ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
For concerta adhd medication , stimulant medications are the first choice to treat ADHD. However, for some, they cause side effects or don't help.
Some doctors prescribe stimulants in addition to non-stimulant ADHD medication. These include medications that treat high blood pressure, for instance the clonidine drug and guanfacine HCL (Tenex). These are in addition to other medicines that help to increase wakefulness.
Benefits
The first medication doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulants. They work by boosting communication between nerves within the brain. These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) dopamine and norepinephrine which aid in improving concentration and reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity. These drugs come in different forms and fall into two drug categories amphetamines and methylphenidates. They are controlled substances due to the possibility of the potential for abuse. These drugs are strictly controlled in terms of dosage, distribution and use.
Doctors can prescribe a mixture of non-stimulant and stimulant medications. They may do this due to a stimulant that doesn't function effectively enough or due to intolerable adverse effects or if a person has an underlying mental health condition that needs to be treated. Children and adults often receive combination treatments.
Non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine guanfacine and viloxazine. They are generally tolerated and don't pose the same danger of abuse or addiction as stimulants do. They might take longer to work and last less than stimulants however, they are effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
Most people who take nonstimulant ADHD medication report that they experience mild to moderate side effects, including stomach upset, headaches, dry mouth, and a general feeling of sleepiness. Some people may have difficulty staying awake when taking these medications. However this is not as much of a problem for children than adults.
If you're considering medication to manage your or your child's ADHD, talk to your doctor about it. They will explain the different medications with regards to their benefits and potential risks and how to start. They'll also assist you to select the best dosage and medication for you.
It could take a few tries to determine the correct dosage and medication. The goal is to reduce ADHD symptoms with as few negative side effects as you can. Once you've found a suitable medication, you should keep it in place. If you stop taking it your symptoms will come back. The majority of people with ADHD have to take these medications for life.
Dosage
Stimulant medications like Adderall (methylphenidate/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) increase levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which boosts communication between nerves. This improves focus, concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is the first type that doctors prescribe for ADHD. It's not suitable for everyone, and it may cause undesirable side effects.
Non-stimulant drugs, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv (guanfacine), are FDA-approved for treating ADHD in adults. They ease symptoms through direct stimulation of the prefrontal cortices in the brain, resulting in a calm effect. They are typically used as an adjunct to stimulant medication or if you don't react well to stimulants.
Both atomoxetine (also called Guanfacine) and guanfacine belong to the alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists category of drugs. This means that they function by blocking receptors which transmit dopamine from one cell to another. This allows other chemicals to enter the brain, such as norepinephrine. This chemical has a calming affect and improves attention, reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity.
While the methylphenidate and amphetamine classes of medications are very efficient in cutting down or eliminating ADHD symptoms however, they also carry the risk for abuse, addiction and overdose. These drugs are classified as controlled substances, and have "boxed" warnings that warn patients of the dangers. They are also vulnerable to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants begin working within 30 minutes and last for 3 to 4 hours. They can be taken as often as three times per day. Intermediate and long-acting stimulants are more difficult to use however they can provide symptom relief for between 8 and 16 hours. These stimulants can be taken every day when you are struggling to remember to take your medication each day at the same time.
As the medication wears off, certain people experience a phenomenon called a rebound effect. This means that their symptoms return to previous levels. This can cause short-lived fatigue, a bad mood and an intense hunger. This can be cured by changing the dosage, time it is taken or the kind of medication. If you're experiencing this problem consult your physician about the best way to make adjustments to your medication.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD medication boosts dopamine levels in brain cells, which improves focus and reduces the impulsive behavior. They may also improve the memory and reduce aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These are typically taken orally in capsules but some children take them as chewable tablets or drops. The stimulants can cause side effects such as dry mouth, decreased appetite, and trouble sleeping. In some instances, adverse effects are not severe and disappear once the drug wears off. In other instances these reactions can be severe and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medications help manage ADHD symptoms by targeting neurotransmitters within the brain. They may also have a lower dependence or dependence risk than stimulants. These drugs can cause drowsiness as well as dizziness. To reduce the risk of drowsiness, take the medication earlier in your day, eat breakfast before the medication begins to work, and avoid caffeinated drinks.
A lot of people are more responsive to extended release medications. These formulations build up slowly in the body and reduce the risk of the drug running out too fast, causing symptoms to worsen. They can also reduce the need to remember to take the medication on a regular basis, especially when your child or you struggles to keep the count of multiple pills.
Most children and adults who are taking medication to treat ADHD will experience adverse effects. These side effects can be controlled by monitoring the reactions of your child or yourself, adjusting the dosage and taking the medication as prescribed. Talk to an expert in mental health care in the event that you or your child suffer unpleasant or dangerous side effects.
Sometimes, it can take time to determine the appropriate medication for a child with ADHD. In addition, it's not uncommon for a doctor to switch you or your child between the two categories of medications--stimulant and non-stimulant--because one isn't effective or causes intolerable side effects.
Monitoring
It is crucial to remember that ADHD medication can be used to manage symptoms, but is not an effective cure. Your doctor may need to monitor you or your child and alter the dosage until it is effective at controlling your symptoms, with no side consequences. Medication is typically just one part of the treatment plan for ADHD in addition to therapy as well as support from family and teachers.
Stimulant drugs are the most commonly used ADHD drugs. They work by increasing levels of brain chemicals that enhance concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can trigger a range of side effects, including loss of appetite, trouble sleeping stomachaches, headaches jitteriness, increased heart rate, and occasionally shaky hands.
It can take a while to determine the appropriate medication and dose for your or your child's specific needs. It can take a few months or weeks for the benefits of a medication to be evident. In this time, it is very important to follow your physician's instructions carefully and report any side effects.
While stimulants are beneficial due to being quick-acting, they do be more susceptible to abuse and dependence. This is the reason why many avoid taking them, especially young children and adolescents. Non-stimulant medicines can be just as effective and are a better choice for people who cannot tolerate the side effects of stimulants.
There are several different types of non-stimulant medications, including the atomoxetine (Strattera) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin), and Guanfacine (Concerta). A number of these medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat various conditions, but are also used "off-label" to treat ADHD.
Recent research has revealed that long-term ADHD medication use is linked with an increase in CVD risk. The risk increased with quantity of medication used and was higher in both genders. The researchers suggest that people be closely monitored and undergo regular health screenings, specifically for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This is particularly true in the event of a family history of early cardiovascular disease or heart attack.