ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medications are the first-line treatment for ADHD. They have a long history of a high response, a high tolerance, and are safe throughout the life span.
It is important to choose the right dosage and medication that eases your child's or your own symptoms without causing any adverse side effects. This may require a lot of trial and error, as and a clear dialogue with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that enhance the activity of the central nervous system. They are widely used as stimulants for cognitive enhancement and performance 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 other anxiety disorders. The most common stimulant medications are methylphenidates and amphetamines.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants come in both immediate-release and prolonged-release formulations. In the case of immediate-release, they are typically taken every four hours, as needed. When they wear off they can cause an abrupt and brief loss of energy. The crash may cause extreme hunger, mood swings and fatigue. Immediate-release medication can also increase blood pressure and heartbeat in some people. This is especially true when they don't take enough food.
Extended-release medications are designed to release active ingredients over a time of 8 to 16 hours. This type of medication can be prescribed by your doctor in case you're seeking long-lasting control of symptoms without having to take tablets several times per day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate medications. Daytrana is a long-acting methylphenidate product that adheres to your skin like a bandage and lasts the entire day. This kind of medication can be prescribed to adults who have ADHD and need a daily dosage that lasts longer than immediate-release alternatives.
The use of stimulants doesn't cure ADHD however they can aid in managing symptoms by enhancing the way that neurons in the brain communicate with one and each. They accomplish this by altering the levels of neurotransmitters within the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, by blocking or binding to their receptors. This allows for the release of more neurotransmitters which improves the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.
In addition to stimulants, doctors can prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD. medication for adults with add of antidepressants doctors prescribe for ADHD alter the levels of norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors are an excellent choice for people suffering from depression or anxiety. These medications are usually combined with stimulants to enhance their effectiveness. Another reason your doctor might switch between non-stimulant and stimulant medications is if your current medication isn't working or it causes intolerable side effects.
Long-acting
Stimulants aid in the treatment of 70% to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. They help reduce symptoms like fidgeting and talking over others. They can also improve the social skills of employees and improve their performance.
Stimulant medications start working as soon as they cross the blood-brain barrier, which takes about 45 to 60 minutes. They increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels in brain cells, which decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. FDA-approved stimulant medications use two molecules that are Methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). Stimulants may cause adverse effects like nausea, loss of appetite and increased blood pressure. They can also cause headaches and anxiety. They can also make tics more severe and can cause problems sleeping in some people.
Long-acting stimulants, such as Strattera or Wellbutrin, can be used day and night. Short-acting medicines only last a few hours. They can also aid with other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
These medications work by changing the ways your body regulates chemicals known as monoamine oxidases. medications for adhd are enzymes which break down dopamine as well as other neurotransmitters inside the brain. These chemicals stay in the body longer if they are not broken down. This can impact your behavior and thinking. Long-acting medications can have fewer negative effects. Your doctor will prescribe smaller doses of the drugs that you consume throughout the day.
Certain stimulants are available as extended-release forms that you take once a day. Some adults might find this more convenient, but you should still remember to take the stimulants every day.
SSRIs and other medications have shown to be effective in treating ADHD in many adults. These medications are usually prescribed to treat anxiety or depression but they can also be prescribed for ADHD. About 70% of people react to these medications. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is another SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been demonstrated to be more effective than placebos in one controlled study. These drugs can cause serious side effects, like hearing ringing anxiety, changes in heart and lung function.
Short-acting
Stimulant medication helps reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These two chemicals assist people to control their behavior and focus. They come in a variety of different forms, and each has its own brand name, like Adderall Vyvanse Ritalin Concerta. There are two primary kinds of stimulant drugs, methylphenidates and amphetamines. All have similar effects but differ in the duration of their effect. The methylphenidates are less effective that can last for up to three hours, whereas the amphetamines are more long-lasting.
Certain individuals are better at absorbing long-acting stimulant medication than those that use short-acting drugs and therefore, your doctor might prescribe this kind of drug. It is important that you learn as much as possible about the medication. This includes any adverse effects, how often it should be taken and any warnings. This will allow you to work with your physician in determining the appropriate dosage and medication for you.
These medications can also trigger adverse side effects, like insomnia or loss in appetite. If these occur consult your physician about altering the dosage or using another drug.
Adults with ADHD who aren't responding well to the stimulants might be treated with non-stimulant medications, which take longer to begin working but improve a person's ability to pay attention and control impulses. These medications can be prescribed on their own or in combination with stimulants.
The first one is atomoxetine (brand names Strattera and Qelbree), which works by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine in the prefrontal cortex which regulates the behavior. Another is guanfacine (brand name Intuniv), which belongs to a group of medications called alpha agonists. These drugs work by preventing reuptake and increasing the level of brain chemicals in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was developed to treat high blood pressure but it has also been proven to help those suffering from ADHD.
Combinations
People suffering from ADHD utilize a variety of drug combinations. These include stimulants and depressant-type drugs such as the guanfacine and clonidine. These drugs can have a calming effect on the brain and can help reduce symptoms like sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. They also help to prevent withdrawal symptoms from stimulants. However, this combination can be dangerous if not properly used. Combining two stimulants at simultaneously increases the risk of developing serotonin-related syndrome, which is a drug emergency that occurs when the body is overloaded with excessive serotonin. This combination can also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. The risks associated with this medication are greater for those who have pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
Young adults and teenagers are increasingly using stimulant combinations. These substances are often called "legal highs" and are available in pharmacies. They are also available on the black market. These substances are dangerous particularly when combined with alcohol or other substances. This is known as polydrug usage and is extremely risky. Mixing drugs can trigger unpredictable and harmful effects, such as increased heart rate, slowed breathing, paranoia, hallucinations seizures, and addiction.
A study concluded that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy in treating ADHD. Combining medication increased compliance and allowed patients to experience greater relief from symptoms than monotherapy. Some patients, however were unable to continue treatment due side effects. In a few cases, the medication was discontinued because of sleep problems or worsening tics. This could be due to a wrong diagnosis or a lack of medication.
Nonstimulants are also used to treat ADHD. They can help improve the quality of attention and impulse control, but they don't work as well as stimulants. They are also less likely to block growth and alter appetite. Certain antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD however, they are less likely of improving concentration and focus.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that atomoxetine and methylphenidate (Concerta) can be used together to achieve better results than either by itself. Combining these two medications improved compliance and reduced the risk of adverse effects for the majority of people. The combination was beneficial for young adults and adolescents. This combination could be a feasible option for children with severe ADHD.