ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant drugs are the first line treatment for ADHD. They have a long history of robust response, good tolerance, and safety over the lifespan.
It is essential to choose the right dosage and medication that eases your child's or your own symptoms without causing side effects. This can take a lot trial and error as and a clear communication with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that boost activity in the central nervous system. They are widely used as enhancement of cognitive and performance by athletes, students artists, workers, and students. They are also used in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) as well as eating disorders that cause binge eating, and other anxiety disorders. The most popular stimulant drugs are amphetamines and methylphenidates.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in both prolonged-release and immediate-release formulations. Immediate-release medications are usually taken every four hours, as needed. If they are not taken as often, they can cause sudden and temporary loss of energy. The crash can result in severe mood swings, hunger, and fatigue. Immediate-release medications also can increase heart rate and blood pressure in certain people, particularly those who don't eat enough.
Extended-release medicines are formulated to release its active ingredients over 8-16 hours. Your doctor may suggest this type of medication if you want long-lasting control of symptoms without having to take a pill multiple times a day. Methylphenidate products in the extended-release category include Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. Daytrana is a methylphenidate that acts long-lastingly product that adheres to your skin like a bandage and is able to last for the entire day. This kind of medicine can be prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD and require a daily dosage that lasts longer than the immediate-release options.
Stimulant medication doesn't treat ADHD however they can aid in managing symptoms by improving the way neurons in the brain communicate with each other. By blocking or binding their receptors they can affect the levels of neurotransmitters, like dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. This allows more neurotransmitters to be released, and it aids in ensuring that messages between neurons are more efficiently sent and received.
In addition to stimulants, doctors can prescribe antidepressants for ADHD. medication for adhd adults of antidepressants that doctors prescribe for ADHD alter the levels of norepinephrine serotonin, and dopamine in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibiters are a great choice for people suffering from depression or anxiety. These drugs are typically mixed with stimulants to increase their effectiveness. Another reason your doctor might switch you between stimulant and non-stimulant medications are if your old 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 reduce symptoms like the tendency to fidget and talk over others. They also help improve job performance and social skills.
The stimulant medication starts to work as soon as it crosses the blood-brain boundaries, which takes 45-60 minutes. They increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels between brain cells, which decreases the impulsivity and hyperactivity. A stimulant drug that is FDA-approved uses one of two molecules, methylphenidate (Adderall Ritalin Vyvanse Concerta) or amphetamine (Ritalin Adderall XR Vyvanse Vyvanse). These stimulants can cause adverse effects such as stomach upset decreased appetite, elevated blood pressure and heart rate headaches, as well as anxiety or nervousness. They can also make tics worse and can cause sleep problems in some people.
Long-acting stimulants, like Strattera or Wellbutrin, work day and night. Short-acting medications only last a few hours. They can also aid with other disorders like depression or anxiety.
These medications work by changing the way your body regulates monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases are enzymes which break down dopamine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. These chemicals remain in the body for longer if they're not broken down. This could affect your behavior and thinking. Long-acting medications can have fewer adverse effects. Your doctor will prescribe smaller doses, which you can take throughout the day.
Certain stimulants are available in extended-release versions that you can take once a day. This may be more convenient for some adults, but it's important to remember that you should take them daily.
Other medications have been shown to be effective for a lot of people suffering from ADHD, including selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). They are typically prescribed to treat anxiety or depression however they can also be prescribed for ADHD and 70% of people are able to respond. 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 can trigger serious side effects, like hearing ringing anxiety, changes in heart, vision and lung function.
Short-acting
The stimulant drugs work to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. These two chemicals aid people to manage their behavior and improve their focus. These drugs come in many different forms and each comes with its own distinct brand, like Adderall Vyvanse Ritalin Concerta. There are two major kinds of stimulant drugs such as the methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). All have similar effects, but their duration of action varies. The methylphenidates produce less lasting effects that can last for up to three hours, whereas the amphetamines are more long-lasting.
Some people are better at absorbing stimulant drugs that have a long-acting effect than those with short-acting stimulants and therefore, your doctor might prescribe this kind of drug. It is crucial to know everything you can about the drug, including potential side effects, how often it should be taken and any special warnings that should be heeded. This will allow you to work with your doctor to determine the best medication and dose for you.
It is important to know that these drugs can cause some negative side effects, such as problems sleeping or loss of appetite. Consult your physician when you experience these side effects. You may need to alter the dosage or even try a different medication.
Adults suffering from ADHD, who do not respond to stimulants well, may be treated with non-stimulant drugs. These drugs take longer to effect but they improve the capacity to pay attention and to manage impulses. These drugs can be prescribed as a stand-alone or together with stimulants.
The first one is atomoxetine (brand names Strattera and Qelbree) that is a stimulant of norepinephrine and dopamine in the prefrontal cortex which regulates the behavior. Guanfacine, also referred to as Intuniv is part of the group of drugs called alpha-agonists. They work by preventing the reuptake 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 help those suffering from ADHD.
Combinations
People suffering from ADHD make use of a variety drug combinations. These include stimulants and depressants like the guanfacine or clonidine. These drugs can have a calming affect on the brain, and can reduce symptoms such as sleeplessness and aggressive behaviour. They also aid in preventing withdrawal symptoms from stimulants. However, this combination can be risky if properly used. Taking two stimulants at the same time increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, a drug emergency that occurs when the body has too excessive serotonin. This combination can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. The risks of taking this drug are higher for those with pre-existing health conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Young adults and teenagers are increasingly consuming stimulant mixtures. These substances, which are sold in pharmacies, are called "legal highs". They are also available on the black market. These substances are dangerous especially when mixed with alcohol or other drugs. This is known as polydrug use, and can be very dangerous. Mixing drugs can cause unpredictably harmful effects, such as increased heart rate, slowed breathing, hallucinations, paranoia, seizures and addiction.
A study showed that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy in treating ADHD. Combined medication improved adherence and allowed patients to achieve more symptom relief than monotherapy. Many patients, however, stopped their treatment due to side effects. In some cases it is possible that the medication has been removed due to sleep issues or worsening of tics. This could be due to a poor diagnosis or lack of medication.
Nonstimulants are also used to treat ADHD. These medications help improve the quality of attention and impulse control however they are not as effective as stimulants. They are less likely to inhibit appetite and increase. Certain antidepressants can also be prescribed for ADHD, but they have a less chance of enhancing focus and concentration.
In a variety of studies, atomoxetine (Concerta) when combined with methylphenidate produced better results than either drug on its alone. Combining these two medications was found to improve adherence and reduce adverse effects in the majority of people. The combination was also successful in adolescents and young adults. This combination may be a viable solution for children with severe ADHD.