the medication become apparent. During this period, it is important to follow the doctor's prescriptions and report any side effects.
While stimulants are beneficial due to being quick-acting, they do be more susceptible to abuse and dependence. This is why many people avoid taking them, especially children and young adults. Non-stimulant medications are just as efficient and are a good alternative for those who cannot endure the negative side effects of stimulants.
There are several different types of non-stimulant medications, including Atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as dextroamphetamine (Ritalin), and Guanfacine (Concerta). These drugs are endorsed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for other conditions, but are also used to treat ADHD "off-label".
A recent study revealed that long-term use of ADHD medications is associated with a higher risk for CVD. The risk was increased with the quantity of medication used and was greater for boys and girls. The researchers suggest that people be monitored closely and undergo regular health screenings, specifically for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This is particularly true when there is a family history of cardiovascular disease.