ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medication is the initial line treatment for ADHD. They have a long record of robust response, good tolerability and safety across the life span.
However, it's important to find the right dosage and medication that alleviates your or your child's symptoms without causing any adverse side adverse effects. It can take a lot of trial and error, as and a clear communication with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that enhance the activity of the central nervous system. They are frequently used for performance enhancement and cognitive enhancers by athletes, students, artists, and workers. They are also used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) and binge eating disorder and some anxiety disorders. Amphetamines and methylphenidates as well as other stimulant medications are among the most frequently used.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants come in both immediate-release and prolonged-release formulations. The immediate-release medication is usually taken every four hours, as needed. They can cause sudden, temporary decrease in energy known as a crash after they have worn off. The crash could cause extreme cravings, mood swings and fatigue. Immediate-release medications can also raise blood pressure and heartbeats in certain people. This is especially true when they do not consume enough food.
Extended-release medications are designed to release their active ingredients over a period of 8-16 hours. This type of medication may be prescribed by a doctor when you're looking for long-lasting control of symptoms without having to take pills frequently throughout the day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate medications. Another alternative is the methylphenidate long-acting patch, known as Daytrana that adheres to the skin as a band-aid and lasts throughout the day. This type of medication can be prescribed to adults with ADHD and need daily doses that last longer than immediate-release alternatives.
The use of stimulants does not cure ADHD but it can help manage the symptoms by improving the way neurons in the brain communicate. They accomplish this by altering the levels of neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. This is done by blocking or binding to their receptors. This allows more neurotransmitters to be released and assists in ensuring that messages between neurons are more effectively transferred and received.
In addition to stimulants, doctors sometimes prescribe antidepressants for ADHD. The majority of antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD affect the norepinephrine and dopamine levels in your brain. One of the groups, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is a great option for people who have depression or anxiety. These drugs are typically combined with stimulants to enhance their effectiveness. Your doctor could change between stimulant and a non-stimulant medication in the event that your current medication isn't working or has an unacceptably side effects.
Long-acting
Around 70% to 80% children and adults with ADHD benefit from stimulants. They help reduce symptoms like the tendency to fidget and talk over others. They also enhance the social skills of employees and improve their performance.
The stimulant medication starts working as soon as it crosses the blood-brain boundaries which can take between 45 and 60 minutes. They increase the levels of dopamine and Norepinephrine between brain cells which reduces hyperactivity and impulseivity. The FDA-approved stimulant medications contain one of two molecules called Methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). The stimulants can trigger side effects such as stomach upset, weight loss, an increase in blood pressure and heart rate as well as headaches, nervousness or anxiety. They can also make tics worse and cause sleep problems for some people.
Long-acting stimulants, such as Strattera or Wellbutrin, work day and night. Short-acting medications only last for a short period of time. They also aid in other disorders like depression or anxiety.
These medications work by changing how your body regulates monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases are enzymes which break down dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These chemicals remain in the body for longer if not broken down. This can affect your behavior and your thinking. Long-acting drugs can have less side effects, and your doctor will prescribe smaller doses that you take throughout the day.
Certain stimulants are available in extended-release versions that you can take every day. This can be more convenient for some adults, but it's important to remember that you should take them daily.
SSRIs and other medications have shown to be effective in treating ADHD in many adults. These medications are usually prescribed for anxiety or depression but they can also be prescribed for ADHD. About 70% of people react to these medications. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is a different SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been shown to be more effective than placebos in a controlled study. These medications can cause serious side effects such as hearing ringing anxiety, a change to vision and heart and lung function in some individuals.
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 control their behavior and focus. They are available in many varieties, and each has its own brand name, such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are two main types of stimulant medications that are methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). They all have similar effects, however their duration of action differs. The methylphenidates may have a shorter-lasting effect lasting as long as three hours. Amphetamines on the other are more effective.
Certain people are more able to tolerate stimulant drugs that have a long-acting effect than those with short-acting stimulants, so your doctor may prescribe this kind of drug. It is essential to be aware of as much as you can about the medication. This includes any side effects, the frequency at which it is recommended to take it, and any warnings. This will allow you to work with your physician to determine the best dosage and medication for you.
It is important to understand that these drugs can cause a few negative adverse effects, like difficulty sleeping or a loss of appetite. Talk to your doctor if you experience these adverse effects. You may have to adjust the dosage or try a different drug.
Adults with ADHD who do not respond well to stimulants may be treated with non-stimulant drugs that take longer to begin working but can improve the ability of a person to focus and manage impulses. These medications can be prescribed either alone or in combination.
The first of these is atomoxetine (brand names Strattera and Qelbree) It is a stimulant of norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex which regulates the behavior. Guanfacine, also referred to as Intuniv, belongs to the class of drugs known as alpha-agonists. These drugs block the reuptake process and increasing the amount of brain chemicals in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was originally designed to treat high blood pressure, has now been shown to be effective in treating ADHD.
Combinations
People with ADHD utilize a variety of drug combinations. This includes stimulants paired with depressants like clonidine or guanfacine. These drugs have a calming effect on the brain and can reduce symptoms like insomnia and aggressive behavior. They also aid in preventing withdrawal symptoms from stimulants. This combination can be dangerous, however, when it is not utilized properly. Combining two stimulants at the simultaneously increases the risk of developing serotonin syndrome, a drug emergency that occurs when the body is flooded with too many serotonin. This combination can also increase the blood pressure and heart rate. People suffering from heart disease or high blood pressure are at a greater risk of developing side effects from this drug.
Young adults and teenagers are increasingly using stimulant combinations. These substances are often called "legal highs" and are sold at pharmacies. They are also sold on the black market. These substances can be hazardous, especially when combined with alcohol and other drugs. This is referred to as polydrug use, and can be extremely dangerous. Mixing drugs can trigger dangerous and unpredictable consequences, such as an increased heart rate, slow breathing, paranoia, hallucinations seizures, and addiction.
adhd medication list found that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy in treating ADHD. Combining medications increased adherence and enabled patients to experience greater symptom relief than monotherapy. Some patients, however quit their treatment due to side effects. In some cases it is possible that the medication has been discontinued due to sleep problems or worsening of 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 improve attention span and impulse control, but they don't work as effectively as stimulants. They are less likely to suppress appetite and increase. Some antidepressants can also be prescribed for ADHD. However, they have a smaller chance of improving focus and concentration.
A number of studies have proven that atomoxetine and methylphenidate (Concerta) can be combined to produce superior results than either alone. Combining these two drugs improved adherence and reduced side effects for most people. The combination was also successful in adolescents and young adults. This combination could be a viable option for children suffering from severe ADHD.
