ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant drugs are the first line treatment for ADHD. They have a track record of a strong response, a high tolerance, and are safe throughout the life span.
It is important to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that alleviates your child's or your own symptoms without causing side effects. This can take a lot trial and error as and a clear communication with your physician.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs which increase the activity of the central nervous system. They are widely used as enhancement of cognitive and performance by students, athletes artists, workers, and students. They are also used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. They also treat binge eating disorder, and some anxiety disorders. The most common stimulant medications are amphetamines and methylphenidates.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in both immediate-release and prolonged-release formulations. In the case of immediate-release, they are typically taken every four hours, as needed. If they are not taken as often they can cause sudden and temporary decrease in energy. The crash can trigger extreme craving, mood swings and fatigue. Immediate-release medications also can increase blood pressure and heart rate in some people, especially when they don't eat enough.
Extended-release medication is formulated to release its active ingredients over a period of 8 to 16 hours. This kind of medication could be prescribed by your physician when you're looking for long-lasting relief from symptoms without taking pills frequently throughout the day. Methylphenidate products in the extended-release category include Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. Daytrana is a methylphenidate with a long-acting product that sticks to your skin like a bandage, and lasts the entire day. This kind of medication is available to adults suffering from ADHD and require daily doses that last longer than immediate-release alternatives.
Stimulant medications do not cure ADHD but it can help manage the symptoms by improving how neurons in the brain communicate. They do this by affecting the levels of neurotransmitters within 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 improves the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.
Doctors often prescribe antidepressants addition to stimulants for ADHD. The majority of antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD are based on the norepinephrine and dopamine levels in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors are a good option for people with depression or anxiety. These drugs are typically mixed with stimulants to increase their effectiveness. Another reason your doctor might switch you between stimulant and non-stimulant medications are if your old medication isn't working or it causes intolerable side effects.
Long-acting
Stimulants help about 70% to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. They reduce symptoms such as fidgeting, arguing with others and losing focus in conversations or on tasks. They also help improve social skills and job performance.
Stimulant medications start working as soon as they cross the blood-brain barrier, which takes about 45 to 60 minutes. They boost the levels of dopamine and Norepinephrine between brain cells, which decreases hyperactivity and impulseivity. The FDA-approved stimulant drugs contain one of two molecules: the methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). These stimulants can trigger adverse effects like nausea and loss of appetite. They can also cause increased blood pressure. They can also cause anxiety and headaches. They can also cause tics to become worse, and they may cause sleep problems in some people.
Long-acting stimulants (such as Strattera and Wellbutrin) are effective throughout the day and night, unlike short-acting medications that last just several hours. They can also help with other conditions like depression or anxiety.
These medications work by changing how your body regulates monoamine oxidases. adhd medication list break down dopamine inside the brain, along with other neurotransmitters. If these chemicals aren't eliminated and remain in your body longer and can affect your behavior and mental state. Long-acting medications can have fewer adverse effects. Your doctor will prescribe it in smaller doses that you take throughout the day.
Some stimulants are available in extended-release versions that you can take once a day. Some adults may prefer this option however, you must remember to take your stimulants each day.
Other medications have been shown to be effective for a lot of people suffering from ADHD which includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These are usually prescribed for anxiety or depression however, they can be prescribed for ADHD and 70% of people react. Bupropion, also called Wellbutrin is an SSRI approved for ADHD. It was shown to be more efficient in a controlled research than placebos. These drugs can cause serious side effects, such as hearing ringing, anxiety and changes in vision, heart and lung function.
Short-acting
The stimulant drugs work to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain. These are the two chemicals that help people focus and regulate their behavior. They are available in a variety of forms, and each has its own brand name such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are two primary kinds of stimulant drugs amphetamines and methylphenidates. They all have similar effects, but their duration of action is different. The methylphenidates produce less lasting effects that can last as long as three hours, while the amphetamines provide longer-lasting effects.
Some people tolerate stimulant medications better than others, and your doctor might prescribe them. It is crucial to learn as much as possible about the medication. This includes any possible side effects, how frequently it should be taken and any warnings. This will make it easier to work 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 loss in appetite. If these happen you should talk to your doctor about changing the dosage or attempting different medications.
Adults with ADHD who aren't responding well to the stimulants might be treated with non-stimulant medications, which take longer to begin working but improve a person's ability to concentrate and manage impulses. These drugs may be prescribed in combination or as a single dose.
The first is atomoxetine (brand names Strattera and Qelbree), which increases norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the prefrontal brain which regulates the behavior. Guanfacine, also known as Intuniv is part of the class of drugs known as alpha-agonists. These work by blocking the absorption of these brain chemicals, and increasing their concentration in the bloodstream. Guanfacine, originally developed to treat high blood pressure, has been proved to be effective in treating ADHD.
Combinations
There are a variety of drug combinations that are used by people suffering from ADHD. These include stimulants and depressant drugs such as the guanfacine or clonidine. These drugs can have a calming affect on the brain, and can reduce symptoms like insomnia and aggressive behaviour. They can also prevent the withdrawal symptoms of stimulants. This combination could be risky however, if it is not used properly. Combining two stimulants at the simultaneously increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, a drug emergency that occurs when the body is flooded with too much serotonin. This combination can also raise the heart rate and blood pressure. People suffering from heart disease or high blood pressure are at greater risk of developing side effects from this drug.
Teenagers and young adults are increasingly using stimulant combinations. These substances are often called "legal highs" and are readily available at pharmacies. They are also available on the black market. These substances are dangerous particularly when mixed with alcohol or other substances. This is referred to as polydrug use and can be very dangerous. Mixing drugs can cause dangerous and unpredictable consequences, such as an increased heart rate, slow breathing, hallucinations, paranoia, seizures and addiction.
A study found that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy for treating ADHD. Combined medication improved compliance and allowed patients to achieve more symptom relief than monotherapy. Some patients, however stopped their treatment due to adverse effects. In some instances the medication was discontinued due to sleep problems or worsening of tics. This could be due to a wrong diagnosis or lack of medication.
Nonstimulants are also used to treat ADHD. They are effective in improving the ability to focus and impulse control, but not as well as stimulants. They are less likely to suppress appetite and increase. Certain antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD however they are less likely of improving concentration and focus.
In several studies, atomoxetine (Concerta), when combined with methylphenidate produced better results than either drug on its own. Combining these two medications helped improve compliance and reduced the risk of adverse effects for the majority of people. The combination was effective for young adults and adolescents. This combination could be a viable option for children suffering from severe ADHD.