ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medication is the first treatment of choice for ADHD. They have a track record of a strong response, a high tolerance and safety across the life span.
It's crucial to find the right dosage and medication that alleviates your or your child's symptoms without side effects. This may require a lot of trial and error as well as a constant dialogue with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that boost activity in the central nervous system. medication for adult add are widely used as stimulants for cognitive enhancement and performance by students, athletes as well as artists and workers. They are also used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as binge eating disorder, and other anxiety disorders. Amphetamines, methylphenidates and other stimulant drugs are the most common.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in immediate-release and extended-release formulas. Immediate-release medication is usually taken every 4 hours. When they wear off they can cause sudden and temporary drop in energy. The crash can result in extreme cravings, 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 eat enough.
Extended-release medications are designed to release active ingredients over a period of 8 to 16 hours. Your doctor may recommend this kind of medication if your goal is long-lasting symptom control without having to take a pill multiple times a day. Methylphenidate products in the extended-release category include Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. Daytrana is a long-acting methylphenidate product that sticks to your skin like a bandage and is able to last for the entire day. This kind of medication can be prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD and require daily doses that last longer than immediate-release options.
Stimulant medication doesn't treat ADHD however they can assist in managing symptoms by improving the way neurons in the brain communicate with one other. They do this by affecting the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They do this by blocking or binding to their receptors. This permits the release of more neurotransmitters, which improves the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.
Doctors may prescribe antidepressants in addition to stimulants to treat ADHD. The majority of the antidepressants doctors prescribe for ADHD alter the levels of norepinephrine serotonin, and dopamine in your brain. One group, known as selective serotonin receptor inhibitors, is a good choice for people suffering from depression or anxiety. These drugs are typically combined with stimulants to increase their effectiveness. Other reasons your doctor might switch you between stimulant and non-stimulant medications is if your current medication isn't working or causes intolerable side effects.
Long-acting
Stimulants can help 70%-80% of children and adults with ADHD. They reduce symptoms such as fidgeting, arguing with others and losing focus in conversations or in tasks. They also help improve the social skills of employees and improve their performance.
Stimulant medications start working when they cross the blood-brain barrier which takes about 45 to 60 minutes. They increase the levels Dopamine and Norepinephrine in brain cells, which decreases the intensity of impulses and hyperactivity. The FDA-approved stimulant medications contain one of two molecules: Methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). Stimulants may cause adverse effects like nausea, loss of appetite and increased blood pressure. They can also trigger headaches and anxiety. They can also make tics worse and trigger sleep problems in certain people.
Long-acting stimulants (such as Strattera and Wellbutrin) can be used throughout the night and day unlike the short-acting drugs which last only for a couple of hours. They also aid in other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
These medicines work by altering the ways your body regulates chemicals called monoamine oxides. Monoamine oxidases are enzymes which break down dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These chemicals stay in the body for longer if they're not broken down. This can impact your behavior and even your thinking. Long-acting drugs can have less negative effects. Your doctor may prescribe it in smaller doses that you take throughout the day.
Certain stimulants are available as extended-release formulations that you take daily. Some adults might find this more convenient however, it is important to be sure to take the stimulants every day.
Other medications have been proven to be effective in treating many people suffering from ADHD, including selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These are usually prescribed to treat anxiety or depression, but they can also be prescribed for ADHD and 70% of people are able to respond. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is another SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been shown to be more efficient than placebos in a controlled study. These SSRIs can cause serious side effects, such as hearing ringing anxiety, a change to vision and lung and heart function in some people.
Short-acting
The stimulant medication helps reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These two chemicals help people manage their behavior and stay focused. They are available in numerous varieties, and each has their own brand name such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are two primary kinds of stimulant drugs amphetamines and methylphenidates. All have similar effects, but their duration of action varies. The methylphenidates have shorter-lasting effects that can last as long as three hours, whereas amphetamines have longer-lasting effects.
Certain people are tolerant of stimulant drugs better than others, which is why your doctor may prescribe them. It is essential to be aware of as much as you can about the medication. This includes any side effects, how often it should be taken and any warnings. This will assist you and your doctor determine the most suitable medication for you.
You should also understand that these medications can have a few negative side effects, such as problems getting to sleep or losing appetite. Talk to your doctor in the event that you experience any of these side effects. You may need to alter the dosage or try another drug.
Adults with ADHD who do not respond well to stimulants may be treated with non-stimulant drugs, which take longer to begin working but improve a person's ability to pay attention and control impulses. These drugs may be prescribed either in combination or on their own.
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera or Qelbree is the first. It increases dopamine and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex that regulates behavior. Guanfacine, also known as Intuniv, belongs to the group of drugs called alpha-agonists. These drugs work by blocking the reuptake process and increasing the amount of brain chemicals in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was initially developed to treat high blood pressure, has been proven to be effective in treating ADHD.
Combinations
People with ADHD use a variety of drug combinations. These include stimulants combined with depressant drugs such as Guanfacine or Clonidine. These drugs may be calming for the brain, and reduce symptoms like sleeplessness and aggressive behaviour. They can also reduce withdrawal symptoms from stimulants. This combination could be risky, however, should it not be used correctly. Serotonin Syndrome is a drug emergency which occurs when there is a high concentration of serotonin in the body. This combination can also increase the blood pressure and heart rate. The risks associated with this medication are more pronounced for those with pre-existing health conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
Combinations of stimulants are more and more being used by teens and young adults. These drugs, which are sold in pharmacies, are sometimes known as "legal highs". They are also sold on the black market. These substances are dangerous particularly when they are mixed with alcohol or other substances. The use of polydrugs can be hazardous. Mixing drugs can result in dangerous and unpredictable effects, such as increased heart rate, slower breathing, paranoia, hallucinations seizures, addiction and hallucinations.
Combination therapy is more effective than monopharmacotherapy when it comes to treating ADHD, according to the findings of a study. Combining medications increased adherence and enabled patients to experience greater symptom relief than monotherapy. Some patients, however quit their treatment due to adverse effects. In some instances, the medication has been discontinued due to sleep problems or worsening of tics. This could be because of poor diagnosis or a lack of access to medication.
Nonstimulants are also used to treat ADHD. These drugs help improve the quality of attention and impulse control However, they don't perform as well as stimulants. They are also less likely to block growth and alter appetite. Certain antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD, but they are less likely of enhancing focus and concentration.
Several studies have shown that atomoxetine and methylphenidate (Concerta) can be combined to yield better results than either drug alone. Combining these two medications was proven to improve adherence and reduce the risk of adverse reactions in a majority of people. The combination was beneficial for young adults and adolescents. This combination may be a viable treatment for children suffering from severe ADHD.