Here's A Few Facts Regarding ADHD Stimulant Medication
ADHD Stimulant Medication Stimulant medication is the initial line treatment for ADHD. They have a history of a robust response, good tolerance and safety across the life span. It's important to find a medication and dosage that eases your child's or your own symptoms without causing adverse consequences. This may require a lot of trial and error, as and a clear communication with your physician. Stimulants Stimulants are medications that increase the activity of the central nervous system. They are extensively used as performance enhancement and cognitive enhancers by students, athletes as well as artists and workers. They also serve to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, binge eating disorder, and some 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 medications are usually taken every four hours as needed. They can cause sudden, temporary decrease in energy, referred to as a crash when they are worn off. The crash could cause severe hunger, mood swings, and fatigue. Immediate-release medications can also raise blood pressure and heartbeats in certain people. medication for adult add is particularly true when they do not consume enough food. Extended-release drugs are designed to release their active ingredients over a period of 8 to 16 hours. Your doctor may suggest this type of medication if your goal is long-lasting symptom control without having to take a pill several times a day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate drugs. Daytrana is a long-acting methylphenidate product that sticks to your skin like a bandage and lasts throughout the day. This kind of medication is typically given to people with ADHD who require daily doses that last longer than the immediate-release options. Stimulant medication doesn't solve ADHD however they can aid in managing symptoms by improving the way neurons in the brain communicate with one with each other. By blocking or binding their receptors, they can alter the levels of neurotransmitters, like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This allows more neurotransmitters to be released, and helps messages between neurons be more effectively transferred and received. In addition to stimulants, doctors sometimes prescribe antidepressants for ADHD. The majority of antidepressants that doctors prescribe for ADHD affect the levels of norepinephrine dopamine and serotonin in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors are a good option for those suffering from anxiety or depression. These drugs are typically combined with stimulants to boost 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 About 70 to 80percent of children and adults with ADHD benefit from stimulants. They help reduce symptoms like the tendency to fidget and talk over others. They can also improve the social skills of employees and improve their performance. The stimulant medication starts to work once it has crossed the blood-brain barrier that can take 45 to 60 minutes. They increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels between brain cells, which reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. The FDA-approved stimulant medications contain one of two molecules called methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). Stimulants can cause side effects including upset stomach, loss of appetite, increased heart rate and blood pressure headaches, as well as nervousness or anxiety. They can also cause tics to become worse and cause sleep problems for some people. Long-acting stimulants (such as Strattera and Wellbutrin) are effective throughout the day and night unlike the short-acting drugs which last only several hours. They can be used to treat other ailments like anxiety or depression. These medications work by changing the way that your body regulates chemical called monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases break down dopamine inside the brain, along with other neurotransmitters. When these chemicals aren't eliminated, they stay in your body for a longer time and affect your behavior and thinking. Long-acting medicines can cause less adverse effects, and your doctor may prescribe smaller doses that you consume throughout the day. Certain stimulants are available in extended-release form that you can take every day. Adults may prefer this method however, it is important to keep in mind to take your stimulants each day. Other medications have been proven to be effective for a lot of people suffering from ADHD which includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These are usually prescribed for anxiety or depression however they can also be prescribed for ADHD, and about 70% of people respond. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is another SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been demonstrated 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 and heart and lung function in some people. Short-acting Stimulant medication helps reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. These are the two chemical compounds that help people focus and control their behavior. They are available in numerous varieties, and each has its own brand name, such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are two major kinds of stimulant drugs, methylphenidates and amphetamines. They have the same effects, however their duration of action varies. The methylphenidates can have a shorter-lasting effect lasting for up to three hours. Amphetamines on the other hand have a longer-lasting effect. Some people are better at absorbing stimulant drugs that have a long-acting effect than those that use short-acting drugs which is why your doctor may prescribe this type of medication. It is important that you learn as much as possible about the medication. This includes any side effects, how frequently it should be taken, and any warnings. This will help you and your physician determine the most suitable medication for you. You should also understand that these medications can have certain negative side effects, including problems sleeping or loss of appetite. Consult your physician if you experience these adverse effects. You may need to alter your dosage or try another drug. Adults with ADHD who don't respond to stimulants well can be treated with nonstimulant medications. These medications take longer to work but improve the ability to pay attention and manage impulses. These medications can be prescribed in combination or as a single dose. The first one is atomoxetine (brand names Strattera and Qelbree), which works by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine in the prefrontal brain which regulates the way we behave. Another is guanfacine (brand name Intuniv), which belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha agonists. They block the reuptake of brain chemicals and increasing their level in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was created to treat high blood pressure but has also been shown to help people with ADHD. Combinations There are many drug combinations used by people with ADHD. This includes stimulants that are depressant-type drugs such as Guanfacine and Clonidine. These drugs have a calming effect on the brain and can help reduce symptoms such as sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. They also help to prevent withdrawal symptoms caused by stimulants. However, this combination can be dangerous if not used correctly. Serotonin Syndrome is a medical emergency which occurs when there is a high concentration of serotonin in the body. This combination can also increase the blood pressure and heart rate. Heart disease sufferers or those with high blood pressure are at a greater risk of developing adverse effects from this medication. Young adults and teenagers are increasingly using stimulant combinations. These drugs, which are sold in pharmacies, are sometimes called “legal highs”. These drugs are also available on the black market. These substances are extremely dangerous particularly when they are combined with alcohol or other substances. This is referred to as polydrug use and can be very dangerous. Mixing drugs can cause unpredictable and harmful consequences. They include an increase in heart rate, reduced respiration, paranoia and hallucinations. A study showed that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy when treating ADHD. Combining medications improved the adherence of patients and helped them achieve more symptom relief than monotherapy. Many patients, however, were unable to continue treatment due side effects. In a few cases it was reported that the medication was withdrawn because of sleep problems or worsening tics. This could be due to a misdiagnosis or a lack of medication. Nonstimulants can also be used to treat ADHD. These drugs help improve the ability to focus and control impulses However, they don't perform as effectively as stimulants. They are also less likely to inhibit growth and alter appetite. Some antidepressants can also be prescribed for ADHD. However, they have a smaller chance of improving concentration and focus. Several studies have shown that atomoxetine and methylphenidate (Concerta) can be used together to achieve better results than either alone. Combining these two medications helped improve compliance and reduced the risk of side effects for most people. The combination was effective for young adults and adolescents. This combination could be a feasible alternative for children suffering from severe ADHD.