ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant drugs are the first line treatment for ADHD. They have a long history of a robust response, a high tolerance, and are safe throughout the entire life span.
However, it's important to determine the appropriate medication and dosage that relieves your child's or your own symptoms without causing any adverse side effects. This can take a lot trial and error as and a clear communication with your physician.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that enhance the activity of the central nervous system. They are extensively used as performance enhancement and cognitive enhancers by students, athletes artists, workers, and students. They also serve to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, binge eating disorder, as well as other anxiety disorders. The most popular stimulant drugs are methylphenidates and amphetamines.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in both prolonged-release and immediate-release formulations. In the case of immediate-release, they are typically taken every four hours, as needed. They can trigger a sudden, short-term decrease in energy known as a crash once they are worn off. The crash can trigger extreme craving, mood swings and fatigue. Immediate-release medications also can increase heart rate and blood pressure for some people, particularly those who don't eat enough.
Extended-release medication is formulated to release its active ingredients over the course of 8-16 hours. This kind of medication could be prescribed by your doctor in case you're seeking long-lasting symptoms control without taking pills several times a day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate medications. Daytrana is a methylphenidate that acts long-lastingly product that sticks to your skin like a bandage, and lasts the entire day. This kind of medicine is available to adults suffering from ADHD and require daily doses that last longer than the immediate-release options.
The use of stimulants doesn't solve ADHD, but they can aid in managing symptoms by enhancing the way that neurons in the brain communicate with one and each. They accomplish this by altering the levels of neurotransmitters within the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. This is done by blocking or binding to their receptors. This permits the release of more neurotransmitters which helps to improve the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.
Doctors may prescribe antidepressants in addition to stimulants for ADHD. The majority of antidepressants that doctors prescribe for ADHD affect the levels of norepinephrine dopamine and serotonin in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibiters are a great choice for people suffering from depression or anxiety. These medications are typically paired with stimulants to boost their effectiveness. Another reason your doctor might switch you between stimulant and non-stimulant medication is if the previous medication isn't working, or has undesirable side effects.
Long-acting
Between 70 and 70% to with ADHD benefit from stimulants. They can reduce symptoms such as fidgeting and talking over others. They also help improve the quality of work and social skills.
The stimulant medication begins to work when it crosses the blood-brain barriers which can take between 45 and 60 minutes. They increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels between brain cells, which reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. The FDA-approved stimulant drugs contain one of two molecules called Methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). The stimulants can trigger side reactions that include stomach upset, loss of appetite, increased blood pressure and heart rate as well as headaches, anxiety or nervousness. They can also cause tics to become worse and cause sleep issues in some people.
Long-acting stimulants (such as Strattera and Wellbutrin) can be used throughout the night and day, unlike short-acting medications which last only for a couple of hours. adhd anxiety medication can also aid with other disorders like depression or anxiety.
These medicines work by altering the way your body regulates chemicals called monoamine oxides. Monoamine oxidases break down dopamine inside the brain, along with other neurotransmitters. When these chemicals aren't eliminated and remain in your body longer and can affect your behavior and thinking. Long-acting medications can have less negative effects. Your doctor may prescribe smaller doses that you take throughout the day.
Some stimulants are available in extended-release versions that you can take daily. This is a good option for some adults, however it's important to that you take them each day.
Other medications have been proven to be effective for a lot of people suffering from ADHD which includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are typically prescribed for anxiety or depression but can be prescribed for ADHD. Around 70% of people react to these medications. Bupropion, also called Wellbutrin, is an SSRI approved for ADHD. It was found to be more effective in a controlled trial than placebos. These medications can have serious side effects such as hearing ringing, anxiety, and changes to vision and heart and lung function in certain people.
Short-acting
Stimulant medication helps reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain. These are the two chemical compounds that help people focus and regulate their behavior. They come in a variety of different forms, and each has its own brand, such as Adderall Vyvanse Ritalin Concerta. There are two main types of stimulant medications amphetamines, methylphenidates, and methylphenidates. All have similar effects but differ in their duration of action. The methylphenidates are less effective; they can last for up to three hours, whereas the amphetamines have longer-lasting effects.
Some people tolerate stimulant medications better than others, and your doctor might prescribe them. It is essential to know everything you can about the drug that you are taking, including the possible side effects, the best dosage, how often it is recommended to take it and any special warnings that should be heeded. This will aid you and your physician decide on the right medication for you.
These medications may also cause adverse side effects, like insomnia or loss in appetite. If these occur, talk to your doctor about altering the dosage or using different medications.
Adults with ADHD, who do not respond to stimulants well are treated with nonstimulant medications. These medications take longer to effect but they improve the capacity to focus and control impulses. These medications are available in combination or as a single dose.
The first of these is atomoxetine (brand names Strattera and Qelbree) that works by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine in the prefrontal brain which regulates the way we behave. Guanfacine, also referred to as Intuniv, belongs to the class of drugs known as alpha-agonists. These drugs work by preventing the reuptake process and increasing the amount of brain chemicals in the bloodstream. Guanfacine, originally developed to treat high blood pressure, has now been proved to be effective in treating ADHD.
Combinations
There are a variety of drug combinations that are used by people with ADHD. These include stimulants combined with depressants like clonidine or guanfacine. These drugs can have a calming effect on the brain and can reduce symptoms like sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. They also help to prevent withdrawal symptoms caused by stimulants. This combination could be risky however, should it not be used correctly. Serotonin syndrome is a drug emergency which occurs when there is an excess of serotonin in the body. This combination may also increase blood pressure and heart rate. People with heart disease or high blood pressure are at higher risk of developing side effects from this drug.
Young adults and teenagers are increasingly taking stimulant-based combinations. These substances, which are sold in pharmacies, are sometimes called "legal highs". They are also available on the black market. These substances are dangerous especially when mixed with alcohol and other substances. The use of polydrugs can be hazardous. Mixing drugs can have unpredictable and harmful consequences. These include increased heart rate, slowed breathing, hallucinations and paranoia.
A study concluded that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy when 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 adverse effects. In a few instances it was reported that the medication was withdrawn due to sleep issues or worsening tics. This could be due to a wrong diagnosis or lack of medication.
Nonstimulants are another treatment option for ADHD. They can enhance attention span and impulse control However, they don't perform as well as stimulants. They are less likely to suppress appetite and increase. Certain antidepressants may also be prescribed for ADHD. However they have a lower chance of improving focus and concentration.
Several studies have shown that atomoxetine and methylphenidate (Concerta) can be combined to produce better results than either drug by itself. The combination of the two drugs was shown to increase adherence and reduce the risk of adverse reactions in a majority of people. The combination was also successful for adolescents and young adults. This combination could be a viable option for children with severe ADHD.