ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medication is the initial option for treating ADHD. They have a long track record of high response, excellent tolerance, and safety over the lifespan.
It is essential to choose the dosage and medication that will relieve your child's or your own symptoms without causing adverse consequences. This may require a lot of trial and error, as well as a constant dialogue with your doctor.
iampsychiatry 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, 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 methylphenidates and amphetamines.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in extended-release and immediate-release formulas. Immediate-release pills are usually taken every 4 hours. They can cause a sudden, short-term decrease in energy called a crash after they are worn off. The crash can cause severe mood swings, hunger, and fatigue. Instant-release medication can also increase blood pressure and heartbeat in certain people. This is especially true when they don't take enough food.
Extended-release medications are designed to release its active ingredients over the course of 8-16 hours. This kind of medication could be prescribed by your physician when you're looking for long-lasting control of symptoms without having to take pills several times a day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate products. Another alternative is the long-acting methylphenidate patch, known as Daytrana which adheres to the skin as a band-aid and lasts all day. This kind of medication can be prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD and need a daily dosage that lasts longer than immediate-release alternatives.
Stimulant medication does not cure ADHD however it can help manage the symptoms by improving the way neurons in the brain communicate. They do this by affecting the levels of neurotransmitters within the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine, by blocking or binding to their receptors. This allows more neurotransmitters be released, and helps messages between neurons be more effectively transmitted and received.
Doctors sometimes prescribe antidepressants in addition to stimulants for ADHD. The majority of antidepressants doctors prescribe for ADHD affect the levels of norepinephrine dopamine and serotonin in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibiters are a great option for those suffering from depression or anxiety. These drugs are typically combined with stimulants to boost their effectiveness. Other reasons your doctor might switch between non-stimulant and stimulant medication is if the previous medication isn't working, or causes intolerable side effects.
Long-acting
Stimulants help about 70%-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. They can reduce symptoms such as fidgeting and talking over others. They also enhance job performance and social skills.
Stimulant medications begin to work when they pass through the blood-brain barrier which can take anywhere between 45 and 60 minutes. They increase the levels dopamine and Norepinephrine within brain cells which reduces the amount of hyperactivity and impulseivity. FDA-approved stimulant medications use one of two molecules: methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). The stimulants can cause adverse effects like nausea, loss of appetite and increased blood pressure. They can also trigger headaches and anxiety. They can also make tics more severe and can cause problems sleeping in some people.
Long-acting stimulants, like Strattera or Wellbutrin, are effective day and night. The short-acting drugs only last for a short period of time. They can be used to treat other conditions like anxiety or depression.
These medications work by changing the ways your body regulates chemicals called monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases are enzymes that break down dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These chemicals remain in the body for longer if they're not broken down. This could affect your behavior and your thinking. Long-acting drugs can have lesser adverse effects, and your doctor will prescribe them in smaller doses that you consume throughout the day.
Some stimulants are available in extended release form that you can consume once every day. This is a good option for some adults, but it's important to remember that you take them each day.
SSRIs and other medications have shown to be effective in treating ADHD in many adults. These medications are usually prescribed for anxiety or depression but they can also be prescribed for ADHD. Around 70% of people react to these drugs. 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 cause severe side effects like ringing in the ears, anxiety, and changes to vision and heart and lung function in some individuals.
Short-acting
Stimulant medication helps reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. These two chemicals aid people to manage their behavior and stay focused. They come in a variety of different forms and each has its own brand, like Adderall Vyvanse Ritalin Concerta. There are two major kinds of stimulant medications that are methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). They all have similar effects, but their duration of action is different. The methylphenidates can have a shorter-lasting effect lasting for up to three hours. Amphetamines on the contrary are more effective.
Some people can tolerate stimulant medication better than others, which is why your doctor might prescribe them. It is crucial to know all you can about the medication, including potential side effects, how often it should be taken and any special warnings that should be observed. This will help you and your doctor determine the best medication for you.
These medications can also cause some adverse side effects such as insomnia, or a loss of appetite. Consult your physician if you experience these adverse effects. You may have to adjust the dosage or try another drug.
Adults with ADHD who don't respond well to stimulants may be treated with non-stimulant drugs that take longer to start working but increase the capacity of an individual to pay attention and control impulses. These medications can be prescribed in combination or as a single dose.
The first of these is atomoxetine (brand names Strattera and Qelbree) that is a stimulant of norepinephrine and dopamine in the prefrontal brain which regulates behavior. Another is Guanfacine (brand name Intuniv), which belongs to a group of medications known as alpha agonists. These work by blocking the reuptake of brain chemicals and increasing their concentration in the bloodstream. Guanfacine, originally developed to treat high blood pressure, has been proven to be effective in treating ADHD.
Combinations
People suffering from ADHD make use of a variety drug combinations. These include stimulants combined with depressants like the guanfacine or clonidine. These drugs can have a calming effect on the brain, and can decrease symptoms like insomnia and aggressive behavior. They also help to prevent withdrawal symptoms from stimulants. This combination could be risky but only should it not be used properly. Taking two stimulants at the simultaneously increases the risk of developing serotonin syndrome, a type of drug emergency that happens when the body has too much serotonin. This combination can also increase blood pressure and heart rate. People with heart disease or high blood pressure are at greater chance of experiencing adverse reactions from this medication.
Combinations of stimulants are increasingly being used by teens and young adults. These drugs, which are available in pharmacies, are called "legal highs". These drugs are also sold on the black market. These substances are dangerous, especially if combined with alcohol or other substances. This is known as polydrug usage and can be very dangerous. Mixing drugs can cause unpredictability and negative consequences. This includes an increase in heart rate, reduced respiration, paranoia and hallucinations.
Combination therapy is more effective than monopharmacotherapy when it comes to treating ADHD according to an investigation. Combining medications increased adherence and enabled patients to experience better relief from symptoms than monotherapy. Some patients, however stopped their treatment due to side effects. In a few instances the medication was stopped due to sleep problems or worsening tics. This could be the result of poor diagnosis or a inaccessibility to medications.
Nonstimulants are an alternative treatment for ADHD. They can be effective in enhancing 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 affect appetite. Some antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD, but they have a less chance of enhancing focus and concentration.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that atomoxetine and methylphenidate (Concerta) can be combined to produce superior results than either on its own. Combining the two drugs was shown to increase adherence and reduce side effects in most people. The combination was effective for young adults and adolescents. This combination may be an option for children suffering from severe ADHD.