ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medication is the first-line treatment for ADHD. They have a long history of a strong response, a high tolerance and safety across the life span.
It's important to find the right dosage and medication that can ease your child's or your own symptoms without causing adverse consequences. It usually takes many trials and trial and open dialogue with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that increase the activity of the central nervous system. Students, athletes, artists, workers, and others use them to enhance their performance and cognitive abilities. They are also used in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) and binge eating disorder, and other anxiety disorders. Amphetamines, methylphenidates, and other stimulant medications are the most frequently used.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in extended-release and immediate-release formulas. Immediate-release medication is usually taken every 4 hours. If they are not taken as often they can trigger an abrupt and brief decrease in energy. The crash can trigger extreme craving, mood swings and fatigue. Immediate-release medication can also increase heart rate and blood pressure for some people, particularly when they don't eat enough.
Extended-release medicines are designed to release active ingredients over a time of between 8 and 16 hours. Your doctor may recommend this type of medication if you are looking for lasting symptom control and do not need to take a pill multiple times per day. Methylphenidate products that fall into the extended-release category include Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. Another alternative is the methylphenidate long-acting patch known as Daytrana that adheres to the skin as a band-aid and lasts all day. This type of medication can be prescribed to adults with ADHD and need daily doses that last longer than the immediate-release options.
Stimulant medications do 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 affect the levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This permits the release of more neurotransmitters which aids in the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.
In addition to stimulants, doctors may prescribe antidepressants for ADHD. Most antidepressants doctors prescribe for ADHD are based on the norepinephrine and dopamine levels in your brain. One class, referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is a good option for people who have depression or anxiety. These medications are usually combined with stimulants to enhance their effectiveness. Your doctor may switch between stimulant and a non-stimulant medication in the event that your current medication isn't working or causes an unacceptable adverse effects.
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Stimulants can help 70%-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. They help reduce symptoms such as fidgeting, over-talking, and losing focus in conversations or on tasks. They also enhance social skills and job performance.
Stimulant medications start working as soon as they cross the blood-brain barrier which takes about 45 to 60 minutes. They boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in brain cells, which decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. FDA-approved stimulant medications use one of two molecules called the methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). The stimulants can cause adverse effects like nausea and loss of appetite. They can also cause increased blood pressure. They can also cause anxiety and headaches. They can also make tics worse and trigger sleep problems in some people.
Long-acting stimulants, such as Strattera or Wellbutrin, work all day and night. Short-acting medications are only effective for a few hours. They also aid in other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
These medications work by changing the way your body regulates chemicals known as monoamine oxides. Monoamine oxidases break down dopamine within the brain and other neurotransmitters. These chemicals stay in your body longer if they are not broken down. This could affect your behavior and your thinking. Long-acting medication can have fewer negative effects. Your doctor may prescribe smaller doses, which you can take throughout the day.
Some stimulants are available in extended-release forms that you take every day. Some adults may find this more convenient however, you must keep in mind to take the stimulants every day.
SSRIs and other medicines have been proven to be effective in treating ADHD in a variety of adults. These are usually prescribed for anxiety or depression however they can also be prescribed for ADHD and around 70% of people respond. Bupropion, also referred to as Wellbutrin is an SSRI approved for ADHD. It was found to be more efficient in a controlled research than placebos. These SSRIs can cause serious side effects such as ringing in the ears anxiety, a change to vision and lung and heart function in some people.
Short-acting
The stimulant drugs work to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These two chemicals aid people to manage their behavior and stay focused. They are available in numerous varieties, and each has its own brand name, such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are two main types of stimulant medications: the methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and the amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). All have similar effects, however they differ in their duration of effect. The methylphenidates may produce a less lasting effect, lasting for up to three hours. Amphetamines on the contrary on the other hand, have a longer-lasting impact.
Certain people are more able to tolerate long-acting stimulant medication than short-acting medications which is why your doctor may prescribe this type. It is crucial to know all you can about the medication and its potential side effects, how often it is recommended to take it and any specific warnings that must be followed. This will allow you to collaborate with your doctor to determine the best medication and dose for you.
These medications can also trigger some adverse side effects such as difficulty sleeping or loss in appetite. If these occur, talk to your doctor about changing the dosage or attempting different medications.
Adults with ADHD who are unable to respond to stimulants well can be treated with nonstimulant medication. These medicines take longer to effect but improve the ability to pay attention and manage impulses. These medications can be prescribed alone or in conjunction with stimulants.
The first of these is atomoxetine (brand names Strattera and Qelbree) It is a stimulant of norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex, which controls behavior. Another is guanfacine (brand name Intuniv), which belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha agonists. These drugs work by blocking the reuptake process and increasing the amount of brain chemicals in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was originally designed to treat high blood pressure, has been proved to be effective in treating ADHD.
Combinations
People suffering from ADHD utilize a variety of drug combinations. This includes stimulants that are depressant-type drugs such as the guanfacine and clonidine. These drugs can have a calming affect on the brain and help reduce symptoms like insomnia and aggressive behavior. They can also prevent the withdrawal symptoms of stimulants. This combination could be dangerous however, should it not be used properly. Combining two stimulants at the simultaneously increases the risk of developing serotonin syndrome, an emergency drug that occurs when the body has too many serotonin. This combination may also increase the blood pressure and heart rate. The risks of taking this medication are greater for people with pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Young adults and teens are increasingly consuming stimulant mixtures. These are commonly referred to as "legal highs" and are sold in pharmacies. They are also available on the black market. These substances can be dangerous particularly when they are combined with alcohol or other drugs. This is referred to as polydrug usage and is extremely risky. Mixing drugs can cause unpredictably harmful effects, including increased heart rate, slowed breathing, paranoia, hallucinations seizures, addiction and hallucinations.
A study showed that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy when treating ADHD. Combining medications helped improve adherence and helped patients achieve more relief from symptoms than monotherapy. Some patients, however were unable to continue treatment due side effects. In some instances the medication was removed due to sleep issues or worsening of tics. This could be a result of poor diagnosis or a inaccessibility to medications.
Nonstimulants are an alternative treatment for ADHD. These medications improve the ability to focus and control impulses, but they don't work as well as stimulants. They are less likely to inhibit appetite and growth. Certain antidepressants can also be prescribed for ADHD however they have a less chance of enhancing concentration and focus.
In a number of studies, atomoxetine (Concerta) when combined with methylphenidate, gave better results than either drug on its alone. Combining these two medications improved adherence and reduced side effects for most people. The combination was also effective in young adults and adolescents. This combination could be a viable option for children with severe ADHD.