ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant drugs are the first line treatment for ADHD. They have a history of a strong response, good tolerance, and safety throughout the lifespan.
It is important to choose the right dosage and medication that eases your or your child's symptoms without side negative effects. This usually requires many trials and trial and regular communication with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs which increase the activity of the central nervous system. They are widely used as enhancement of cognitive and performance by athletes, students as well as artists and workers. They also serve to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as narcolepsy, binge eating disorder, and other anxiety disorders. Amphetamines and methylphenidates as well as other stimulant medications are the most commonly used.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in immediate-release and extended-release formulas. The immediate-release medication is usually taken every four hours as required. When they stop working they can cause a sudden and short-term loss of energy. The crash can result in severe mood swings, hunger, and fatigue. Instant-release medication can also increase blood pressure and heartbeat in certain people. This is especially the case when they do not eat enough.
Extended-release medication is formulated to release its active ingredients over a period of 8 to 16 hours. Your doctor may suggest this type of medication if your goal is long-lasting control of symptoms without having to take a pill multiple times per day. Methylphenidate products in the extended-release category include Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. Another option is the long-acting methylphenidate patch, known as Daytrana which adheres to the skin as a band-aid and lasts for the entire day. This kind of medication can be prescribed to adults with ADHD and need a daily dosage that lasts longer than immediate-release options.
Stimulant medication doesn't treat ADHD However, they can assist in managing symptoms by enhancing the way that neurons in the brain communicate with each with each other. They do this by affecting the levels of neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. This is done by blocking or binding to their receptors. This allows 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 doctors prescribe for ADHD alter the levels of norepinephrine serotonin, and dopamine in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibiters are a great option for those suffering from depression or anxiety. These medications are usually mixed with stimulants to increase their effectiveness. Another reason your doctor might switch between non-stimulant and stimulant medications are if your old medication isn't working or has undesirable side effects.
Long-acting
Stimulants aid in the treatment of 70% to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. They can reduce symptoms such as the tendency to fidget and talk over others. They can also improve job performance and social abilities.
The stimulant medication begins to work as soon as it crosses the blood-brain barriers which can take between 45 and 60 minutes. They boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in brain cells, which decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. A stimulant drug that is FDA-approved uses one of two molecules, methylphenidate (Adderall Ritalin Vyvanse Concerta) or amphetamine (Ritalin Adderall XR Vyvanse Vyvanse). Stimulants may cause negative side effects, such as nausea and loss of appetite. They can also cause increased blood pressure. They can also trigger anxiety and headaches. They can also make tics worse and cause sleep problems in certain people.
Long-acting stimulants (such as Strattera and Wellbutrin) can be used throughout the day and night unlike the short-acting drugs which last only for a couple of hours. They can also be used to treat other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
The medications affect how your body regulates monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases break down dopamine in the brain, along with other neurotransmitters. These chemicals remain in the body for longer if they're not broken down. This can affect your behavior and thinking. Long-acting medications can have fewer adverse effects, and your doctor may prescribe them in smaller doses that you take throughout the day.
Certain stimulants are available as extended-release versions that you can take once a day. This is a good option for some adults, however it's crucial to remember that you should take them daily.
Other medications have been shown to be effective in treating many people suffering from ADHD, including selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications are usually prescribed for anxiety or depression however they can also be prescribed for ADHD. About 70% of patients respond to these drugs. Bupropion, also known as Wellbutrin is an SSRI approved for ADHD. It was proven to be more efficient in a controlled research than placebos. These drugs can cause serious adverse effects, including hearing ringing, anxiety and changes in heart and lung function.
Short-acting
The stimulant medication helps reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain. These are the two chemical compounds that aid people in focusing and manage their behavior. They are available in many forms, and each has its own brand name, such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are two major types of stimulant drugs that are methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and the amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). All have similar effects, but their duration of action varies. The methylphenidates can produce a less lasting effect, lasting for up to three hours. Amphetamines on the other on the other hand, have a longer-lasting impact.
Certain people are tolerant of stimulant drugs better than others, so your doctor might prescribe them. It is important to learn all you can about the drug that you are taking, including the possible side effects, how often it should be taken, and any special warnings that should be heeded. medication for adult adhd will assist you and your doctor decide on the right medication for you.
These medications may also cause adverse side effects, like insomnia or a decrease in appetite. Consult your physician if you experience these adverse effects. You may have to alter your dosage or try a different drug.
Adults with ADHD, who do not respond well to stimulants can be treated with nonstimulant medication. These medicines require longer time to work, but they improve the capacity to focus and manage impulses. These medications are available either in combination or on their own.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera or Qelbree, is the first. It works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the prefrontal cortex, which regulates the behavior. Another is guanfacine (brand name Intuniv) that belongs to a class of medications known as alpha agonists. They work by preventing the absorption of these brain chemicals and increasing their level in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was developed for high blood pressure, but it has also been proven to aid people suffering from ADHD.
Combinations
There are a variety of drug combinations that are used by people with ADHD. This includes stimulants that are depressant-type drugs such as clonidine and guanfacine. These drugs can have a calming effect on the brain and can help reduce symptoms like sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. They can also prevent the withdrawal symptoms caused by stimulants. This combination can be dangerous however, if it is not used properly. Combining two stimulants at same time increases the risk of developing serotonin syndrome, which is an emergency drug that occurs when the body is overloaded with much serotonin. This combination may also increase blood pressure and heart rate. The risks of using this medication are greater for people with pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Young adults and teens are increasingly using stimulant combinations. These are commonly described as "legal highs" and are readily available at pharmacies. They are also available on the black market. These substances are dangerous, especially when combined with alcohol and other substances. The use of multiple drugs can be risky. Mixing drugs can cause dangerous and unpredictable consequences. They include an increase in heart rate, decreased breathing, hallucinations and paranoia.
A study concluded that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy in treating ADHD. Combining medications improved adherence, and allowed patients to achieve better relief from symptoms than monotherapy. However some patients halted their treatment due to side effects. In a few cases the medication was stopped because of sleep problems or worsening tics. This could be the result of a poor diagnosis or lack of access to medication.
Nonstimulants are also used to treat ADHD. They help improve attention span and impulse regulation however they are not as effective as stimulants. They are also less likely to inhibit growth and affect appetite. Certain antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD. However they have a less chance of improving focus and concentration.
In a variety of studies, atomoxetine (Concerta) in combination with methylphenidate produced 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 was beneficial for adolescents and young adults. This combination could be a viable solution for children suffering from severe ADHD.