ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
Stimulant drugs are the most popular treatment for ADHD, and for many people, they work effectively. Some people have adverse reactions or they don't work for everyone.
Doctors often prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medications instead, or in conjunction with stimulants. These include medicines that treat high blood-pressure like clonidine or Guanfacine (Tenex). These are in addition to other medicines that aid in promoting the state of being awake.
Benefits
The first prescription medication doctors recommend to treat ADHD is stimulants. They help improve communication between nerves in the brain. These medications increase levels of neurotransmitters or chemical messengers like dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness. These drugs are available in various forms and are classified into two categories amphetamines or methylphenidates. Because of their potential for abuse, they are classified as controlled substances. The dosage, distribution and usage of these drugs are strictly controlled.
Doctors may prescribe a combination medication which includes stimulants and nonstimulants. They may do this due to a stimulant not effective enough, or due to the fact that side effects are too extreme, or because the person is suffering from a mental illness that requires treatment. Combination treatments are commonplace for both adults and children.
Viloxazine and Guanfacine as well as Atomoxetine are all non-stimulant drugs. They are generally well-tolerated and don't carry the same risk for abuse or addiction that stimulants do. They may take longer to get started and don't last as long as stimulants, however they're often effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD.
The majority of people who use non-stimulant ADHD medication have mild to moderate side effects, including headaches, stomach upsets dry mouth and sleepiness. Some people might struggle to stay awake while taking these drugs but this can be less of an issue for children than for adults.
Consult your physician If you or your child is contemplating medication for ADHD. They'll explain what medication is available, the benefits and risks of each, as well as how to get started. They'll also help you choose the medication and dosage that's right for you.
It could take a few attempts to determine the correct dosage and medication. The goal is to control ADHD symptoms with as little adverse effects as is possible. Once you've found the right medication, it is best to keep it in place. If you stop taking it, your symptoms will come back. Most people with ADHD will need to take these medications 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. for beginners improves concentration, focus and decreases impulsivity and hyperactivity. It's the first medication that doctors usually prescribe for ADHD. It's not for everyone and it could cause side effects which are intolerable.
Non-stimulant medications, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv (guanfacine) are FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. They alleviate symptoms by directly affecting the prefrontal cortices of the brain, resulting in a calm effect. They are often used in conjunction with stimulant drugs or if the stimulant medication doesn't work for you.
Both atomoxetine (also known as Guanfacine) and guanfacine belong the alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists category of drugs. This means that they work by blocking receptors that transmit dopamine from one cell to another. This allows other chemicals in the brain, like norepinephrine, to reach the brain and cause a calming effect, which enhances attention and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity.
While the methylphenidate and amphetamine classes of drugs are extremely effective in cutting down or eliminating ADHD symptoms but they are also prone to the risk for abuse, addiction, and overdose. These drugs are classified as controlled substances, and they come with "boxed" warnings that alert patients to the dangers. These drugs are also subject to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants kick in within 30-45 minutes of taking them and last 3-4 hours. They can be taken as frequently as three times a day. Intermediate and long-acting stimulants require more time to work however they can provide symptom relief for 8-16 hours. They can be taken only once a day and are a great option if you have trouble remembering to take your medication at the same time every day.
There are some who experience the rebound effect when their medication wears off, and their symptoms revert to their prior levels. This can result in short-term fatigue, a bad attitude, and a heightened hunger. Altering the dosage, time you take it and the type of medication you use can stop this from happening. If you're experiencing this issue discuss with your doctor about making adjustments to your medication.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD medication boosts dopamine levels in brain cells, which aids in concentration and decreases impulse-driven behavior. They may also improve memory and reduce aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These drugs are typically given orally in capsules, however some children can take them in drops or chewable tablets. These stimulants can trigger adverse effects, such as dry mouth, decreased appetite, and trouble sleeping. In some cases these effects are not serious and fade when the medication wears off. In some cases these effects may be serious and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medication can help treat ADHD symptoms by targeting neurotransmitters within the brain. They also have a lower risk for addiction or dependence than stimulants. These drugs can cause drowsiness as well as dizziness. Drowsiness can be reduced by taking the medication earlier in the day, eating meals before the medication begins to work and avoiding caffeine-rich beverages.
Many people discover that they respond better to the long-acting or extended release versions of these medications. This is because these formulas build up gradually in the body, reducing the risk of the drug fading too quickly, making symptoms return more severe than before. They help you remember to take your medication, particularly if either you or your child is having trouble keeping track multiple pill bottles.
Most kids and adults who are taking medication for ADHD will experience at the very least some side effects. These side effects can be managed by keeping track of your child's reactions, making adjustments to the dosage, and taking the medication only as prescribed. If you or your child is experiencing unpleasant or potentially dangerous side effects, talk to a mental health professional about the possibility of switching to a different kind of medication.
Sometimes, it can take time to find the right medication for someone 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 keep in mind about ADHD medication is that it may help manage your symptoms but it's not a cure. Your doctor might need to keep an eye on your child or you and adjust the dosage until it's effective in reducing your symptoms with no adverse consequences. Medication is typically just one element of the treatment strategy for ADHD in addition to therapy and support from family and teachers.
Stimulant medications are the most common ADHD drugs, and they help by increasing levels brain chemicals that improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Some of the side effects include loss of appetite and sleeplessness or sleeping, stomachaches and headaches as well as jitteriness and an increased heart rate.
It can be challenging to determine the appropriate dose and medication for your child or you. Sometimes it can take a few weeks to a few months before the benefits of the medication are evident. During this time, it's crucial to follow your doctor's instructions and report any adverse effects.
While stimulants offer the benefit of being fast-acting, they also be more prone to dependency and abuse. Many people, particularly young adults and children are hesitant to use them due to this. Non-stimulant medications are just as efficient and are a good alternative for those who cannot endure the negative side effects of stimulants.
There are a variety of non-stimulant medicines, such as the atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) and Guanfacine (Concerta). A lot of these medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat other ailments however, they are also utilized "off-label" to treat ADHD.
Recent research has shown that long-term ADHD medication use is associated with an increase in CVD risk. The risk increased with the dosage of the medication and was higher for boys and girls. Researchers recommend that patients be monitored closely and have regular health screenings. This is especially important for people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. This is particularly true if there is an ancestral history of cardiovascular disease.