ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medications are the first-line treatment for ADHD. They have a long history of robust response, good tolerability and safety across the life span.
It is essential to choose the dosage and medication that can ease your child's or your own symptoms without causing side consequences. This can take a lot trial and error, as and a clear dialogue with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that increase the activity of the central nervous system. Students athletes, artists, workers and other people use them to boost their performance and cognitive abilities. They also serve to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as narcolepsy, binge eating disorder, and some anxiety disorders. The most commonly used stimulant medications are amphetamines and methylphenidates.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in extended-release and immediate-release formulas. Immediate-release medication is usually taken every 4 hours. They can cause a sudden, short-term decrease in energy known as a crash after they wear off. The crash may cause extreme hunger, mood swings, and fatigue. Immediate-release medication can also increase heart rate and blood pressure in some people, especially when they don't eat enough.
Extended-release medications are designed to release their active ingredients over a period of between 8 and 16 hours. Your doctor may recommend this type of medication if you are looking for long-lasting control of symptoms without having to take a pill several times a day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate medications. Another alternative is the long-acting methylphenidate patch, known as Daytrana, which sticks to the skin as a band-aid and lasts throughout the day. This type of medication is typically prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD who need daily doses that last longer than the immediate-release alternatives.
The use of stimulants does not cure ADHD but it can help manage the symptoms by enhancing how neurons in the brain communicate. By blocking or binding their receptors they can affect the levels of neurotransmitters, like norepinephrine and dopamine, in the brain. This permits the release of more neurotransmitters which improves the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.
In addition to stimulants, doctors may prescribe antidepressants for ADHD. The majority of the antidepressants doctors prescribe for ADHD alter the levels of norepinephrine dopamine and serotonin in your brain. One of the groups, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is a good option for people suffering from depression or anxiety, too. These medications are often combined with stimulants to enhance their effectiveness. best adhd medication can switch between stimulant and a non-stimulant drug if your current medication isn't effective or has an unacceptably side effect.
Long-acting
Around 70% to 80% children and adults with ADHD benefit from stimulants. They help reduce symptoms such as fidgeting, arguing with others and losing focus during conversations or tasks. They can also improve the performance of your job and improve your social abilities.
Stimulant medications begin to work once they cross the blood-brain barrier which takes about 45 to 60 minutes. They increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels between brain cells, which decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. The FDA-approved stimulant drugs contain two molecules called Methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). These stimulants can cause adverse effects including upset stomach decreased appetite, elevated heart rate and blood pressure as well as headaches, nervousness or anxiety. They can also make tics more severe and trigger sleep problems in certain people.
Long-acting stimulants, like Strattera or Wellbutrin, can be used both at night and day. Short-acting medications are only effective for a few hours. They also aid in other conditions like depression or anxiety.
The medications affect the ways your body regulates chemicals called monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases break down dopamine in the brain and other neurotransmitters. These chemicals stay in your body longer if they are not broken down. This could affect your behavior and even your thinking. Long-acting medications can have fewer adverse effects. Your doctor will prescribe it in smaller doses, which you take throughout the day.
Certain stimulants are available in extended-release form that you can take once every day. Adults may find this more convenient, but you should still keep in mind to take your stimulants each day.
Other medications have been shown to be effective for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These are usually prescribed for depression or anxiety, but they can also be prescribed for ADHD and 70% of people react. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is another SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been demonstrated to be more effective than placebos in a controlled study. These medications can trigger serious side effects, like ringing of the ears anxiety, changes in heart, vision and lung function.
Short-acting
Stimulant medications reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain. These two chemicals assist people to manage their behavior and stay focused. 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 main types of stimulant drugs such as the methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). All have similar effects, however they differ in the duration of their action. The methylphenidates have shorter-lasting effects and can last up to three hours, while the amphetamines are more long-lasting.
Some people can tolerate stimulant medication better than others, and your doctor may prescribe them. It is crucial to be aware of as much as you can about the medication. This includes any adverse effects, how frequently it is recommended to take it, and any warnings. This will allow you to collaborate with your doctor in figuring out the right medication and dose for you.
It is important to understand that these drugs can cause some negative adverse effects, like difficulty sleeping or loss of appetite. Talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects. You may have to alter your dosage or try a different drug.
Adults suffering from ADHD who don't respond to stimulants well can be treated with non-stimulant drugs. These medications take longer to effect but they improve the capacity to pay attention and to manage impulses. These medications are available either in combination or on their own.
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera or Qelbree is the first. It is a stimulant of dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the prefrontal cortex that regulates the behavior. Another is the guanfacine (brand name Intuniv) is a member to a group of medications known as alpha agonists. They work by preventing the absorption of brain chemicals and increasing their level in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was created to treat high blood pressure, but it also has been proven to help people with ADHD.
Combinations
There are a variety of combinations of drugs used by those with ADHD. These include stimulants and depressants like the guanfacine or clonidine. These drugs can be calming for the brain, and reduce symptoms like insomnia and aggressive behavior. They also help prevent withdrawal symptoms that can result from stimulants. This combination can be dangerous, however, if it is not used correctly. Taking two stimulants at the same time increases the risk of developing serotonin-related syndrome, which is a drug emergency that occurs when the body is flooded with too many serotonin. This combination may also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. The risks of taking this drug are higher for people with pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Combinations of stimulants are more and more being used by teens and young adults. These substances, which are sold in pharmacies, are sometimes referred to by the term "legal highs". These drugs are also available on the black market. These substances can be hazardous particularly when they are combined with alcohol or other drugs. This is known as polydrug usage and is extremely risky. Mixing drugs can cause unpredictable and harmful effects. This includes an increase in heart rate, reduced breathing, hallucinations and paranoia.
A study found that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy when treating ADHD. Combined medication improved adherence and allowed patients to get better relief from symptoms than monotherapy. Many patients, however, stopped their treatment due to adverse effects. In some instances, the medication has been removed due to sleep issues or worsening of tics. This could be due to a wrong diagnosis or the absence of medication.
Nonstimulants are another treatment option for ADHD. These drugs enhance attention span and impulse control However, they don't perform as effectively as stimulants. They are also less likely to suppress growth and alter appetite. Certain antidepressants can also be prescribed for ADHD however they are less likely of enhancing concentration and focus.
In a number of studies, the atomoxetine (Concerta) in combination with methylphenidate, gave better results than either drug on its own. Combining these two medications improved the adherence of patients and decreased adverse effects for the majority of people. The combination was also effective in young adults and adolescents. This combination could be a viable solution for children with severe ADHD.