ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medication is the initial treatment of choice for ADHD. They have a long history of robust response, good tolerability and safety across the entire lifespan.
It is essential to choose a medication and dosage that eases your child's or your own symptoms without causing adverse negative effects. medication for adult adhd may require a lot of trial and error, as well as an open dialogue with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that boost activity in the central nervous system. Students and athletes, artists, workers and others take these drugs to improve their cognitive and performance. They are also used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), binge eating disorder and some anxiety disorders. Amphetamines, methylphenidates and other stimulant medications are the most commonly used.
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 an abrupt and brief decrease in energy. The crash could cause severe mood swings, hunger, and fatigue. Immediate-release medications also can increase heart rate and blood pressure in certain people, particularly those who don't eat enough.
Extended-release medication is formulated to release its active ingredients over a period of 8 to 16 hours. This kind of medication could be prescribed by your physician in case you're seeking long-lasting symptoms control without taking pills frequently throughout the day. Methylphenidate medications in the extended-release category include Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. Another option is the long-acting methylphenidate patch called Daytrana, which sticks to the skin like a bandage and lasts all day. This type of medication can be prescribed to adults who have ADHD and need a daily dosage that lasts longer than immediate-release options.
Stimulant medications do not cure ADHD however it can help manage the symptoms by enhancing how neurons in the brain communicate. They do this by affecting the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine, by blocking or binding to their receptors. This allows more neurotransmitters to be released and assists in ensuring that messages between neurons are more efficiently sent and received.
In addition to stimulants, doctors sometimes prescribe antidepressants for ADHD. The majority of antidepressants prescribed by doctors for ADHD are based on the norepinephrine and dopamine levels in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors are an excellent option for those suffering from anxiety or depression. These drugs are typically combined with stimulants to enhance their effectiveness. Other reasons why your doctor may switch between non-stimulant and stimulant medication is if the previous medication isn't working or causes intolerable side effects.
Long-acting
About 70 to 80percent of children and adults with ADHD benefit from stimulants. They help reduce symptoms like fidgeting and talking over others. They also enhance the quality of work and social skills.
The stimulant drugs begin to work once they cross the blood-brain barrier, which takes about 45 to 60 minutes. They increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in brain cells, which decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. The FDA-approved stimulant drugs contain two molecules that are Methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). These stimulants can cause adverse reactions that include stomach upset loss of appetite, increased blood pressure and heart rate, headaches, and anxiety or nervousness. They can also cause tics to become worse and can cause sleep issues in certain people.
Long-acting stimulants, like Strattera or Wellbutrin, are effective day and night. Short-acting medications only last a few hours. They can also help with other conditions like depression or anxiety.
These medications work by changing how your body regulates monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases break down dopamine inside the brain, along with other neurotransmitters. If these chemicals aren't broken down and remain in your body for a longer time and can affect your thinking and behavior. Long-acting medications can have fewer side effects, and your doctor may prescribe smaller doses of the drugs that you consume throughout the day.
Certain stimulants are available as extended-release forms that you take every day. This can be more convenient for some adults, but it's important to remember to take them every day.
Other medications have been shown to be effective for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD, including selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are typically prescribed to treat anxiety or depression but can be prescribed for ADHD. Around 70% of people respond to these medications. Bupropion, also known as Wellbutrin is an SSRI approved for ADHD. It was shown to be more effective in a controlled study than placebos. These SSRIs can cause serious side effects, such as ringing in the ears, anxiety, and changes to vision as well as lung and heart function in some people.
Short-acting
The stimulant medication helps reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain. These two chemicals help people manage their behavior and stay focused. They are available in a variety of varieties, and each has their own brand name such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and 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 but differ in the length of their effect. The methylphenidates have shorter-lasting effects and can last up to three hours, while the amphetamines are more long-lasting.
Certain individuals are better at absorbing long-acting stimulant medication than those that use short-acting drugs and therefore, your doctor might prescribe this type. It is crucial to know everything you can about the drug, including possible side effects, the best dosage, how often it should be taken and any warnings specific to the medication that should be followed. This will allow you to work with your physician in figuring out the right dosage and medication for you.
These medications may also cause adverse side effects, such as difficulty sleeping or a loss of appetite. If these happen you should talk to your doctor about adjusting the dosage or trying different medications.
Adults with ADHD who aren't responding well to stimulants may be treated with non-stimulant medications that take longer to get started but can improve the ability of a person to pay attention and control impulses. These medications can be prescribed alone or together with stimulants.
The first is atomoxetine (brand names Strattera and Qelbree) It is a stimulant of norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex, which controls the way we behave. Another is Guanfacine (brand name Intuniv) that belongs to a group of medications known as alpha agonists. These drugs work by blocking reuptake and increasing the level of brain chemicals in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was initially developed to treat high blood pressure, has now been shown to be effective in treating ADHD.
Combinations
People suffering from ADHD use a variety of drug combinations. These include stimulants with depressant drugs such as clonidine and guanfacine. These drugs have a calming effect on the brain, and can decrease symptoms such as sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. They can also reduce withdrawal symptoms caused by stimulants. This combination could be dangerous however, if it is not used properly. Taking two stimulants at the same time increases the risk of developing serotonin-related syndrome, which is an emergency drug that occurs when the body has too excessive serotonin. This combination can also raise the blood pressure and heart rate. The risks of taking this medication are greater for those with pre-existing health conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Young adults and teenagers are increasingly consuming stimulant mixtures. These drugs, which are sold in pharmacies, are called "legal highs". These drugs are also available on the black market. These substances can be dangerous especially when mixed with alcohol and other substances. This is known as polydrug usage and is extremely risky. Mixing drugs can result in unpredictable and harmful consequences. This includes an increase in heart rate, slowed breathing, hallucinations and paranoia.
A study concluded that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy for treating ADHD. Combining medications increased adherence and helped patients achieve greater symptom relief than monotherapy. Some patients, however stopped their treatment due to adverse effects. In some instances the medication was discontinued due to sleep problems or worsening of tics. This could be due to a wrong diagnosis or lack of medication.
Nonstimulants are also used to treat ADHD. These drugs are effective in improving attention span and impulse regulation however, they do not perform as well as stimulants. They are less likely to inhibit appetite and growth. Certain antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD, but they have a less chance of enhancing focus and concentration.
In a number of studies, in a number of studies, atomoxetine (Concerta) when combined with methylphenidate, produced better results than any drug on its on its own. Combining these two medications was found to increase adherence and decrease adverse effects in the majority of people. The combination was effective for adolescents and young adults. This combination may be an option for children suffering from severe ADHD.