7 Secrets About ADHD Stimulant Medication That Nobody Will Tell You
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ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant drugs are the first line treatment for ADHD. They have a long record of robust response, good tolerability and safety across the life span.
However, it's important to choose the right dosage and medication that eases your child's or your own symptoms without side negative effects. This often takes lots of trial and trial and open dialog with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that increase activity in the central nervous system. Students, athletes, artists, workers and others take them to enhance their performance and cognitive abilities. They are also used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as binge eating disorder and some anxiety disorders. Amphetamines, methylphenidates, and other stimulant medications are the most common.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in both immediate-release and prolonged-release formulations. Immediate-release medications are usually taken every 4 hours as required. When they stop working they can cause sudden and temporary decrease in energy. The crash could cause extreme mood swings, hunger, and fatigue. Immediate-release medication can also increase blood pressure and heartbeat in certain people. This is especially the case when they don't consume enough food.
Extended-release medications are designed to release its active ingredients over the course of 8-16 hours. This kind of medication could be prescribed by your doctor in case you're seeking long-lasting symptoms control without taking pills several times a day. Methylphenidate products that fall into the extended-release category include Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. Daytrana is a methylphenidate with a long-acting product that adheres to your skin like a bandage, and lasts the entire day. This kind of medication is often given to people 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. By blocking or binding their receptors they can affect the levels of neurotransmitters, like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This allows for the release of more neurotransmitters which helps to improve the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.
Doctors often prescribe antidepressants addition to stimulants to treat ADHD. The majority of antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD are based on the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors are a good option for those suffering from anxiety or depression. These medications are typically paired with stimulants to increase their effectiveness. Your doctor can switch between stimulant and a non-stimulant medication if your current medication isn't working or has intolerable side effects.
Long-acting
Stimulants help about 70% to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. They can reduce symptoms such as the tendency to fidget and talk over others. They also enhance the quality of work and social abilities.
The stimulant medication starts working as soon as it crosses the blood-brain boundaries that can take 45 to 60 minutes. They increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in brain cells, which decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. The FDA-approved stimulant medications contain two molecules that are methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). The stimulants can trigger side effects including upset stomach loss of appetite, increased heart rate and blood pressure headaches, as well as anxiety or nervousness. They can also make tics more severe and trigger sleep problems in some people.
Long-acting stimulants, such as Strattera or Wellbutrin, are effective day and night. Short-acting medications are only effective for a few hours. They can also aid with other conditions like depression or anxiety.
The medications affect how your body regulates monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases break down dopamine in the brain, along with other neurotransmitters. If these chemicals aren't eliminated, they stay in your body longer, which affects your behavior and thinking. Long-acting medications can have fewer side effects, and your doctor may prescribe them in smaller doses that you consume throughout the day.
Certain stimulants are available in extended-release versions that you can take once a day. This may be more convenient for some adults, however it's important to remember that you should take them daily.
Other medications have been found to be effective for many adults suffering from ADHD, including selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications are usually prescribed for depression or anxiety but they can also be prescribed for ADHD. Around 70% of patients respond to these drugs. Bupropion, also called Wellbutrin, is an SSRI approved for ADHD. It was proven to be more efficient in a controlled research than placebos. These medications can cause serious side effects such as hearing ringing anxiety, changes to vision as well as lung and heart function in some people.
Short-acting
Stimulant medications work to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain. These are two chemicals that aid people in focusing and control their behavior. They come in a variety of different forms and each has its own brand name, like Adderall Vyvanse Ritalin Concerta. There are two major kinds of stimulant medications that are methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and the amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). All have similar effects, however they differ in the length of their effect. The methylphenidates may produce a less lasting effect, lasting for up to three hours. Amphetamines on the other hand have a longer-lasting effect.
Some people are better able to tolerate long-acting stimulant medications than short-acting medications which is why your doctor may prescribe this type of medication. It is crucial to be aware of as much as you can about the medication. This includes any adverse effects, how often it should be taken, and any warnings. This will aid you and your doctor determine the best medication for you.
These medications can also cause adverse side effects, such as insomnia, or loss in appetite. If these occur consult your physician about altering the dosage or using different medications.
Adults with ADHD who don't respond to stimulants well can be treated with nonstimulant medications. These drugs take longer to work but improve the ability to pay attention and to control impulses. These medications can be prescribed on their own or in conjunction with stimulants.
The first one is atomoxetine (brand names Strattera and Qelbree) It works by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine in the prefrontal brain, which controls behavior. Another is Guanfacine (brand name Intuniv) that belongs to a class of medications called alpha agonists. They work by preventing the absorption of these brain chemicals and increasing their level in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was developed to treat high blood pressure, but it also has been proven to aid people suffering from ADHD.
Combinations
There are many drug combinations used by people with ADHD. These include stimulants and depressant type drugs like the guanfacine and clonidine. These drugs may influence a calming effect on the brain, and can reduce symptoms like sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. They can also prevent the withdrawal symptoms caused by stimulants. However, this combination could be risky if used correctly. Serotonin Syndrome is a medical emergency which occurs when there is a high concentration of serotonin in the body. This combination may also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. The risks associated with this drug are higher for those who have pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
Combinations of stimulants are now being used by teens and young adults. These substances are often referred to as "legal highs" and are sold in pharmacies. These drugs are also sold on the black market. These substances can be hazardous particularly when they are combined with alcohol and other drugs. Polydrug use can be dangerous. Mixing drugs can have unpredictable and harmful consequences. They include an increase in heart rate, decreased breathing, hallucinations and paranoia.
A study concluded that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy in treating ADHD. Combining medications helped improve adherence and enabled patients to experience greater symptom relief than monotherapy. A majority of patients, however, were unable to continue treatment due adverse effects. In some cases the medication was discontinued due to sleep problems or worsening of tics. This could be because of a poor diagnosis or lack of access to medications.
Nonstimulants are an alternative treatment for ADHD. These medications help improve attention span and impulse control, but they don't work as effectively as stimulants. They are also less likely to inhibit growth and alter appetite. Certain antidepressants may also be prescribed for ADHD. However, they have a smaller chance of improving focus and concentration.
In several studies, atomoxetine (Concerta), when combined with methylphenidate, gave better results than either drug on its on its own. Combining these two medications improved compliance more info and reduced the risk of adverse effects for the majority of people. The combination was beneficial for young adults and adolescents. This combination may be a viable treatment for children with severe ADHD.