ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
For many people stimulant medications are the first choice for treating ADHD. However, for some patients, they trigger side effects or do not help.
Some doctors prescribe stimulants along with non-stimulant ADHD medication. These include medications that treat high blood pressure, such as clonidine and guanfacine hcl (Tenex). They also include others that help to increase wakefulness.
Benefits
Stimulants are among the first drugs doctors usually prescribe to treat ADHD. They improve communication between nerves in the brain. These medications increase levels of neurotransmitters or chemical messengers, dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves concentration and decrease excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs are available in different forms and belong to two categories of drugs: methylphenidates or amphetamines. Because of their potential for abuse, they are classified as controlled substances. These drugs are strictly controlled in terms of dosage, distribution, and use.
Doctors may prescribe a combination medication which includes stimulants and nonstimulants. They might do this because a stimulant isn't working well enough or because of undesirable adverse effects or if a person has an underlying mental health issue that requires to be treated. Adults and children are often treated with treatment in combination.
Viloxazine, guanfacine, and atomoxetine are nonstimulant medications. They are generally well-tolerated and don't carry the risk for abuse or addiction that stimulants do. They can take longer to begin working and aren't as long-lasting as stimulants do, however they are often effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD.
The majority of people who use non-stimulant ADHD medication report mild to moderate side effects, such as stomach upset, headaches, dry mouth and insomnia. Some people may have difficulty staying awake while taking these drugs. However this is not as much of a problem for children than adults.
If adhd medication ritalin considering medications to help manage your or your child's ADHD Talk to your doctor about it. They'll explain what medication is available as well as the advantages and dangers of each, and the best way to get started. They will also help you select the best medication and dosage for you.
It could require a few times to determine the correct dosage and medication. The aim is to manage ADHD symptoms with as few side effects as possible. Once you've found the right medication, it is best to continue to take 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 increases concentration and focus, and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is the first type that doctors prescribe for ADHD. However, it's not suitable for everyone, and it can 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 are able to reduce symptoms by directly acting on the prefrontal cortex of the brain and creating an effect of calming. They are often employed as an alternative treatment for stimulant medications or when you don't respond well to stimulants.
Both atomoxetine and Guanfacine belong in the alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists class of medications, which means they act by blocking receptors that send dopamine to other cells. This allows other chemicals within the brain, like norepinephrine, to enter the brain and produce an calming effect that increases attention and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity.
The methylphenidate and amphetamine and other classes of ADHD medications are effective in reducing or eliminating ADHD-related symptoms. However, they can be misused, addictive, and lead to overdose. These substances are categorized as controlled substances, and have "boxed" warnings that warn users of the dangers. These drugs are also susceptible to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants begin working within 30 minutes and last for 3-4 hours. They can be taken at least three times a day. Intermediate and long-acting stimulates are more difficult to activate but can provide relief from symptoms for between 8 and 16 hours. These stimulants can be taken daily in the event that you find it difficult to remember to take your medication every day at the same time.
Some people experience what's called the rebound effect, as their medication wears off, meaning their symptoms return to their previous levels. This can lead to short-lived depression, fatigue and an intense hunger. This can be prevented by changing the dose, when it is taken, or the type of medication. If you're experiencing this type of problem discuss with your doctor about making adjustments to your medication.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD medication boosts the levels of dopamine in brain cells, which improves concentration and decreases the impulsive behavior. They can also improve memory and reduce aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These medications are usually taken orally in capsules however some children consume them in chewable tablets or drops. Stimulants have the potential to cause adverse reactions, such as dry mouth, decreased appetite, and difficulty sleeping. In some cases, the side effects aren't too severe and disappear once the medication is gone. In other instances, they can be serious and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medication helps manage ADHD symptoms by targeting neurotransmitters in the brain. They may also carry a lower risk for addiction or dependence than stimulants. Common adverse effects of these drugs include drowsiness, loss of appetite and dizziness. Drowsiness can be minimized by taking the medication earlier in the morning, eating meals before the medication begins to work and avoiding beverages with caffeine.
Many people discover that they respond better to the extended release versions of these drugs. This is because these formulations will build up slowly in the body, reducing the chance of the drug wearing off too quickly, causing symptoms to return more severe than before. They also can make it easier to take the medication on a regular basis, especially in the case that your child struggles to keep the count of multiple pill bottles.
Most kids and adults who are taking 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, making adjustments to the dosage and taking the medication only as prescribed. If you or your child is experiencing adverse or potentially dangerous side effects, consult with an expert in mental health about the possibility of switching to another type of medication.
It may take some time to determine the most effective medication for someone 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's important to remember that ADHD medication can help control symptoms, but isn't a cure. Your doctor may need to monitor your child or yourself and adjust the dosage until it is effective in controlling your symptoms, with no side effects. ADHD treatment plans typically include medication, therapy, and assistance from family and teachers.
The most commonly used ADHD drugs are stimulant medicines. They work by boosting brain chemicals that increase concentration and decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. Side effects can include a loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping or sleeping, stomachaches and headaches as well as jitteriness and an increased heart rate.
It may take some time to determine the appropriate dosage and dosage for your or your child's particular requirements. It can take a few months or weeks for the benefits of a medication to be evident. During this time, it's crucial to follow your doctor's instructions and report any side-effects.
Although stimulants are quick-acting and offer a benefit however, they also pose a higher risk for abuse and dependency. This is one reason why many avoid taking them, especially youngsters and young adults. Non-stimulant medications are equally effective and are a better choice for people who cannot tolerate stimulants' side effects.
Non-stimulant drugs include atomoxetine dextroamphetamine, as well as guanfacine. A lot of these medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat other ailments, but are also utilized "off-label" to treat ADHD.
Recent research has revealed that long-term ADHD medication use is associated with an increase in CVD risk. The risk increased as the dosage of medication was increased and was more prevalent for boys and girls. The researchers suggest that people be closely monitored and receive regular health screenings, particularly for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This is especially true in the event of a family history of early cardiovascular disease or heart attack.