ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medications are the first-line treatment for ADHD. They have a track record of a high response, good tolerance and safety across the life span.
It is crucial to find a medication and dosage that will relieve your child's or your own symptoms without causing any side negative effects. This often takes a lot of trial and error, as well as open communication with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs which increase the activity of the central nervous system. They are extensively used as stimulants for cognitive enhancement and performance by athletes, students as well as artists and workers. They are also used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. They also treat binge eating disorder, and other anxiety disorders. Amphetamines, methylphenidates and other stimulant drugs are the most common.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants come in both extended-release and immediate-release formulations. Immediate-release medication is usually taken every 4 hours. They can cause a sudden, short-term decrease in energy called a crash once they are worn off. The crash can cause extreme hunger, mood swings, and fatigue. Immediate-release medication can also increase blood pressure and heartbeats in certain people. This is especially true when they do not consume enough food.
Extended-release medicines are formulated to release active ingredients over the course of 8-16 hours. Your doctor may recommend this type of medication if you want long-lasting control of symptoms without having to take a pill several times per day. Methylphenidate products that fall into the extended-release category include Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. Another alternative is the methylphenidate long-acting patch called Daytrana, which sticks to the skin like a bandage and lasts all day. This kind of medication is typically prescribed to adults with ADHD who require a daily dose that lasts longer than the immediate-release alternatives.
The use of stimulants does not cure ADHD however it can help manage the symptoms by enhancing how neurons in the brain communicate. They do this by affecting the levels of neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They do this by blocking or binding to their receptors. This allows for the release of more neurotransmitters which helps to improve the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.
Doctors often prescribe antidepressants addition to stimulants for ADHD. The majority of antidepressants doctors prescribe for ADHD alter the levels of norepinephrine dopamine and serotonin in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors are an excellent option for those suffering from depression or anxiety. These medications are typically paired with stimulants to boost their effectiveness. Your doctor may switch between stimulant and non-stimulant medication if your current medication isn't effective or has an unacceptably side effect.
Long-acting
Stimulants aid in the treatment of 70%-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. They help reduce symptoms such as fidgeting, talking over others, and losing focus in conversations or on tasks. They also help improve social skills and job performance.
The stimulant medication starts working when it crosses the blood-brain barrier, which takes 45-60 minutes. They increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels between brain cells, which decreases the impulsivity and hyperactivity. The FDA-approved stimulant medications contain one of two molecules called methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). These stimulants can cause adverse reactions that include stomach upset and decreased appetite, elevated heart rate and blood pressure as well as headaches, nervousness or anxiety. They can also make tics more severe and may cause sleep problems in some people.
Long-acting stimulants, such as Strattera or Wellbutrin, are effective both at night and day. Short-acting medications only last for a short period of time. They can be used to treat other ailments like anxiety or depression.
The medications affect how your body regulates monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases, or enzymes, 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 impact your behavior and your thinking. Long-acting medication can have fewer adverse effects. Your doctor will prescribe smaller doses, which you take throughout the day.
Certain stimulants are available in extended-release forms that you take every day. Adults may find this more convenient however, it is important to remember to take your stimulants each day.
Other medications have been found to be effective in treating many people suffering from ADHD which includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications are usually prescribed for depression or anxiety but they can also be prescribed for ADHD. Around 70% of people react to these medications. Bupropion, also referred to as Wellbutrin is an SSRI approved for ADHD. It was proven to be more efficient in a controlled research than placebos. These medications can cause serious side effects, like the ringing of ears anxiety, changes in heart and lung function.
Short-acting
The stimulant drugs work to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain. These are the two chemicals that aid people in focusing and regulate their behavior. They are available in many forms, and each has its own brand name such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are two major kinds of stimulant medications such as the methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and the amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). All have similar effects, however they differ in the length of their effect. The methylphenidates can have a shorter-lasting effect lasting as long as three hours. Amphetamines on the other are more effective.
Certain people are tolerant of stimulant drugs better than others, which is why your doctor may prescribe them. It is essential to know all you can about the medication, including potential side effects, how often it is recommended to take it and any warnings specific to the medication that should be heeded. This will help to collaborate with your doctor in determining the appropriate dosage and medication for you.
It is important to know that these drugs can cause a few negative adverse effects, like trouble sleeping or loss of appetite. Talk to your doctor when you experience these side effects. You may need to alter your dosage or try another drug.
Adults with ADHD who aren't responding well to the stimulants might be treated with non-stimulant medications that take longer to get started but increase the capacity of an individual to pay attention and manage impulses. These drugs can be prescribed alone or in conjunction with stimulants.
The first of these is atomoxetine (brand names Strattera and Qelbree), which is a stimulant of norepinephrine and dopamine in the prefrontal brain, which controls the way we behave. Another is the guanfacine (brand name Intuniv) is a member to a class of drugs called alpha agonists. These drugs work by blocking Reuptake and increasing levels of brain chemicals in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was originally designed to treat high blood pressure, has now been proved to be effective in treating ADHD.
Combinations
People suffering from ADHD use a variety of drug combinations. This includes stimulants that are depressant type drugs like Guanfacine and Clonidine. These drugs can be calming for the brain, and can reduce symptoms like insomnia and aggressive behaviour. They also help prevent withdrawal symptoms from stimulants. However, this combination can be dangerous if not used correctly. Combining medication adhd adults at same time increases the risk of developing serotonin syndrome, a drug emergency that occurs when the body has too excessive serotonin. This combination can also increase blood pressure and heart rate. Heart disease sufferers or those with high blood pressure are at a greater risk of developing adverse effects from this drug.
Young adults and teenagers are increasingly taking stimulant-based combinations. These drugs, which are available in pharmacies, are often referred to by the term "legal highs". These drugs are also available on the black market. These substances are dangerous, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs. This is known as polydrug usage and is extremely risky. Mixing drugs can trigger unpredictably harmful consequences, such as an increased heart rate, slow breathing, paranoia, hallucinations seizures, addiction and hallucinations.
Combination therapy is more effective than monopharmacotherapy when it comes to treating ADHD according to an investigation. Combining medications increased adherence and allowed patients to achieve better relief from symptoms than monotherapy. However medication adhd adults halted their treatment because of side effects. In a few instances the medication was stopped due to sleep problems or worsening tics. This could be due to a poor diagnosis or a lack of medication.
Nonstimulants are also used to treat ADHD. These drugs are effective in improving the quality of attention and impulse control however, they do not perform as well as stimulants. They are also less likely to block growth and alter appetite. Some antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD however they are less likely of enhancing focus and concentration.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that atomoxetine and methylphenidate (Concerta) can be combined to produce better results than either by itself. Combining these two medications was proven to improve adherence and reduce the risk of adverse reactions in a majority of people. The combination was beneficial for young adults and adolescents. This combination could be a viable option for children suffering from severe ADHD.