ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medications are the first-line treatment for ADHD. They have a long history of high response, excellent tolerance, and safety over the life span.
It's crucial to choose the right dosage and medication that eases your or your child's symptoms without causing side negative effects. It usually takes many trials and trial and open communication with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that boost activity in the central nervous system. Students athletes, artists, workers and other people use these drugs to improve their performance and cognitive abilities. They also serve to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as narcolepsy, binge eating disorder, and other 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 trigger an abrupt, short-term drop in energy known as a crash when they are worn off. The crash can result in extreme hunger, mood swings, and fatigue. Instant-release medication can also increase blood pressure and heartbeat in certain people. This is particularly true when they do not take enough food.
Extended-release medicines are designed to release active ingredients over a period of 8 to 16 hours. This type of medication may be prescribed by your doctor if you are looking for long-lasting symptoms control without taking tablets several times per day. Methylphenidate medications in the extended-release category include Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. 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 type of medication can be prescribed to adults with ADHD and require daily doses that last longer than the immediate-release options.
The use of stimulants does not cure inattentive adhd medication adults however it can help manage the symptoms by enhancing how neurons in the brain communicate. By blocking or binding their receptors they can alter the levels of neurotransmitters, like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This allows more neurotransmitters to be released, and aids in ensuring that messages between neurons are more effectively transferred and received.
Doctors sometimes prescribe antidepressants in addition to stimulants for ADHD. The majority of the antidepressants doctors prescribing adhd medication prescribe for ADHD alter the levels of norepinephrine dopamine and serotonin in your brain. One class, referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, is a good option 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 between non-stimulant and stimulant medication is if the previous medication isn't working, or produces unacceptably adverse side effects.
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 in conversations or tasks. They also help improve the social skills of employees and improve their performance.
The stimulant drugs begin to work when they cross the blood-brain barrier which can take anywhere between 45 and 60 minutes. They increase the levels dopamine and Norepinephrine between brain cells, which reduces the amount of hyperactivity and impulseivity. The FDA-approved stimulant drugs contain one of two molecules that are the methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). These stimulants can cause adverse effects such as stomach upset and weight loss, an increase in heart rate and blood pressure headaches, as well as anxiety or nervousness. They can also cause tics to become worse and may cause sleep issues in certain people.
Long-acting stimulants (such as Strattera and Wellbutrin) are effective throughout the day and night, unlike short-acting medications that only last several hours. They can be used to treat other ailments like anxiety or depression.
These medications work by changing how your body regulates monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases are enzymes which break down dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These chemicals stay in the body longer if they are not broken down. This could affect your behavior and thinking. Long-acting medications can have lesser negative effects. Your doctor may prescribe smaller doses that you consume throughout the day.
Certain stimulants are available in extended-release formulations that you take once a day. This may be more convenient for some adults, however it's crucial to remember to take them every day.
Other medications have been shown to be effective for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD, including selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications are usually prescribed to treat anxiety or depression but they can also be prescribed for ADHD. Around 70% of people respond to these medications. 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 prescribed for adhd can cause serious side effects, such as ringing in the ears, anxiety, and changes to vision and heart and lung function in some individuals.
Short-acting
The stimulant drugs work to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These two chemicals help people manage their behavior and stay focused. They are available in many forms, and each has their own brand name such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are two main types of stimulant drugs that are methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). All have similar effects, however they differ in the length of their action. The methylphenidates have a shorter-lasting effect, lasting up to three hours. Amphetamines on the contrary on the other hand, have a longer-lasting impact.
Some people can tolerate stimulant medication better than others, so your doctor might prescribe them. It is important to learn everything you can about the medication, including potential side effects, how often it should be taken, and any warnings specific to the medication that should be followed. This will allow you to work with your doctor in determining the appropriate medication and dose for you.
It is important to understand that these medications can have certain negative side effects, including difficulty getting to sleep or losing appetite. If these happen consult your physician about adjusting the dosage or trying other medications.
Adults with ADHD who don't respond well to the stimulants might be treated with non-stimulant drugs, which take longer to begin working but improve a person's ability to pay attention and manage impulses. These drugs can be prescribed alone or in combination with stimulants.
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera or Qelbree is the first. It increases dopamine and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex, which regulates behavior. Guanfacine, also referred to as Intuniv is part of the group of drugs called alpha-agonists. They work by preventing the absorption of brain chemicals and increasing their concentration in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was created to treat high blood pressure, but has also been shown to help people with ADHD.
Combinations
There are a number of combinations of drugs used by those with ADHD. This includes stimulants paired with depressants like Guanfacine or Clonidine. These drugs can have a calming effect on the brain, and can decrease symptoms like sleeplessness 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, an emergency drug that occurs when the body is overloaded with many serotonin. This combination can also increase the blood pressure and heart rate. People suffering from heart disease or high blood pressure are at higher chance of experiencing adverse reactions from this drug.
Young adults and teenagers are increasingly using stimulant combinations. These drugs, which are sold in pharmacies, are sometimes referred to by the term "legal highs". They are also available on the black market. These substances can be dangerous, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs. This is referred to as polydrug use and can be extremely dangerous. Mixing drugs can cause unpredictable and harmful consequences, such as an increased heart rate, slowed breathing, paranoia, hallucinations seizures, and addiction.
Combination therapy is more effective than monopharmacotherapy for treating mild adhd medication, according to an investigation. Combined medication improved the adherence of patients and helped them experience greater relief from symptoms than monotherapy. Some patients, however quit their treatment due to adverse effects. In some cases, the medication has been discontinued due to sleep problems or worsening of tics. This could be because of a poor diagnosis, or a inaccessibility to medications.
Nonstimulants can also be used to treat ADHD. They can improve the quality of attention and impulse control however they don't work like stimulants do. 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 improving concentration and focus.
A number of studies have proven that atomoxetine and methylphenidate (Concerta) can be used together to achieve better results than either by itself. Combining these two medications was proven to increase adherence and decrease side effects in most people. The combination was also successful in adolescents and young adults. This combination could be a viable alternative for children suffering from severe stopping adhd medication adults.