ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medications are the first-line treatment for ADHD. They have a long history of a high response, good tolerance and safety across the life span.
It is crucial to find the right dosage and medication that will relieve your child's or your own symptoms without causing adverse negative effects. This may require a lot of trial and error, as and a clear communication with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs which increase the activity of the central nervous system. They are extensively used as enhancement of cognitive and performance by athletes, students, 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. The most common stimulant medications are amphetamines and methylphenidates.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in immediate-release and extended-release formulas. The immediate-release medication is usually taken every 4 hours as required. When they stop working, they can cause a sudden and short-term loss of energy. The crash can result in severe hunger, mood swings, and fatigue. Immediate-release medications also can increase heart rate and blood pressure in some people, especially those who don't eat enough.
Extended-release medicines are formulated to release its active ingredients over the course of 8-16 hours. Your doctor may suggest this kind of medication if your goal is lasting symptom control and do not need to take a pill multiple times a day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate medications. Another alternative is the methylphenidate long-acting patch, known as Daytrana that adheres to the skin like a bandage and lasts all day. This kind of medication is often given to people with ADHD who require a daily dose that lasts longer than the immediate-release alternatives.
The use of stimulants doesn't cure ADHD however they can assist in managing symptoms by enhancing the way that neurons in the brain communicate with each with each other. They accomplish this by altering the levels of neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. This is done by blocking or binding to their receptors. This allows more neurotransmitters be released, and helps messages between neurons be more efficiently sent and received.
In addition to stimulants, doctors sometimes prescribe antidepressants for add adhd medications. The majority of antidepressants prescribed by doctors for ADHD work on the norepinephrine and dopamine levels in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors are an excellent option for people with anxiety or depression. These medications are usually paired with stimulants to boost their effectiveness. Another reason your doctor might switch you between stimulant and non-stimulant medications is if your current medication isn't working, or causes intolerable side effects.
Long-acting
Stimulants can help 70%-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. They help reduce symptoms such as fidgeting, over-talking and losing focus during conversations or tasks. They also help improve the performance of your job and improve your social skills.
The stimulant drugs begin to work once they cross the blood-brain barrier, which takes about 45 to 60 minutes. They boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels between brain cells, which decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. 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 trigger side effects such as nausea and loss of appetite. They can also cause increased blood pressure. They can also cause anxiety and headaches. They can also make tics more severe, and they may cause sleep issues in certain people.
Long-acting stimulants (such as Strattera and Wellbutrin) can be used throughout the day and night unlike medications that last just several hours. They can be used to treat other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
The medications affect the way your body regulates monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases break down dopamine inside the brain and other neurotransmitters. These chemicals remain in the body longer if they are not broken down. This can affect your behavior and even your thinking. Long-acting drugs can have less adverse effects. Your doctor may prescribe it in smaller doses that you can my general practitioner prescribe adhd medication take throughout the day.
Some stimulants come in extended-release form that you can consume once every day. Some adults may prefer this option, but you should still be sure to take your stimulants each day.
Other medications have been shown to be effective for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD which includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These are usually used for anxiety or depression, but they can also be prescribed for ADHD, and about 70% of people are able to respond. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is a different SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been proven to be more effective than placebos in a controlled study. These medications can have severe side effects like 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 of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. These are the two chemicals that aid people in focusing and control their behavior. These drugs come in many different forms and each comes with its own distinct brand, like Adderall Vyvanse Ritalin Concerta. There are two primary types of stimulant medicines amphetamines and methylphenidates. They have the same effects, but their duration of action is different. The methylphenidates have a shorter-lasting effect, lasting up to three hours. Amphetamines on the other are more effective.
Some people can tolerate stimulant medication better than others, which is why your doctor may prescribe them. It is essential to be aware of as much as you can about the medication. This includes any side effects, how often it should be taken and any warnings. This will help you and your doctor to decide on the right medication for you.
These medications can also cause some adverse side effects such as insomnia, or a decrease in appetite. Consult your physician in the event that you experience any of these adverse effects. You may have to alter your dosage or try another drug.
Adults with ADHD who aren't responding well to stimulants may be treated with non-stimulant drugs that take longer to begin working but increase the capacity of an individual to concentrate and control impulses. These medications can be prescribed either in combination or on their own.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera or Qelbree is the very first. It increases dopamine and norepinephrine within the prefrontal cortex, which regulates behavior. Another is guanfacine (brand name Intuniv) is a member to a class of medications called alpha agonists. They work by preventing the absorption of these brain chemicals, and increasing their concentration in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was developed to treat high blood pressure but it also has been proven to aid people suffering from ADHD.
Combinations
There are a number of drug combinations that are used by people with ADHD. These include stimulants and depressant-type drugs such as clonidine and guanfacine. These drugs are calming for the brain and can help reduce symptoms like insomnia and aggressive behavior. They also aid in preventing the onset of withdrawal from stimulants. However, this combination can be dangerous if not used correctly. Combining two stimulants at same time increases the risk of developing serotonin syndrome, a type of drug emergency that happens when the body is flooded with too excessive serotonin. This combination can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. The risks associated with this drug are higher for those with pre-existing health conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
Combinations of stimulants are now being used by teenagers and young adults. These substances are often called "legal highs" and are readily available in pharmacies. They are also available on the black market. These substances are extremely dangerous, especially if combined with alcohol or other substances. The use of multiple drugs can a general Practitioner prescribe adhd medication be risky. Mixing drugs can trigger unpredictable and harmful effects, including increased heart rate, slower breathing, paranoia, hallucinations seizures, and addiction.
Combination therapy is more effective than monopharmacotherapy in treating adhd without medication according to an investigation. Combining medications helped improve adherence and helped patients achieve better relief from symptoms than monotherapy. Many patients, however, were unable to continue treatment due adverse effects. In some cases, the medication has been removed due to sleep issues or worsening of tics. This could be a result of poor diagnosis or a lack of access to medications.
Nonstimulants are an alternative treatment for ADHD. These drugs are effective in improving the quality of attention and impulse control however they are not as effective as stimulants. They are less likely to inhibit appetite and growth. Some antidepressants can also be prescribed for ADHD. However they have a lower chance of improving concentration and focus.
Several studies have shown that atomoxetine and methylphenidate (Concerta) can be combined to yield better results than either drug on its own. The combination of the two drugs was shown to improve adherence and reduce side effects in most people. The combination also proved effective for adolescents and young adults. This combination may be a viable treatment for children suffering from severe ADHD.