ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medication is the first line treatment for ADHD. They have a long record of robust response, good tolerance and safety throughout the entire lifespan.
However, it's important to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that eases the symptoms of your child or yourself without side negative effects. This often takes lots of trial and error, as well as regular communication with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that increase the activity of the central nervous system. Students and workers, athletes, artists, and others use them to enhance their performance and cognitive abilities. They are also used in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) as well as binge eating disorder and some anxiety disorders. The most popular stimulant drugs are methylphenidates and amphetamines.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants come in both extended-release and immediate-release formulations. Immediate-release pills are usually taken every 4 hours. They can cause sudden, temporary decrease in energy, referred to as a crash when they wear off. The crash can cause extreme hunger, mood swings, and fatigue. Immediate-release medications can also raise blood pressure and heartbeats in certain people. This is especially the case when they do not take enough food.
Extended-release medicines are designed to release active ingredients over a period of 8-16 hours. Your doctor might suggest this kind of medication if you want lasting symptom control and do not need to take a pill multiple times per day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate drugs. Another alternative is the long-acting methylphenidate patch known as Daytrana that adheres to the skin as a band-aid and lasts throughout the day. This kind of medication is usually given to people with ADHD who need a daily dose that lasts longer than the immediate-release options.
Stimulant medication does not cure ADHD but it can assist 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 norepinephrine and dopamine, in the brain. This permits the release of more neurotransmitters, which helps to improve the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.
In addition to stimulants, doctors can prescribe antidepressants for ADHD. The majority of antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD are based on the norepinephrine and dopamine levels in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors are a good option for those suffering from anxiety or depression. These medications are usually mixed with stimulants to increase their effectiveness. Your doctor could change between stimulant and non-stimulant drug if your current medication isn't working or causes an unacceptable side effects.
Long-acting
About 70 to 80% children and adults with ADHD benefit from stimulants. They help reduce symptoms like talking to others and fidgeting. They also help improve job performance and social skills.
The stimulant drugs begin to work as soon as they pass through the blood-brain barrier which takes about 45 to 60 minutes. They increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in brain cells, which reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity. FDA-approved stimulant medications use two molecules: Methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). The stimulants can trigger side reactions that include stomach upset loss of appetite, increased heart rate and blood pressure headaches, as well as anxiety or nervousness. They can also cause tics to become worse, and they may cause sleep issues in certain people.
Long-acting stimulants, like Strattera or Wellbutrin, are effective day and night. The short-acting drugs only last a few hours. They can also be employed to treat other conditions like anxiety or depression.
These medications work by changing the way that your body regulates chemical called monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases break down dopamine inside the brain, along with other neurotransmitters. If these chemicals aren't eliminated and remain in your body for longer and can affect your behavior and thinking. Long-acting medication can have fewer negative effects. Your doctor will prescribe it in smaller doses that you can take throughout the day.
Some stimulants are available in extended-release forms that you take once a day. Some adults may prefer this method, but you should still be sure to take the stimulants every day.
Other medications have been found to be effective for many 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 respond. Bupropion, also referred to as Wellbutrin, is an SSRI approved for ADHD. It was found to be more effective in a controlled study than placebos. These SSRIs can cause serious side effects, such as ringing in the ears anxiety, a change to vision and heart and lung function in some people.
Short-acting
The stimulant drugs work to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. These are the two chemical compounds that aid people in focusing and manage their behavior. These drugs come in many different forms, and each has its own brand name, like Adderall Vyvanse Ritalin Concerta. There are two main types of stimulant medications such as the methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and the amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). They all have similar effects, however their duration of action varies. The methylphenidates can have a shorter-lasting effect, lasting up to three hours. Amphetamines, on the other on the other hand, have a longer-lasting impact.
Some people tolerate stimulant medications better than others, so your doctor might prescribe them. It is important that you learn as much as possible 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 determining the appropriate dosage and medication for you.
These medications may also cause adverse side effects, like insomnia or a loss of appetite. Talk to your doctor if you experience these adverse effects. You may need to alter the dosage or try another drug.
Adults with ADHD who don't respond well to the stimulants might be treated with non-stimulant drugs that take longer to start working but improve a person's ability to pay attention and control impulses. These medications can be prescribed either alone or in combination.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera or Qelbree, is the first. It works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex which controls behavior. Guanfacine is also known as Intuniv is part of the class of drugs known as alpha-agonists. They work by preventing the reuptake of these brain chemicals, and increasing their level in the bloodstream. adhd medication uk was created to treat high blood pressure, but it has also been proven to aid people suffering from ADHD.
Combinations
There are a number of drug combinations used by people with ADHD. This includes stimulants paired with depressants such as clonidine or guanfacine. These drugs are calming for the brain, and can decrease symptoms such as sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. They can also reduce withdrawal symptoms from stimulants. However, this combination could be dangerous if not properly used. Combining two stimulants at the simultaneously increases the risk of developing serotonin syndrome, a drug emergency that occurs when the body is flooded with too many serotonin. This combination may also increase blood pressure and heart rate. Heart disease sufferers or those with high blood pressure are at higher chance of experiencing adverse reactions from this drug.
Combinations of stimulants are more and more being used by teens and young adults. These are commonly called "legal highs" and are available in pharmacies. They are also available on the black market. These substances are dangerous particularly when combined with alcohol or other substances. The use of polydrugs can be hazardous. Mixing drugs can have unpredictable and harmful effects. This includes an increase in heart rate, decreased respiration, paranoia and hallucinations.
Combination therapy is more effective than monopharmacotherapy for treating ADHD according to an investigation. Combining medications increased adherence and enabled patients to experience more relief from symptoms than monotherapy. However some patients halted their treatment due to adverse effects. In some cases it is possible that the medication has been discontinued due to sleep problems or worsening of tics. This could be due to a wrong diagnosis or the absence of medication.
Nonstimulants are also used to treat ADHD. They can enhance attention span and impulse control however they don't work as effectively as stimulants. They are also less likely to block growth and affect appetite. Certain antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD, but they are less likely of improving concentration and focus.
In a variety of studies, the atomoxetine (Concerta), when combined with methylphenidate produced better results than either drug on its own. Combining these two drugs improved adherence and reduced adverse effects for the majority of people. The combination was beneficial for young adults and adolescents. This combination may be a viable solution for children suffering from severe ADHD.