ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medication is the first line treatment for ADHD. They have a long record of high response, excellent tolerability and safety across the life span.
It's crucial to choose the right dosage and medication that alleviates the symptoms of your child or yourself without causing side adverse effects. This may require a lot of trial and error as well as a constant communication with your physician.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs which increase the activity of the central nervous system. They are widely used as performance enhancement and cognitive enhancers by students, athletes artists, workers, and students. They also serve to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as narcolepsy, binge eating disorder, as well as other anxiety disorders. The most common stimulant medications are methylphenidates and amphetamines.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in both prolonged-release and immediate-release formulations. Immediate-release pills are usually taken every 4 hours. They can trigger an abrupt, short-term drop in energy known as a crash after they are worn off. The crash can trigger extreme hunger, mood swings, and fatigue. Immediate-release medication can also increase blood pressure and heartbeat in certain people. This is especially true when they do not consume enough food.
Extended-release drugs are designed to release active ingredients over a period of 8-16 hours. Your doctor may suggest this kind of medication if your goal is long-lasting control of symptoms without having to take a pill multiple times per day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate products. 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 type of medication is usually prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD who need a daily dose that lasts longer than the immediate-release options.
The use of stimulants doesn't solve ADHD however they can assist in managing symptoms by enhancing the way that neurons in the brain communicate with one other. They accomplish this by altering the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They do this by blocking or binding to their receptors. This allows the release of more neurotransmitters which improves the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.
In addition to stimulants, doctors may prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD. The majority of antidepressants that doctors prescribe for ADHD alter the levels of norepinephrine dopamine and serotonin in your brain. One class, referred to as selective serotonin receptor inhibitors, is a good option for people suffering from depression or anxiety. These medications are usually mixed with stimulants to increase their effectiveness. Your doctor may also switch between stimulant and non-stimulant medication if your current medication isn't working or has intolerable side effect.
Long-acting
Stimulants can help 70% to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. They help reduce symptoms like talking to others and fidgeting. They also enhance social skills and job performance.
Stimulant medications begin to work when they pass through the blood-brain barrier which can take anywhere between 45 and 60 minutes. They boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels between brain cells, which reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity. FDA-approved stimulant medications use two molecules: Methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). The stimulants can cause adverse effects like nausea and loss of appetite. They can also cause increased blood pressure. They can also cause headaches and anxiety. They can also make tics worse and can 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 a few hours. They can be employed to treat other conditions like anxiety or depression.
The medications affect how your body regulates monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases break down dopamine within the brain, along with other neurotransmitters. These chemicals remain in the body for longer if they're not broken down. This can affect your behavior and thinking. Long-acting drugs can have less adverse effects. Your doctor will prescribe it in smaller doses that you can take throughout the day.
Certain stimulants are available in extended-release formulations that you take daily. Some adults may find this more convenient, but you should still keep in mind to take your stimulants each day.
Other medications have been found to be effective for a lot of adults with ADHD which includes selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These are usually used for depression or anxiety however, they can be prescribed for ADHD and 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 efficient than placebos in a controlled study. These medications can cause severe side effects like hearing ringing, anxiety, and changes to vision as well as lung and heart function in certain people.
Short-acting
Stimulant medication reduces ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain. These are two chemicals that aid people in focusing and regulate their behavior. They are available in numerous forms, and each comes with its own brand name, such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are two main types of stimulant medicines amphetamines, methylphenidates, and methylphenidates. They all have similar effects, however their duration of action differs. The methylphenidates produce less lasting effects and can last for up to three hours, whereas the amphetamines have longer-lasting effects.
Some people can tolerate stimulant medication better than others, so your doctor may prescribe them. It is crucial to know all you can about the medication and its potential side effects, how often it is recommended to take it and any specific warnings that must be heeded. This will help you and your doctor to determine the most suitable medication for you.
These medications can also trigger some negative side effects such as insomnia, or loss in appetite. If these occur, talk to your doctor about altering the dosage or using other medications.
Adults with ADHD who do not respond well to stimulants could be treated with non-stimulant medicines, which take longer to begin working but can improve the ability of a person to pay attention and control impulses. These drugs may be prescribed either alone or in combination.
The first of these is atomoxetine (brand names Strattera and Qelbree) that works by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex, which controls the behavior. Guanfacine, also known as Intuniv is part of the class of drugs known as alpha-agonists. These drugs work by blocking Reuptake and increasing levels of brain chemicals in the bloodstream. Guanfacine, originally developed to treat high blood pressure, has now been shown to be effective in treating ADHD.
Combinations
There are many combinations of drugs used by those who suffer from ADHD. This includes stimulants paired with depressants like the guanfacine or clonidine. These drugs may have a calming affect on the brain, and reduce symptoms like insomnia and aggressive behavior. They also aid in preventing withdrawal symptoms that can result from stimulants. This combination could be dangerous but only should it not be used correctly. Serotonin Syndrome is a medical emergency that occurs when there is too much serotonin in the body. This combination can also raise the blood pressure and heart rate. Heart disease sufferers or those with high blood pressure are at greater chance of experiencing adverse reactions from this drug.
Teenagers and young adults are increasingly using stimulant combinations. These drugs are often described as "legal highs" and are available at pharmacies. These drugs are also sold on the black market. These substances are extremely dangerous particularly when they are they are combined with alcohol or other drugs. This is known as polydrug usage and is extremely risky. Mixing drugs can cause unpredictably harmful consequences, such as an increased heart rate, slower breathing, paranoia, hallucinations, seizures and addiction.
Combination therapy is more effective than monopharmacotherapy in treating ADHD according to the findings of a study. Combined medication improved adherence and allowed patients to experience greater relief from symptoms than monotherapy. Some patients, however stopped their treatment due to side effects. In a few cases, the medication was discontinued because of sleep problems or worsening tics. This could be due to a wrong diagnosis or a lack of medication.
Nonstimulants are also used to treat ADHD. These medications are effective in improving attention span and impulse regulation however, they do not perform as well as stimulants. They are also less likely to block growth and alter appetite. add adult medications can also be prescribed for ADHD. However, they have a smaller chance of improving focus and concentration.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that atomoxetine and methylphenidate (Concerta) can be used together to achieve superior results than either on its own. Combining these two medications was proven to increase adherence and decrease adverse effects in the majority of people. The combination was effective for young adults and adolescents. This combination could be a feasible option for children suffering from severe ADHD.
