ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medications are the first line treatment for ADHD. They have a long history of robust response, good tolerance and safety throughout the entire lifespan.
It is essential to choose the dosage and medication that can ease your child's or your own symptoms without causing adverse effects. It usually takes many trials and trial and open communication with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that increase the activity of the central nervous system. Students and athletes, artists, workers and other people use these drugs to improve their cognitive and performance. They are also used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) as well as binge eating disorder, and other anxiety disorders. The most common stimulant medications are amphetamines and methylphenidates.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants come in both immediate-release and prolonged-release formulations. Immediate-release medication is usually taken every 4 hours. They can trigger sudden, temporary decrease in energy, referred to as a crash once they have worn off. The crash can result in severe mood swings, hunger, and fatigue. Immediate-release medications also can increase blood pressure and heart rate for some people, particularly when they don't eat enough.
Extended-release drugs are designed to release their active ingredients over a time of 8 to 16 hours. Your doctor might suggest this type of medication if you are looking for long-lasting symptom control without having to take a pill multiple times a day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate medications. Another alternative is the long-acting methylphenidate patch called Daytrana which adheres to the skin like a bandage and lasts for the entire day. This type of medication is typically prescribed to adults with ADHD who need daily doses that last longer than the immediate-release options.
Stimulant medication does not cure ADHD but it can help manage the symptoms by improving how neurons in the brain communicate. By blocking or binding their receptors they can affect the levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, in the brain. This allows the release of more neurotransmitters, which improves the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.
Doctors may prescribe antidepressants in addition to stimulants for ADHD. The majority of the antidepressants doctors prescribe for ADHD alter the levels of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors are a good choice for people suffering from anxiety or depression. These medications are usually paired with stimulants to boost their effectiveness. Other reasons why your doctor may switch between non-stimulant and stimulant medications are if your old medication isn't working or it produces unacceptably adverse side effects.
Long-acting
Stimulants help about 70%-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. They can reduce symptoms like fidgeting, arguing with others and losing focus during conversations or on tasks. They can also improve job performance and social skills.
The stimulant medication starts to work once it has crossed the blood-brain boundaries that can take 45 to 60 minutes. They increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels between brain cells, which decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. FDA-approved stimulant medication uses one of two molecules, methylphenidate (Adderall Ritalin Vyvanse Concerta) or amphetamine (Ritalin Adderall XR Vyvanse Vyvanse). Stimulants can cause side effects such as stomach upset and decreased appetite, elevated blood pressure and heart rate as well as headaches, anxiety or nervousness. They can also make tics worse and may cause sleep problems in some people.
Long-acting stimulants (such as Strattera and Wellbutrin) are effective throughout the day and night unlike the short-acting drugs that last just for a couple of hours. They can be used to treat other ailments like anxiety or depression.
The medications affect the way your body regulates chemicals known as monoamine oxides. Monoamine oxidases break down dopamine within the brain and other neurotransmitters. These chemicals remain in the body for longer if they're not broken down. This can impact your behavior and your thinking. Long-acting drugs can have fewer adverse effects, and your doctor will prescribe smaller doses of the drugs that you can take throughout the day.
Some stimulants come in extended-release form that you can consume once daily. Some adults might prefer this method however, it is important to be sure to take the stimulants every day.
SSRIs and other medications have shown to be effective in treating ADHD in many adults. They are typically prescribed for depression or anxiety, but they can also be prescribed for ADHD and around 70% of people are able to respond. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is a different 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 ringing in the ears, anxiety, and changes to vision and lung and heart function in certain people.
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 aid people to control their behavior and focus. They are available in numerous forms, and each comes with their own brand name such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are two primary types of stimulant medications amphetamines, methylphenidates, and methylphenidates. All have similar effects, however their duration of action differs. The methylphenidates are less effective that can last up to three hours, whereas the amphetamines provide longer-lasting effects.
Certain people are more in their ability to take long-acting stimulant medications than short-acting medications which is why your doctor may prescribe this kind of drug. It is crucial to know as much as you can about the medication. This includes any possible side effects, how frequently it should be taken, and any warnings. This will help you and your doctor to determine the best medication for you.
These medications can also trigger adverse side effects, such as difficulty sleeping or a decrease in appetite. Consult your physician in the event that you experience any of these adverse effects. You may have to alter your dosage or even try a different medication.
Adults suffering from ADHD who are unable to respond well to stimulants are treated with nonstimulant medications. These medications take longer to work but can improve the ability to focus and manage impulses. These drugs might be prescribed alone or in combination with stimulants.
The first of these is atomoxetine (brand names Strattera and Qelbree), which increases norepinephrine as well as dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex which regulates the way we behave. Another is guanfacine (brand name Intuniv) that belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha agonists. These drugs work by blocking Reuptake and increasing levels of brain chemicals in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was created to treat high blood pressure but it has also been proven to help those suffering from ADHD.
Combinations
There are many combinations of drugs used by those who suffer from ADHD. This includes stimulants paired with depressant drugs such as Guanfacine or Clonidine. These drugs may influence a calming effect on the brain and help reduce symptoms like sleeplessness and aggressive behaviour. adhd treatment without medication can also reduce withdrawal symptoms caused by stimulants. However, this combination can be dangerous if it is not properly used. Combining two stimulants at the simultaneously increases the risk of developing serotonin-related syndrome, a drug emergency that occurs when the body has 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 higher risk of developing side effects from this medication.
Young adults and teens are increasingly taking stimulant-based combinations. These substances are often called "legal highs" and are sold in pharmacies. They are also available on the black market. These substances can be hazardous particularly when they are combined with alcohol or other drugs. This is referred to as polydrug use, and is extremely risky. Mixing drugs can have unpredictable and harmful consequences. They include an increase in heart rate, slowed respiration, hallucinations, and paranoia.
A study found that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy in treating ADHD. Combining medication increased the adherence of patients and helped them get better relief from symptoms than monotherapy. However, many patients stopped their treatment due to side effects. In a few instances the medication was stopped because of sleep problems or worsening tics. This could be because of poor diagnosis or a lack of access to medication.
Nonstimulants are a different treatment option for ADHD. These drugs can be effective in enhancing the ability to focus and impulse control, but not as well as stimulants. They are also less likely to suppress growth and reduce appetite. Certain antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD. However they have a less chance of improving concentration and focus.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that atomoxetine and methylphenidate (Concerta) can be combined to yield better results than either on its own. Combining these two drugs improved compliance and reduced the risk of side effects for most people. The combination was also effective in young adults and adolescents. This combination could be a viable option for children suffering from severe ADHD.