ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medications are the first line treatment for ADHD. They have a history of a strong response, good tolerance, and safety throughout the entire life span.
However, it's important to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that eases your child's or your own symptoms without side negative effects. This often takes a lot of trial and trial and open dialogue with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that increase the activity of the central nervous system. They are extensively used as stimulants for cognitive enhancement and performance by athletes, students as well as artists and workers. They are also used in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) as well as binge eating disorder and some anxiety disorders. The most popular stimulant drugs are amphetamines and methylphenidates.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants come in both extended-release and immediate-release formulations. In the case of immediate-release, they are typically taken every 4 hours as needed. When they wear off, they can cause sudden and temporary decrease in energy. The crash can trigger extreme hunger, mood swings, and fatigue. Immediate-release medication can also increase blood pressure and heartbeats in certain people. This is especially the case when they do not consume enough food.
Extended-release medication is formulated to release its active ingredients over 8-16 hours. This type of medication can be prescribed by a doctor in case you're seeking long-lasting control of symptoms without having to take tablets several times per day. Methylphenidate products that fall into the extended-release category include Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. Daytrana is a methylphenidate with a long-acting product that adheres to your skin like a bandage, and is able to last for the entire day. This type of medication is often prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD who need a daily dose that lasts longer than the immediate-release options.
Stimulant medications don't solve ADHD however they can help manage symptoms by improving the way neurons in the brain communicate with each other. They do this by affecting the levels of neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They do this by blocking or binding to their receptors. This allows for the release of more neurotransmitters, which helps to improve the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.
Doctors sometimes prescribe antidepressants in addition to stimulants to treat ADHD. The majority of antidepressants doctors prescribe for ADHD alter the levels of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine in your brain. One of the groups, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, is a good option for people who have depression or anxiety, too. These drugs are typically combined with stimulants to boost their effectiveness. Other reasons your doctor might switch between non-stimulant and stimulant medications are if your old medication isn't working or it causes intolerable side effects.
Long-acting
Stimulants help about 70%-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. They help reduce symptoms like fidgeting and talking over others. They can also improve job performance and social abilities.
Stimulant medications start working when they cross the blood-brain barrier which can take anywhere between 45 and 60 minutes. They boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in brain cells, which reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. The FDA-approved stimulant medications contain two molecules: the methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). The stimulants can cause side effects such as nausea, loss of appetite and increased blood pressure. They can also cause headaches and anxiety. They can also make tics more severe and trigger sleep problems for some people.
on front page -acting stimulants (such as Strattera and Wellbutrin) are effective throughout the night and day unlike medications that last just for a couple of hours. They also aid in other disorders like anxiety or depression.
The medications affect the way your body regulates monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases are enzymes that break down dopamine as well as other neurotransmitters inside the brain. If these chemicals aren't eliminated, they stay in your body for a longer time, which affects your thinking and behavior. Long-acting drugs can have less adverse effects. Your doctor may prescribe it in smaller doses that you can take throughout the day.
on front page are available in extended-release formulations that you take once a day. Some adults might prefer this option however, you must keep in mind to take your stimulants each day.
SSRIs and other medicines have shown to be effective in treating ADHD in many adults. These are usually prescribed for depression or anxiety however, they can be prescribed for ADHD, and about 70% of people are able to respond. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is a different SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been proven to be more effective than placebos in a controlled study. These medications can trigger serious side effects, such as ringing of the ears anxiety, and changes in heart, vision and lung function.
Short-acting
The stimulant medication helps reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain. These two chemicals help people manage their behavior and stay focused. They are available in many varieties, and each has its own brand name, such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are two major types of stimulant drugs that are methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). All have similar effects, however they differ in the duration of their effect. The methylphenidates may have a shorter-lasting effect lasting as long as three hours. Amphetamines on the other are more effective.
Certain individuals are better in their ability to take long-acting stimulant medication than those with short-acting stimulants, so your doctor may prescribe this kind of drug. It is essential to know as much as you can about the medication. This includes any adverse effects, how frequently it should be taken, and any warnings. This will allow you to collaborate with your doctor to determine the best dosage and medication for you.
These medications can also cause some negative side effects such as insomnia, or a loss of appetite. Talk to your doctor when you experience these side effects. You may have to adjust the dosage or try a different drug.
Adults with ADHD who are unable to respond to stimulants well are treated with nonstimulant medication. These drugs require longer time to work, but they improve the capacity to focus and control impulses. These medications are available either alone or in combination.
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera or Qelbree, is the first. It increases dopamine and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex, which regulates behavior. Another is the guanfacine (brand name Intuniv) is a member to a class of drugs known as alpha agonists. These work by blocking the reuptake of these brain chemicals, and increasing their levels in the bloodstream. Guanfacine, originally developed to treat high blood pressure, has now been proven to be effective in treating ADHD.
Combinations
There are a variety of drug combinations that are used by people with ADHD. This includes stimulants paired with depressant drugs such as the guanfacine or clonidine. These drugs may have a calming affect on the brain, and reduce symptoms such as sleeplessness and aggressive behaviour. They also help prevent withdrawal symptoms that can result from stimulants. This combination could be dangerous, however, if it is not used properly. Serotonin Syndrome is a medical emergency which occurs when there is an excess of serotonin in the body. This combination may also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. People suffering from heart disease or high blood pressure are at higher risk of developing adverse effects from this drug.
Young adults and teens are increasingly consuming stimulant mixtures. These drugs, which are available in pharmacies, are sometimes referred to by the term "legal highs". These drugs are also available on the black market. These substances can be dangerous particularly when they are mixed with alcohol or other substances. This is referred to as polydrug usage and can be very dangerous. Mixing drugs can trigger dangerous and unpredictable consequences, such as an increased heart rate, slow breathing, paranoia, hallucinations seizures, and addiction.
A study showed that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy for treating ADHD. Combined medication improved the adherence of patients and helped them achieve more symptom relief than monotherapy. However, many patients stopped their treatment due to adverse effects. In some instances it is possible that the medication has been stopped due to sleep problems or worsening of tics. This could be due to a misdiagnosis or lack of medication.
Nonstimulants can also be used to treat ADHD. They are effective in improving attention span and impulse regulation however they are not as effective as stimulants. They are less likely to inhibit appetite and increase. Certain antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD however, they are less likely of enhancing focus and concentration.
In several studies, in a number of studies, atomoxetine (Concerta) when combined with methylphenidate, produced better results than any other drug taken on its on its own. The combination of these two medications was proven to improve adherence and reduce adverse effects in the majority of people. The combination was also successful for adolescents and young adults. This combination may be a viable solution for children suffering from severe ADHD.