15 Things You've Never Known About ADHD Stimulant Medication
ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medications are the first treatment of choice for ADHD. They have a history of a robust response, a high tolerance, and are safe throughout the life span.
It is crucial to find the dosage and medication that eases your child's or your own symptoms without causing side consequences. This may require a lot of trial and error as well as a constant communication with your physician.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that increase the activity of the central nervous system. Students and artists, athletes, workers and other people use them to boost their cognitive and performance. They are also used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, binge eating disorder, and other anxiety disorders. Amphetamines and methylphenidates as well as other stimulant drugs are the most common.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in extended-release and immediate-release formulas. Immediate-release pills are usually taken every 4 hours. When they wear off they can trigger a sudden and short-term drop in energy. The crash may cause extreme hunger, mood swings, and fatigue. Immediate-release medications also can increase blood pressure and heart rate for some people, particularly when they don't eat enough.
Extended-release medicines are designed to release their active ingredients over a time of 8 to 16 hours. Your doctor may recommend this kind of medication if you are looking for lasting symptom control and do not need to take a pill several times a day. Methylphenidate products that fall into the extended-release category include Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. Another option is the long-acting methylphenidate patch known as Daytrana, which sticks to the skin like a band-aid and lasts all day. This kind of medication is available to adults suffering from ADHD and need daily doses that last longer than immediate-release alternatives.
Stimulant medications do not cure ADHD but it can help manage the symptoms by improving the way neurons in the brain communicate. They accomplish this by altering the levels of neurotransmitters within the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. This is done by blocking or binding to their receptors. This permits the release of more neurotransmitters, which aids in the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.
Doctors sometimes prescribe antidepressants in addition to stimulants for ADHD. The majority of antidepressants prescribed by doctors for ADHD work on the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. One of the groups, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, is a good choice for people who have anxiety or depression, too. These medications are typically paired with stimulants to increase their effectiveness. Your doctor could also switch between stimulant and a non-stimulant drug if your current medication isn't effective or causes an unacceptable side effects.
Long-acting
Around 70% to 80% children and adults with ADHD benefit from stimulants. They reduce symptoms such as fidgeting, talking over others and losing focus in conversations or on tasks. They also help improve the quality of work and social skills.
Stimulant medications begin to work once they pass through the blood-brain barrier which can take anywhere between 45 and 60 minutes. They increase the levels of dopamine and Norepinephrine between brain cells which reduces the amount of hyperactivity and impulseivity. The FDA-approved stimulant medication consists of one of two molecules, methylphenidate (Adderall Ritalin Vyvanse Concerta) or amphetamine, (Ritalin Adderall XR Vyvanse Vyvanse). The stimulants can trigger side reactions that include stomach upset and decreased appetite, elevated blood pressure and heart rate headaches, as well as anxiety or nervousness. They can also make tics worse and trigger sleep problems in certain people.
Long-acting stimulants like 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 the ways your body regulates chemicals called monoamine oxides. Monoamine oxidases are enzymes that break down dopamine as well as other neurotransmitters inside 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 medication can have fewer negative effects. adhd anxiety medication may prescribe it in smaller doses, which you can take throughout the day.
Certain stimulants are available as extended-release formulations that you take daily. Some adults may prefer this method however, you must keep in mind to take the stimulants every day.
Other medications have been shown to be effective in treating many adults suffering from ADHD, including selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These are usually used to treat anxiety or depression, but they can also be prescribed for ADHD and around 70% of people are able to respond. 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 ringing in the ears anxiety, a change to vision and 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 the two chemical compounds that help people focus and regulate their behavior. They are available in numerous 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, however they differ in the length of their action. The methylphenidates may have a shorter-lasting effect lasting as long as three hours. Amphetamines on the other on the other hand, have a longer-lasting impact.
Certain people are more in their ability to take long-acting stimulant medication than those that use short-acting drugs which is why your doctor may prescribe this kind of drug. It is important that you be aware of as much as you can about the medication. This includes any side effects, how frequently it should be taken and any warnings. This will allow you to collaborate with your doctor in figuring out the right medication and dose for you.
These medications may also cause some negative side effects such as insomnia, or a loss of appetite. If these happen you should talk to your doctor about altering the dosage or using different medications.
Adults with ADHD who do not respond well to the stimulants might be treated with non-stimulant medications, which take longer to start working but can improve the ability of a person to focus and control impulses. These medications can be prescribed either in combination or on their own.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera or Qelbree, is the first. It is a stimulant of dopamine and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex that regulates the behavior. Guanfacine, also referred to as Intuniv, belongs to the group of drugs called alpha-agonists. These drugs work by blocking the reuptake process and increasing the amount 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
People with ADHD make use of a variety drug combinations. These include stimulants combined with depressant drugs such as Guanfacine or Clonidine. These drugs can have a calming effect on the brain and can reduce symptoms such as sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. They also aid in preventing the onset of withdrawal from stimulants. This combination could be risky, however, should it not be used correctly. Serotonin Syndrome is a medical emergency that occurs when there is too much serotonin in the body. This combination can also raise the heart rate and blood pressure. The risks of using this medication are more pronounced for those with pre-existing health conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Young adults and teens are increasingly taking stimulant-based combinations. These drugs are often described as "legal highs" and are readily available at pharmacies. These drugs are also sold on the black market. These substances are dangerous, especially when combined with alcohol and other drugs. This is referred to as polydrug use and can be extremely dangerous. Mixing drugs can result in unpredictable and harmful effects, including increased heart rate, slowed breathing, hallucinations, paranoia, seizures and addiction.
A study found that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy for treating ADHD. Combined medication improved compliance and allowed patients to achieve more symptom relief than monotherapy. However some patients halted their treatment because of side effects. In some cases the medication was stopped due to sleep issues or worsening tics. This could be due to a wrong diagnosis or the absence of medication.
Nonstimulants are also used to treat ADHD. These drugs help improve the quality of attention and impulse control However, they don't perform as effectively as stimulants. They are also less likely to inhibit growth and alter appetite. Certain antidepressants can also be prescribed for ADHD however they have a lower chance of enhancing focus and concentration.
Several studies have shown that atomoxetine and methylphenidate (Concerta) can be combined to produce better results than either drug alone. Combining these two medications was found to improve adherence and reduce adverse effects in the majority of people. The combination was beneficial for adolescents and young adults. This combination could be a feasible option for children suffering from severe ADHD.