ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medications are the first option for treating ADHD. They have a long track record of high response, excellent tolerability and safety across the life span.
It's important to find the dosage and medication that eases your child's or your own symptoms without causing any side negative effects. This usually requires a lot of trial and error, as well as open dialog with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. They are extensively used as enhancement of cognitive and performance by students, athletes, artists, and workers. They are also used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. They also treat binge eating disorder, and some anxiety disorders. The most popular stimulant drugs are methylphenidates and amphetamines.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in both immediate-release and prolonged-release formulations. Immediate-release pills are usually taken every 4 hours. They can cause a sudden, short-term decrease in energy known as a crash after they have worn off. The crash can cause severe mood swings, hunger, and fatigue. Immediate-release medication can also increase blood pressure and heartbeat in certain people. This is particularly true when they do not eat enough.
Extended-release medicines are designed to release their active ingredients over a time of between 8 and 16 hours. This kind of medication could be prescribed by your physician when you're looking for long-lasting relief from symptoms without taking pills frequently throughout the day. Methylphenidate medications in the extended-release category include Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. Daytrana is a long-acting methylphenidate product that sticks to your skin like a bandage and lasts throughout the day. This type of medication is often given to people with ADHD who require daily doses that last longer than the immediate-release options.
The use of stimulants does not cure ADHD but it can help manage the symptoms by improving how neurons in the brain communicate. They do this by affecting the levels of neurotransmitters within the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. This is done by blocking or binding to their receptors. This allows more neurotransmitters to be released, and aids in ensuring that messages between neurons are more efficiently sent and received.
In addition to stimulants, doctors can prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD. Most antidepressants doctors prescribe for ADHD affect the norepinephrine and dopamine levels in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors are an excellent option for those suffering from anxiety or depression. These medications are often combined with stimulants to enhance their effectiveness. Your doctor may change between stimulant and non-stimulant medication if your current medication isn't effective or has an unacceptably side effect.
Long-acting
Between 70 and 80percent of children and adults with ADHD benefit from stimulants. They can reduce symptoms such as talking to others and fidgeting. They also enhance job performance and social skills.
The stimulant medication starts working when it crosses the blood-brain barriers that can take 45 to 60 minutes. They increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels between brain cells, which reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. The FDA-approved stimulant medication consists of one of two molecules, methylphenidate, (Adderall Ritalin Vyvanse Concerta) or amphetamine, (Ritalin Adderall XR Vyvanse Vyvanse). These stimulants can trigger adverse effects like nausea, loss of appetite and increased blood pressure. They can also trigger headaches and anxiety. They can also make tics more severe and may cause sleep problems in some people.
add medication adult -acting stimulants (such as Strattera and Wellbutrin) work all day and night, unlike short-acting medications that last just for a couple of hours. They can be used to treat other ailments such as depression or anxiety.
These medications work by changing the way that your body regulates chemical known as monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases are enzymes which break down dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These chemicals stay in your body for longer if they're not broken down. This can affect your behavior and even your thinking. Long-acting drugs can have lesser side effects, and your doctor will prescribe smaller doses of the drugs that you consume throughout the day.
Some stimulants are available in extended release form that you can take every day. This can be more convenient for some adults, however it's crucial to remember that you should take them daily.
Other medications have been found to be effective for many adults suffering from ADHD which includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These are usually prescribed for anxiety or depression, but they can also be prescribed for ADHD, and about 70% of people respond. Bupropion, also called Wellbutrin is an SSRI approved for ADHD. It was shown to be more efficient in a controlled research than placebos. These SSRIs can cause serious side effects such as hearing ringing, anxiety, and changes to vision and lung and heart function in some individuals.
Short-acting
Stimulant medication reduces ADHD symptoms by increasing levels dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These are two chemicals that aid people in focusing and control their behavior. They are available in a variety of forms, and each comes with their own brand name such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are two major kinds of stimulant medicines such as the methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). All have similar effects, however their duration of action is different. The methylphenidates produce less lasting effects and can last for up to three hours, while the amphetamines provide longer-lasting effects.
Certain people are tolerant of stimulant drugs better than others, so your doctor may prescribe them. It is important that you know as much as you can about the medication. This includes any possible side effects, the frequency at which it should be taken and any warnings. This will make it easier to collaborate with your doctor in figuring out the right medication and dose for you.
These medications may also cause some adverse side effects such as difficulty sleeping or a decrease in appetite. If these occur you should talk to your doctor about adjusting the dosage or trying different medications.
Adults with ADHD who don't respond to stimulants well can be treated with nonstimulant medications. These medications require longer time to work, but can improve the ability to pay attention and manage impulses. These medications are available either alone or in combination.
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera or Qelbree, is the first. It is a stimulant of dopamine and norepinephrine within the prefrontal cortex that regulates the behavior. Guanfacine, also known as Intuniv, belongs to the class of drugs known as alpha-agonists. They block the absorption of brain chemicals and increasing their levels in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was developed to treat high blood pressure but it has also been proven to aid people suffering from ADHD.
Combinations
People suffering from ADHD make use of a variety drug combinations. These include stimulants and depressants such as Guanfacine or Clonidine. These drugs can have a calming effect on the brain, and can decrease symptoms like insomnia and aggressive behavior. They also help to prevent withdrawal symptoms caused by stimulants. However, this combination can be dangerous if not utilized correctly. Combining two stimulants at the simultaneously increases the risk of developing serotonin-related syndrome, a type of drug emergency that happens when the body is overloaded with many serotonin. This combination can also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. People suffering from heart disease or high blood pressure are at higher risk of developing adverse effects from this medication.
Teenagers and young adults are increasingly consuming stimulant mixtures. These drugs, which are sold in pharmacies, are called "legal highs". add in adults medication are also available on the black market. These substances are dangerous especially when mixed with alcohol or other drugs. Polydrug use can be dangerous. Mixing drugs can result in unpredictable and harmful consequences. This includes an increase in heart rate, decreased breathing, hallucinations and paranoia.
A study showed that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy for treating ADHD. Combining medications improved adherence and allowed patients to achieve more symptom relief than monotherapy. However some patients halted their treatment due to side effects. In some instances it is possible that the medication has been stopped due to sleep problems or worsening of tics. This could be due to a poor diagnosis or lack of medication.
Nonstimulants can also be used to treat ADHD. They can enhance the quality of attention and impulse control, but they don't work like stimulants do. They are also less likely to inhibit growth and alter appetite. Certain antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD. However they have a lower chance of improving concentration and focus.
In a number of studies, the atomoxetine (Concerta) when combined with methylphenidate, produced better results than any drug on its own. The combination of these two medications was proven to improve adherence and reduce adverse effects in the majority of people. The combination was also successful for adolescents and young adults. This combination could be a viable solution for children suffering from severe ADHD.