ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant drugs are the first line treatment for ADHD. They have a track record of a strong response, good tolerance, and safety throughout the entire life span.
It is important to choose the right medication and dosage that relieves your child's or your own symptoms without side effects. This can take a lot trial and error, as and a clear dialogue with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that increase activity in the central nervous system. They are widely used as stimulants for cognitive enhancement and performance by athletes, students, artists, and workers. They are also employed for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder and some anxiety disorders. Amphetamines, methylphenidates, and other stimulant medications are among the most commonly used.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in both extended-release and immediate-release formulations. Immediate-release medications are usually taken every four hours, as required. They can cause sudden, temporary decrease in energy called a crash after they wear off. The crash could cause extreme hunger, mood swings, and fatigue. Immediate-release medication can also increase blood pressure and heartbeat in certain people. This is especially the case when they don't take enough food.
Extended-release medications are designed to release active ingredients over a time of 8-16 hours. Your doctor may recommend this type of medication if you are looking for long-lasting symptom control without having to take a pill several times per day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate medications. Another option is the long-acting methylphenidate patch called Daytrana that adheres to the skin as a band-aid and lasts all day. This type of medication is usually given to people with ADHD who require a daily dose that lasts longer than the immediate-release options.
Stimulant medication does not cure ADHD but it can assist manage the symptoms by improving the way neurons in the brain communicate. They do this by affecting the levels of neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They do this by blocking or binding to their receptors. This allows more neurotransmitters be released and helps messages between neurons be more efficiently sent and received.
In addition to stimulants, doctors may prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD. The majority of antidepressants that doctors prescribe for ADHD affect the levels of norepinephrine serotonin, and dopamine in your brain. One of the groups, called selective serotonin receptor inhibitors, is a good choice for people who have depression or anxiety. These medications are often mixed with stimulants to increase their effectiveness. Your doctor may change between stimulant and a non-stimulant medication in the event that your current medication isn't effective or has intolerable adverse effects.
Long-acting
Between 70 and 70% to with ADHD benefit from stimulants. They help reduce symptoms like fidgeting and talking over others. They also help improve job performance and social skills.
Stimulant medications begin to work as soon as they cross the blood-brain barrier which can take anywhere between 45 and 60 minutes. They increase the levels dopamine and Norepinephrine between brain cells, which decreases the intensity of impulses and hyperactivity. The FDA-approved stimulant medication consists of one of two molecules, methylphenidate, (Adderall Ritalin Vyvanse Concerta) or amphetamine (Ritalin Adderall XR Vyvanse Vyvanse). These stimulants can cause adverse effects including upset stomach weight loss, an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, headaches, and anxiety or nervousness. They can also make tics worse, and they may cause problems sleeping in some people.
Long-acting stimulants, like Strattera or Wellbutrin, can be used day and night. Short-acting medications are only effective for a few hours. They also aid in other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
These medicines work by altering the way that your body regulates chemical called monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases break down dopamine inside the brain, along with other neurotransmitters. These chemicals stay in your body for longer if they're not broken down. This could affect your behavior and thinking. Long-acting drugs can have lesser side effects, and your doctor will prescribe smaller doses of the drugs that you take throughout the day.
Certain stimulants are available in extended-release formulations that you take every day. This is a good option for some adults, however it's important to remember that you take them each day.
Other medications have been proven to be effective in treating many adults suffering from ADHD such as selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are typically prescribed for depression or anxiety however they can also be prescribed for ADHD. About 70% of people react to these medications. Bupropion, also called Wellbutrin, is an SSRI approved for ADHD. It was shown to be more efficient in a controlled research than placebos. These medications can trigger serious side effects, like ringing of the ears anxiety, changes in heart and lung function.
Short-acting
Stimulant medications reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These are two chemicals that help people focus and regulate their behavior. These drugs come in many different forms and each has its own brand, such as Adderall Vyvanse Ritalin Concerta. There are two primary kinds of stimulant drugs amphetamines and methylphenidates. They all have similar effects, but their duration of action differs. The methylphenidates have a shorter-lasting effect lasting for up to three hours. Amphetamines on the contrary on the other hand, have a longer-lasting impact.
Certain people are tolerant of stimulant drugs better than others, which is why your doctor may prescribe them. It is crucial to know as much as you can about the medication. This includes any adverse effects, the frequency at which it should be taken and any warnings. This will aid you and your doctor decide on the right medication for you.
These medications may also cause some negative side effects like insomnia or a loss of appetite. If you experience these issues you should talk to your doctor about changing the dosage or attempting different medications.
Adults suffering from ADHD, who do not respond to stimulants well are treated with nonstimulant medications. These drugs take longer to effect but can improve the ability to pay attention and control impulses. These medications can be prescribed either in combination or on their own.
The first one is atomoxetine (brand names Strattera and Qelbree) It works by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex which regulates the way we behave. Another is guanfacine (brand name Intuniv) is a member to a class of medications called alpha agonists. They work by preventing the release of these brain chemicals, and increasing their level in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was initially developed to treat high blood pressure, has now been proven to be effective in treating ADHD.
Combinations
People with ADHD utilize a variety of drug combinations. These include stimulants with depressant type drugs like Guanfacine and Clonidine. These drugs may be calming for the brain, and reduce symptoms like insomnia and aggressive behavior. They also help prevent the onset of withdrawal from stimulants. This combination could be dangerous however, if it is not used correctly. Serotonin Syndrome is a medical emergency that occurs when there is an excess of serotonin in the body. This combination can also raise the heart rate and blood pressure. adult adhd medication of taking this drug are higher for those with pre-existing health conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
Combinations of stimulants are increasingly being used by teens and young adults. These drugs, which are available in pharmacies, are known as "legal highs". These drugs are also sold on the black market. These substances can be hazardous especially when mixed with alcohol and other substances. This is referred to as polydrug use, and is extremely risky. Mixing drugs can cause dangerous and unpredictable consequences. They include an increase in heart rate, slowed respiration, paranoia and hallucinations.
A study found that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy in treating ADHD. Combining medications helped improve adherence and allowed patients to achieve more relief from symptoms than monotherapy. Many patients, however, stopped their treatment due to side effects. In a few cases the medication was stopped because of sleep problems or worsening tics. This could be a result of poor diagnosis or a lack of access to medication.
Nonstimulants are also used to treat ADHD. These drugs enhance the quality of attention and impulse control, but they don't work like stimulants do. They are also less likely to inhibit growth and reduce appetite. Some antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD however, they are less likely of enhancing concentration and focus.
In a variety of studies, atomoxetine (Concerta) when combined with methylphenidate, gave better results than any other drug taken on its alone. Combining these two medications was proven to increase adherence and decrease the risk of adverse reactions in a majority of people. The combination was also effective in young adults and adolescents. This combination could be a viable option for children suffering from severe ADHD.