ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medications are the first line treatment for ADHD. They have a long record of high response, excellent tolerance, and safety over the entire lifespan.
It is essential to choose a medication and dosage that eases your child's or your own symptoms without causing any side effects. This often takes a lot of trial and error, as well as open communication with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that boost activity in the central nervous system. They are extensively used as stimulants for cognitive enhancement and performance by athletes, students, artists, and workers. They are also used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, binge eating disorder, and other anxiety disorders. The most popular stimulant drugs are amphetamines and methylphenidates.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in extended-release and immediate-release formulas. In the case of immediate-release, they are typically taken every 4 hours as needed. They can cause an abrupt, short-term drop in energy called a crash when they have worn off. The crash can result in extreme cravings, mood swings and fatigue. Immediate-release medications can also raise blood pressure and heartbeat in some people. This is especially true when they do not consume enough food.
Extended-release medicines are designed to release active ingredients over a time of between 8 and 16 hours. This kind of medication could be prescribed by a doctor if you are looking for long-lasting symptoms control without taking tablets several times per day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate products. Another option is the long-acting methylphenidate patch called Daytrana that adheres to the skin like a band-aid and lasts throughout the day. This kind of medicine is available to adults suffering from ADHD and require daily doses that last longer than immediate-release alternatives.
Stimulant medication does not cure ADHD but it can help manage the symptoms by improving the way neurons in the brain communicate. They accomplish this by altering the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. This is done 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 sometimes prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD. The majority of antidepressants prescribed by doctors for ADHD affect the norepinephrine and dopamine levels in your brain. One of the groups, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is a good choice for people who have depression or anxiety, too. These drugs are typically combined with stimulants to enhance their effectiveness. Other reasons your doctor might switch you between stimulant and non-stimulant medication is if the previous medication isn't working or it causes intolerable side effects.
Long-acting
Stimulants aid in the treatment of 70%-80% of children and adults with ADHD. They can reduce symptoms such as fidgeting and talking over others. They also enhance the quality of work and social abilities.
The stimulant medication starts working once it has crossed the blood-brain barrier that can take 45 to 60 minutes. They increase the levels of Dopamine and Norepinephrine in brain cells, which decreases the intensity of impulses and hyperactivity. The FDA-approved stimulant drugs contain one of two molecules called Methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). The stimulants can cause side effects such as nausea and loss of appetite. They can also cause increased blood pressure. They can also trigger anxiety and headaches. They can also make tics more severe and cause sleep problems in some people.
Long-acting stimulants like Strattera or Wellbutrin, are effective day and night. The short-acting drugs only last for a short period of time. They can be used to treat other conditions like anxiety or depression.
These medicines work by altering the way your body regulates monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases break down dopamine within the brain and other neurotransmitters. These chemicals remain in the body for longer if not broken down. This can affect your behavior and your thinking. 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 take every day. This can be more convenient for some adults, but it's important to remember to take them every day.
Other medications have been found to be effective in treating many people suffering from ADHD, including selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These are usually used for depression or anxiety however, they can be prescribed for ADHD and around 70% of people respond. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is another SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been proven to be more effective than placebos in one controlled study. These medications can have serious side effects such as hearing ringing, anxiety, and changes to vision as well as lung and heart function in certain people.
Short-acting
Stimulant medication helps reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. These two chemicals help people control their behavior and focus. These drugs are available in different forms and each has its own brand, like Adderall Vyvanse Ritalin Concerta. There are two main types of stimulant medicines: the methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and the amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). They all have similar effects, but their duration of action varies. The methylphenidates have shorter-lasting effects that can last up to three hours, whereas the amphetamines provide longer-lasting effects.
Some people can tolerate stimulant medication better than others, and your doctor may prescribe them. It is essential to know everything you can about the drug that you are taking, including the potential side effects, how often it is recommended to take it and any special warnings that should be heeded. This will aid you and your doctor to determine the most suitable medication for you.
These medications can also cause some adverse side effects such as insomnia, or a decrease in appetite. If these happen you should talk to your doctor about altering the dosage or using different medications.
Adults with ADHD who aren't responding well to stimulants could be treated with non-stimulant medicines, which take longer to begin working but increase the capacity of an individual to pay attention and control impulses. These medications are available either in combination or on their own.
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera or Qelbree, is the first. It increases dopamine and norepinephrine within 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 the reuptake process and increasing the amount of brain chemicals in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was initially developed to treat high blood pressure, has been proven to be effective in treating ADHD.
Combinations
There are a number of drug combinations that are used by people suffering from ADHD. These include stimulants combined with depressants like Guanfacine or Clonidine. These drugs can be calming for the brain, and can reduce symptoms such as sleeplessness and aggressive behaviour. They also aid in preventing withdrawal symptoms from stimulants. This combination could be dangerous but only should it not be used properly. Serotonin Syndrome is a drug emergency which occurs when there is a high concentration of serotonin in the body. This combination can also raise the heart rate and blood pressure. add adhd medication of taking this drug are higher for people with pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Combinations of stimulants are now being used by teenagers and young adults. These substances, which are sold in pharmacies, are called "legal highs". They are also available on the black market. These substances can be hazardous particularly when they are combined with alcohol or other drugs. The use of polydrugs can be hazardous. Mixing drugs can cause unpredictable and harmful consequences. They include an increase in heart rate, slowed breathing, hallucinations and paranoia.
Combination therapy is more effective than monopharmacotherapy in treating ADHD according to an investigation. Combined medication improved the adherence of patients and helped them experience greater relief from symptoms than monotherapy. However, many patients stopped their treatment due to adverse effects. In some instances it is possible that the medication has been discontinued due to sleep problems or worsening of tics. This could be due to a wrong diagnosis or the absence of medication.
Nonstimulants are also used to treat ADHD. These medications improve the ability to focus and control impulses However, they don't perform like stimulants do. They are also less likely to suppress growth and affect appetite. Certain antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD however, they are less likely of enhancing concentration and focus.
In a number of studies, in a number of studies, atomoxetine (Concerta) when combined with methylphenidate, produced better results than any drug on its on its own. The combination of these two medications was found to increase adherence and decrease the risk of adverse reactions in a majority of people. The combination was also successful in adolescents and young adults. This combination could be a feasible alternative for children suffering from severe ADHD.