ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant drugs are the first line treatment for ADHD. They have a long track record of high response, excellent tolerability and safety across the entire lifespan.
It is essential to choose the right dosage and medication that eases your child's or your own symptoms without causing any side effects. This usually requires lots of trial and trial and regular communication with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. Students and artists, athletes, workers and other people use them to boost their performance and cognitive abilities. They also serve to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. They also treat binge eating disorder, and other anxiety disorders. Amphetamines, methylphenidates and other stimulant medications are among the most commonly used.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in both extended-release and immediate-release formulations. Immediate-release medications are usually taken every 4 hours as required. They can cause a sudden, short-term decrease in energy known as a crash once they have worn off. The crash can trigger extreme craving, mood swings and fatigue. Immediate-release medications also can increase blood pressure and heart rate in some people, especially when they don't eat enough.
Extended-release medications are designed to release active ingredients over a period of 8-16 hours. This type of medication may be prescribed by a doctor if you are looking for long-lasting relief from symptoms without taking tablets several times per day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate products. Daytrana is a methylphenidate that acts long-lastingly product that sticks to your skin like a bandage and lasts throughout the day. This type of medication is available to adults with ADHD and need daily doses that last longer than immediate-release options.
Stimulant medication doesn't solve ADHD, but 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 affect the levels of neurotransmitters, like norepinephrine and dopamine, in the brain. This allows for the release of more neurotransmitters, which aids in the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.
Doctors sometimes prescribe antidepressants in addition to stimulants to treat ADHD. The majority of antidepressants doctors prescribe for ADHD affect the levels of norepinephrine serotonin and dopamine in your brain. One class, referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, is a good choice for those suffering from depression or anxiety. These drugs are typically combined with stimulants to enhance their effectiveness. Your doctor can switch between stimulant and a non-stimulant medication if your current medication isn't working or causes an unacceptable side effect.
Long-acting
Between 70 and 80% children and adults with ADHD benefit from stimulants. They can reduce symptoms such as fidgeting and talking over others. They also help improve job performance and social skills.
The stimulant medication starts to work when it crosses the blood-brain barriers which can take between 45 and 60 minutes. They increase the levels of dopamine and Norepinephrine within brain cells, which decreases hyperactivity and impulseivity. The FDA-approved stimulant drugs contain two molecules called the methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). These stimulants can trigger side effects such as nausea and loss of appetite. They can also cause increased blood pressure. They can also cause anxiety and headaches. They can also make tics more severe, and they may cause sleep issues in certain people.
Long-acting stimulants like Strattera or Wellbutrin, can be used day and night. The short-acting drugs only last a few hours. They also aid in other disorders like anxiety or depression.
These medications work by changing how your body regulates monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases, or enzymes, break down dopamine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. These chemicals stay in your body for longer if they're not broken down. This can impact your behavior and even your thinking. Long-acting medications can have fewer adverse effects. Your doctor may prescribe smaller doses that you take throughout the day.
Some stimulants are available in extended-release forms that you take once a day. This may be more convenient for some adults, however it's important to that you should take them daily.
Other medications have been shown to be effective for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD which includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These are usually prescribed to treat anxiety or depression, but they can also be prescribed for ADHD and around 70% of people react. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is a different SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been proven to be more effective than placebos in one controlled study. These SSRIs can cause serious side effects, such as hearing ringing anxiety, a change to vision and heart and lung function in some people.
Short-acting
The stimulant medication helps reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. These two chemicals aid people to manage their behavior and improve their focus. These drugs are available in different forms, and each has its own brand, like Adderall Vyvanse Ritalin Concerta. There are two major types of stimulant drugs that are methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and the amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). All have similar effects, however they differ in the duration of their effect. The methylphenidates are less effective and can last for up to three hours, while the amphetamines provide longer-lasting effects.
Certain people are tolerant of stimulant drugs better than others, and your doctor may prescribe them. It is important that you know as much as you can about the medication. This includes any possible side effects, how often it is recommended to take it, and any warnings. This will allow you to work with your doctor to determine the best dosage and medication for you.
It is important to know that these medications can have certain negative adverse effects, like difficulty sleeping or a loss of appetite. Talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects. You may need to alter your dosage or try a different drug.
Adults with ADHD who aren't responding well to stimulants may be treated with non-stimulant drugs, which take longer to get started but can improve the ability of a person to concentrate and control impulses. These drugs might be prescribed on their own or together with stimulants.
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera or Qelbree, is the first. It works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the prefrontal cortex which controls behavior. Guanfacine is also known as Intuniv is part of the group of drugs called 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 proven to be effective in treating ADHD.
Combinations
There are a variety of drug combinations that are used by people who suffer from ADHD. This includes stimulants paired with depressants such as clonidine or guanfacine. These drugs can be calming for the brain, and can reduce symptoms such as sleeplessness and aggressive behaviour. adhd medication for adults uk prevent withdrawal symptoms that can result from stimulants. This combination can be dangerous however, if it is not used properly. Serotonin Syndrome is a drug emergency which occurs when there is too much serotonin in the body. This combination may also increase the blood pressure and heart rate. People suffering from heart disease or high blood pressure are at a greater risk of developing side effects from this medication.
Young adults and teenagers are increasingly using stimulant combinations. These substances, which are sold in pharmacies, are sometimes known as "legal highs". They are also available on the black market. These substances can be dangerous, especially if mixed with alcohol or other substances. This is referred to as polydrug use and is extremely risky. Mixing drugs can result in dangerous and unpredictable effects, such as increased heart rate, slowed breathing, paranoia, hallucinations, seizures and addiction.
Combination therapy is more effective than monopharmacotherapy in treating ADHD according to a study. Combining medications improved adherence, and helped patients achieve better relief from symptoms than monotherapy. However some patients halted their treatment due to adverse effects. In some cases the medication was stopped due to sleep issues or worsening tics. This could be a result of poor diagnosis or a lack of access to medications.
Nonstimulants are a different treatment option for ADHD. These medications 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 alter appetite. Some antidepressants can also be prescribed for ADHD. However, they have a smaller chance of improving concentration and focus.
In a number of studies, the atomoxetine (Concerta), when combined with methylphenidate, produced better results than either drug on its own. Combining these two drugs improved adherence and reduced adverse effects for the majority of people. The combination also proved effective for adolescents and young adults. This combination may be an alternative for children suffering from severe ADHD.