ADHD Stimulant Medication

Stimulant medication is the first option for treating ADHD. They have a long history of a robust response, good tolerance and safety across the life span.

It's important to find the dosage and medication that eases your child's or your own symptoms without causing adverse consequences. This can take a lot trial and error as and a clear dialogue with your doctor.

Stimulants

Stimulants are substances that enhance the activity of the central nervous system. They are widely used as performance enhancement and cognitive enhancers by students, athletes as well as artists and workers. They are also used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as narcolepsy, binge eating disorder, and some anxiety disorders. The most commonly used stimulant medications are methylphenidates and amphetamines.

FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in immediate-release and extended-release formulas. Immediate-release medication is usually taken every 4 hours. If they are not taken as often, they can cause sudden and temporary drop in energy. The crash could cause severe cravings, mood swings and fatigue. Immediate-release medications also can increase heart rate and blood pressure in some people, especially when they don't eat enough.

Extended-release medicines are formulated to release its active ingredients over 8-16 hours. Your doctor may suggest this type of medication if you want long-lasting symptom control without having to take a pill multiple times per day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate products. Another alternative is the methylphenidate long-acting patch, known as Daytrana, which sticks to the skin like a band-aid and lasts for the entire day. This type of medication is usually prescribed to adults with ADHD who need a daily dose that lasts longer than the immediate-release options.

The use of stimulants does not cure ADHD but it can help manage the symptoms by improving how neurons in the brain communicate. They accomplish this by altering the levels of neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They do this by blocking or binding to their receptors. This allows the release of more neurotransmitters, which helps to improve the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.

Doctors may prescribe antidepressants in addition to stimulants to treat ADHD. The majority of antidepressants that doctors prescribe for ADHD alter the levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors are a good option for those suffering from depression or anxiety. These medications are typically paired with stimulants to increase their effectiveness. Your doctor can switch between stimulant and non-stimulant medication in the event that your current medication isn't working or has an unacceptably adverse effects.

Long-acting

Stimulants can help 70% to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. They reduce symptoms like fidgeting and talking over others. They also enhance job performance and social skills.

Stimulant medications begin to work as soon as they cross the blood-brain barrier which can take between 45 and 60 minutes. They increase the levels dopamine and Norepinephrine within brain cells, which decreases the intensity of impulses and hyperactivity. The FDA-approved stimulant medication consists of one of two molecules, methylphenidate, (Adderall Ritalin Vyvanse Concerta) or amphetamine, (Ritalin Adderall XR Vyvanse Vyvanse). Stimulants can cause side reactions that include stomach upset loss of appetite, increased blood pressure and heart rate as well as headaches, nervousness or anxiety. They can also make tics worse and may cause sleep issues in certain people.

Long-acting stimulants (such as Strattera and Wellbutrin) work all night and day unlike the short-acting drugs that last just a few hours. They can be employed to treat other conditions like anxiety or depression.

These medications work by changing the way your body regulates monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases, or enzymes, break down dopamine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. When these chemicals aren't eliminated into smaller pieces, they remain in your body for a longer time and affect your behavior and thinking. Long-acting drugs can have lesser adverse effects, and your doctor will prescribe them in smaller doses that you can take throughout the day.

Certain stimulants are available as extended-release formulations that you take every day. Adults may find this more convenient however, you must keep in mind to take your stimulants each day.

SSRIs and other medications have shown to be effective in treating ADHD in a variety of adults. They are typically prescribed to treat anxiety or depression however, they can be prescribed for ADHD, and about 70% of people are able to respond. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is a different SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been demonstrated 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 as well as lung and heart function in certain people.

Short-acting

The stimulant medication helps reduce adhd no medication symptoms by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain. These two chemicals aid people to manage their behavior and improve their focus. They come in a variety of different forms and each has its own brand, such as Adderall Vyvanse Ritalin Concerta. There are two main types of stimulant medications amphetamines, methylphenidates, and methylphenidates. They have the same effects, but their duration of action varies. The methylphenidates are less effective that can last as long as three hours, while the amphetamines are more long-lasting.

Certain individuals are better in their ability to take long-acting stimulant medication than those with short-acting stimulants, so your doctor may prescribe this type of medication. It is crucial to know all you can about the drug and its possible side effects, the best dosage, how often it should be taken, and any specific warnings that must be heeded. 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 some negative side effects, including trouble sleeping or a loss of appetite. If these occur, talk to your doctor about changing the dosage or attempting another drug.

Adults with ADHD who aren't responding well to the stimulants might be treated with non-stimulant medications that take longer to get started but increase the capacity of an individual 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 cortex, which controls the behavior. Another is Guanfacine (brand name Intuniv), which belongs to a class of drugs called alpha agonists. These drugs block reuptake and increasing the level of brain chemicals in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was created to treat high blood pressure, but it also has been proven to aid people suffering from ADHD.

Combinations

There are many drug combinations that are used by people with adhd medication without prescribing. These include stimulants and depressant drugs such as Guanfacine and Clonidine. These drugs have a calming effect on the brain and can reduce symptoms like sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. They also help to prevent withdrawal symptoms of stimulants. However, this combination can be dangerous if it is not properly used. Serotonin Syndrome is a drug emergency which occurs when there is too much serotonin in the body. This combination can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. People with heart disease or high blood pressure are at higher chance of experiencing adverse reactions from this medication.

Young adults and teens are increasingly using stimulant combinations. These substances, which are sold in pharmacies, are known as "legal highs". They are also available on the black market. These substances are extremely dangerous particularly when they are mixed with alcohol or other drugs. The use of multiple drugs can be risky. Mixing drugs can cause unpredictable and harmful effects, such as increased heart rate, slowed breathing, hallucinations, paranoia seizures, and addiction.

Combination therapy is more effective than monopharmacotherapy for treating ADHD according to the findings of a study. Combining medications improved adherence, and helped patients achieve more relief from symptoms than monotherapy. However some patients halted their treatment because of side effects. In some cases it was reported that the medication was withdrawn due to sleep problems or worsening tics. This could be a result of a poor diagnosis or inaccessibility to medications.

Nonstimulants are a different treatment option for ADHD. These drugs help improve the quality of attention and impulse control, but not as well as stimulants. They are less likely to inhibit appetite and increase. Some antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD, but they are less likely of enhancing concentration and focus.

A number of studies have proven that atomoxetine and methylphenidate (Concerta) can be used together to achieve better results than either alone. Combining these two medications helped improve adherence and reduced adverse effects for the majority of people. The combination also proved effective in young adults and adolescents. This combination may be a viable solution for children with severe ADHD.