ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
For many people stimulant medications are the first choice for treating ADHD. But for some, they cause side effects or do not help.
Some doctors prescribe stimulants along with non-stimulant ADHD medications. These include medications that treat high blood-pressure like clonidine or Guanfacine (Tenex). They also include others that act to promote awakening.
Benefits
Stimulants are the first medications doctors prescribe to treat ADHD. They help improve communication between brain nerves. These medications boost levels of neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers like dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves concentration and decrease excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs are available in various forms, but they all belong to two categories of drugs amphetamines and methylphenidates. They are controlled substances due to the possibility of their potential abuse. The dosage, distribution, and usage of these drugs are tightly regulated.
Doctors can prescribe a mixture of non-stimulant and stimulant medications. They may do this due to a stimulant not effective enough, or because of side effects that are too extreme, or because the person is suffering from a mental illness that requires treatment. Adults and children often receive combination treatments.
Viloxazine, Guanfacine, and Atomoxetine are medications that are not stimulants. These drugs are well-tolerated and don't carry the same risk of addiction or abuse like stimulants. They may take longer to be effective and last less than stimulants however, they can be effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
The majority of people who use non-stimulant ADHD medication report mild to moderate side effects, such as headaches, stomach upsets dry mouth, and a general feeling of sleepiness. Some people may have trouble staying awake when taking these drugs. However, this is less of an issue for children than adults.
If you're thinking about taking medication to manage your or your child's ADHD discuss with your doctor about it. They'll explain the various medications available along with the advantages and risks of each, as well as how to begin. They'll also assist you in finding the right dosage and medication that is most suitable for you.
It could require a few tries to find the right medication and dosage. The aim is to manage ADHD symptoms with as little adverse effects as is possible. Once you've found the right medication, you should stick with it. If you stop taking it your symptoms will return. Most people with ADHD will require these drugs for the rest of their lives.
Dosage
Stimulant medications like Adderall (methylphenidate/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) increase levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which boosts communication between nerves. This improves concentration, focus and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. It's the first type of medication doctors often prescribe for ADHD. It's not suitable for everyone, and it could cause adverse effects that are unpalatable.
Non-stimulant drugs, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv (guanfacine) are FDA-approved for treating ADHD in adults. They alleviate symptoms by acting directly on the prefrontal cortices in the brain, resulting in an euphoric effect. They are typically employed in conjunction with stimulant medication, or if the stimulant medication doesn't work for you.
Both atomoxetine (also called Guanfacine) and guanfacine are part of the class of alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists drugs. This means that they work by blocking receptors that send dopamine from one cell to another. This allows for other chemicals to enter the brain such as norepinephrine. This chemical is calming and improves attention, as well as reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity.
While the amphetamine and methylphenidate classes of medications are very efficient in reducing or eliminating ADHD symptoms but they are also prone to the risk for misuse, addiction and overdose. They're classified as controlled substances and have "boxed warnings" that warn patients of these risks. These drugs are also subject to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants begin working within 30 minutes and last for between 3 and 4 hours. They can be taken up to three times per day. Intermediate and long-acting stimulates require longer to work, but they may provide relief from symptoms for 8-16 hours. These stimulants can be used daily in the event that you are struggling to remember to take your medication each day at the same time.
Some suffer from the rebound effect as their medication wears off, and their symptoms revert to their previous levels. This can lead to short-lived fatigue, mood swings and intense hunger. This can be prevented by changing the dosage, time it is taken, or the kind of medication. If you're experiencing this problem consult your physician about the best way to make adjustments to your medication.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD medications increase dopamine levels in the brain, which can help improve focus and reducing impulsive and hyperactive behavior. They may also improve memory and reduce aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These drugs are usually taken orally in capsules but some children use them as chewable tablets or drops. Stimulants have the potential to cause side effects, including dry mouth, reduced appetite, and difficulty sleeping. In some cases these effects are not serious and go away when the medication wears off. In other instances they may be more serious and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medication helps manage ADHD symptoms by targeting neurotransmitters inside the brain. They also have an lower risk of dependence or addiction than stimulants. Common side effects of these medications include drowsiness, loss of appetite and dizziness. To minimize drowsiness, take the medication earlier in your day, eat before the medication starts to take effect, and avoid caffeinated drinks.
Many people find that they are more responsive to the extended release versions of these medications. This is because these formulations build up gradually in the body, decreasing the possibility of the drug wearing off too quickly and making symptoms return more severe than before. They also make it easier to remember to take your medication, especially when you or your child is having difficulty keeping track of several pill bottles.
Most children and adults who are taking medication for ADHD will experience at least some side effects. These side effects can be managed by observing the reactions of your child or yourself, and adjusting the dosage and following the prescribed dosage. If you or your child experiences unpleasant or dangerous adverse effects, consult an expert in mental health regarding the possibility of switching to a different kind of medication.
Sometimes, it can take time to find the right medication for a child with ADHD. In addition, it's not uncommon for a doctor to switch you or your child between the two categories of medications--stimulant and non-stimulant--because one isn't effective or causes intolerable side effects.
Monitoring
The most important thing to remember about ADHD medication is that it can help manage your symptoms but it's not an effective cure. Your doctor might need to monitor your child or you and alter the dosage until it's effective at controlling your symptoms with minimal side consequences. Medication is usually only one element of the treatment strategy for ADHD as is therapy as well as support from family and teachers.
The most common ADHD drugs are stimulant medicines. They function by increasing brain chemicals that help improve concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can cause a variety of adverse effects, such as loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, stomachaches, headaches, anxiety, a higher heart rate and sometimes shaky hands.
It can be challenging to determine the proper dosage and medication for your child or yourself. Sometimes, it takes several weeks to several months before the benefits of the medication are evident. In this time it is crucial to follow the instructions of your doctor carefully and report any adverse effects.
While stimulants offer the benefit of being fast-acting, they can have a higher risk of abuse and dependence. This is one reason why many stay clear of them, especially young children and adolescents. Non-stimulant medications can be just as efficient and are a good alternative for those who cannot take the adverse effects of stimulants.
There are many different kinds of non-stimulant medications, including atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as dextroamphetamine (Ritalin), and Guanfacine (Concerta). A number of these medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat various conditions however, they can also be employed "off-label" to treat ADHD.
best adhd medication for adults has found that long-term ADHD medication usage is associated with an increase in CVD risk. The risk was increased with the amount of medication taken and was more prevalent in both genders. Researchers recommend that patients be monitored closely and have regular health screenings. This is particularly true for people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. This is especially important if there is a family history or early cardiovascular disease.