ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medication is the first line treatment for ADHD. They have a long record of high response, excellent tolerance, and safety over the lifespan.
It is crucial to find a medication and dosage that can ease your child's or your own symptoms without causing side effects. This may require a lot of trial and error, as well as a constant communication with your physician.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that enhance the activity of the central nervous system. They are widely used as performance enhancement and cognitive enhancers by students, athletes as well as artists and workers. They also serve to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as narcolepsy, binge eating disorder, and some anxiety disorders. The most common stimulant medications are amphetamines and methylphenidates.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in immediate-release and extended-release formulas. The immediate-release medication is usually taken every 4 hours as required. If they are not taken as often they can cause sudden and temporary decrease in energy. The crash can result in severe cravings, mood swings and fatigue. Immediate-release medication can also increase heart rate and blood pressure in some people, especially when they don't eat enough.
Extended-release medicines are formulated to release its active ingredients over a period of 8 to 16 hours. This type of medication can be prescribed by a doctor if you are looking for long-lasting relief from symptoms without taking pills frequently throughout the day. Methylphenidate products that fall into the extended-release category include Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. Another alternative is the long-acting methylphenidate patch, known as Daytrana that adheres to the skin as a band-aid and lasts all day. This type of medication is often given to people with ADHD who need a daily dose that lasts longer than the immediate-release options.
Stimulant medications don't treat ADHD however they can assist in managing symptoms by improving the way neurons in the brain communicate with each other. By blocking or binding their receptors they can alter the levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, in the brain. This allows more neurotransmitters to be released and helps messages between neurons be more effectively sent and received.
Doctors often prescribe antidepressants addition to stimulants for ADHD. The majority of antidepressants doctors prescribe for ADHD affect the levels of norepinephrine serotonin, and dopamine in your brain. One group, known as selective serotonin receptor inhibitors, is a great option for those suffering from depression or anxiety. These medications are usually mixed with stimulants to increase their effectiveness. Your doctor could change between stimulant and non-stimulant drug if your current medication isn't effective or has intolerable side effect.
Long-acting
Between 70 and 80percent of children and adults with ADHD benefit from stimulants. They reduce symptoms such as fidgeting, talking over others, and losing focus in conversations or on tasks. They also enhance the performance of your job and improve your social skills.
Stimulant medications begin to work when they cross the blood-brain barrier, which can take between 45 and 60 minutes. They increase the levels of dopamine and Norepinephrine between brain cells, which decreases the amount of hyperactivity and impulseivity. FDA-approved stimulant medication uses one of two molecules, methylphenidate, (Adderall Ritalin Vyvanse Concerta) or amphetamine, (Ritalin Adderall XR Vyvanse Vyvanse). The stimulants can trigger side effects including upset stomach loss of appetite, increased blood pressure and heart rate as well as headaches, anxiety or nervousness. They can also cause tics to become worse and can cause problems sleeping in some people.
Long-acting stimulants (such as Strattera and Wellbutrin) can be used throughout the night and day unlike the short-acting drugs which last only several hours. They can be employed to treat other conditions like anxiety or depression.
These medicines work by altering the way that your body regulates chemical known as monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases, or enzymes, break down dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. When these chemicals aren't broken down, they stay in your body for a longer time, which affects your behavior and mental state. Long-acting drugs can have less adverse effects. Your doctor may prescribe it in smaller doses that you take throughout the day.
Some stimulants come in extended-release form that you can consume once every day. Some adults might prefer this method, but you should still keep in mind to take your stimulants each day.
Other medications have been found to be effective for many people suffering from ADHD, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are typically prescribed for anxiety or depression however they can also be prescribed for ADHD. Around 70% of patients respond to these drugs. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is another SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been proven to be more effective than placebos in a controlled study. These medications can cause serious adverse effects, including ringing of the ears anxiety, and changes in heart, vision and lung function.
Short-acting
The stimulant medication helps reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain. These are the two chemical compounds that help people focus and manage their behavior. They are available in many forms, and each comes with its own brand name such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are two major kinds of stimulant medicines: the methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and the amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). They have the same effects, however their duration of action is different. The methylphenidates can produce a less lasting effect, lasting as long as three hours. Amphetamines on the contrary are more effective.
Certain people are more in their ability to take long-acting stimulant medication than those with short-acting stimulants, so your doctor may prescribe this type. It is important that you learn as much as possible about the medication. This includes any side effects, how frequently it is recommended to take it, and any warnings. This will help to work with your physician to determine the best dosage and medication for you.
It is important to understand that these medications may cause a few negative side effects, such as trouble sleeping or loss of appetite. Consult your physician if you experience these adverse effects. You may have to adjust the dosage or try another drug.
Adults with ADHD, who do not respond to stimulants well, may be treated with nonstimulant medication. These medicines take longer to work but can improve the ability to pay attention and to manage impulses. These medications can be prescribed on their own or together with stimulants.
The first one is atomoxetine (brand names Strattera and Qelbree) that is a stimulant of norepinephrine and dopamine in the prefrontal cortex, which controls behavior. Another is guanfacine (brand name Intuniv), which belongs to a class of drugs called alpha agonists. These drugs work by preventing reuptake and increasing the level of brain chemicals in the bloodstream. Guanfacine, originally developed to treat high blood pressure, has been proved to be effective in treating ADHD.
Combinations
There are a number of drug combinations used by people suffering from ADHD. adhd medication online include stimulants and depressant type drugs like clonidine and guanfacine. These drugs can have a calming effect on the brain and can help reduce symptoms such as sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. They also prevent the onset of withdrawal from stimulants. This combination could be dangerous but only should it not be used properly. Serotonin Syndrome is a medical emergency which occurs when there is an excess of serotonin in the body. This combination can also increase blood pressure and heart rate. The risks of using this medication are more pronounced for those who have pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Young adults and teens are increasingly taking stimulant-based combinations. These drugs, which are sold in pharmacies, are often called "legal highs". They are also available on the black market. These substances can be hazardous particularly when they are combined with alcohol and other drugs. Polydrug use can be dangerous. Mixing drugs can have unpredictable and harmful effects. These include increased heart rate, reduced respiration, hallucinations, and paranoia.
Combination therapy is more effective than monopharmacotherapy for treating ADHD according to the findings of a study. Combining medications improved adherence, and allowed patients to achieve more relief from symptoms than monotherapy. Many patients, however, quit their treatment due to adverse effects. In some cases the medication was discontinued due to sleep problems or worsening of tics. This could be because of a poor diagnosis or lack of access to medication.
Nonstimulants are also used to treat ADHD. These medications are effective in improving attention span and impulse regulation, but not as well as stimulants. They are less likely to suppress appetite and growth. Certain antidepressants can also be prescribed for ADHD however, they have a lower chance of enhancing focus and concentration.
In several studies, in a number of studies, atomoxetine (Concerta) in combination with methylphenidate, gave better results than either drug on its own. The combination of the two drugs was shown to increase adherence and decrease side effects in most people. The combination proved effective for adolescents and young adults. This combination may be a viable option for children suffering from severe ADHD.