7 Things About Non Stimulant ADHD Medication You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
For many stimulant medication is the first option for treating ADHD. Some people have negative side effects or they do not perform as well.
Some doctors prescribe stimulants in addition to non-stimulant ADHD medications. These medicines include ones that treat high blood pressure, such as clonidine and guanfacine hcl (Tenex). These are in addition to other medicines that promote awakening.
Benefits
Stimulants are the first medications doctors prescribe to treat ADHD. They help improve the communication between brain nerves. These drugs increase levels of neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps improve concentration and decrease excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. They are available in a variety of forms, but they are generally classified into two drug classes amphetamines and methylphenidates. Due to their potential for abuse, they are classified as controlled substances. The dosage, distribution and usage of these medications are tightly controlled.
Doctors can prescribe a combination medication that includes nonstimulants and stimulants. They may do this because a stimulant is not functioning properly, due to side effects that are too extreme, or because the person is suffering from a mental illness which needs to be treated. Children and adults often receive treatment in combination.
Non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine viloxazine and guanfacine. These medications are generally well-tolerated and don't pose the same danger of abuse or addiction as stimulants do. They may take longer to begin working and aren't as long-lasting as stimulants, however they're usually effective in treating symptoms of ADHD.
The majority of people who use non-stimulant ADHD medications report moderate to minor side effects. This includes stomach upset, headaches and sleepiness. Some people may be more difficult to stay awake while taking these medications but this can be less of a problem for children than adults.
Consult your physician if you or your child is thinking about taking medication for ADHD. They will explain the different medications as well as their advantages and risks and how you can get started. They'll also assist you to choose the right medication and dosage for you.
It might take a few tries to land on the right medication and dose. The aim is to manage ADHD symptoms with as few adverse effects as is possible. Once you've found the right medication, it is best to keep it in place. If you stop taking it, your symptoms will come back. Most people suffering from ADHD have to take these medications for life.
Dosage
Stimulant medications like Adderall (methylphenidate/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) increase levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which boosts communication between nerves. This improves focus, concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is the first type that doctors prescribe for ADHD. It's not suitable for everyone, and it may cause side effects which are intolerable.
Non-stimulant drugs that are FDA-approved such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv(guanfacine) are used to treat ADHD in adults. They can reduce symptoms by directly acting on the prefrontal cortex of the brain and creating an effect of calming. They are frequently used as an adjunct for stimulant medications or when you don't react well to stimulants.
Both atomoxetine as well as guanfacine fall in the alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists class of drugs, which means they act by blocking receptors that transmit dopamine to other cells. This allows for other chemicals to be absorbed into the brain, such as norepinephrine. This chemical is calming and improves focus, which reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity.
While the amphetamine and methylphenidate classes of drugs are extremely effective at decreasing or eliminating ADHD symptoms, they carry the potential for abuse, addiction and overdose. These drugs are classified as controlled substances, and they come with "boxed" warnings that warn users of the dangers. They are also vulnerable to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants start to work within 30-45 minutes of taking them and last 3-4 hours. They can be taken as often as three times a day. Long-acting and intermediate stimulants take longer to work, but can provide symptom relief for between 8 and 16 hours. They can be taken only once per day and can be a good choice if you have trouble remembering to take your medication at the same time every day.
When the medication wears off, certain people are affected by a rebound effect. This means that their symptoms will return to the levels they experienced previously. This can lead to short-term fatigue, a negative attitude and intense hunger. This can be cured by adjusting the dosage, when it is taken or the type of medication. Talk to your doctor when you're experiencing this issue.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD medication increases dopamine levels in brain cells, which aids in concentration and decreases impulse-driven behavior. They can also improve memory and reduce aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These are usually given in capsule form, but some children may use them as drops or chewable tablets. The stimulants can cause adverse reactions, such as dry mouth, reduced appetite, and difficulty sleeping. In some cases, the side effects are minor and fade as the drug wears off. In other instances they may be more serious and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medications help manage ADHD symptoms by targeting neurotransmitters within the brain. They also have a lower risk for dependence or addiction than stimulants. These drugs can cause drowsiness as well as dizziness. Drowsiness can be reduced by taking the medication earlier in the morning, eating meals before the medication starts to work and avoiding beverages with caffeine.
Many people respond better to long-acting or extended release drugs. These formulations are slowly absorbed within the body and decrease the chance of running out too fast and causing symptoms to get worse. They also make it easier to remember to take your medication, especially if either you or your child has difficulties keeping track of several pill bottles.
The majority of children and adults who take medication to treat ADHD will experience some side effects. These side effects can be managed by monitoring the reactions of your child or yourself, adjusting the dosage and following the prescribed dosage. If you or your child is experiencing bothersome or dangerous adverse effects, consult an expert in mental health about the possibility of changing to a different type of medication.
adhd medication can take a while to find the right treatment for a person with ADHD. In addition, it's not uncommon for a doctor to switch you or your child between the two categories of medications--stimulant and non-stimulant--because one isn't effective or causes intolerable side effects.
Monitoring
The most important thing to remember about ADHD medication is that it may help manage your symptoms but it's not a cure. Your doctor can alter dosage to manage your symptoms while minimizing any adverse effects. Medication is usually only one part of the treatment plan for ADHD in addition to therapy and support from family members and teachers.
The most popular ADHD medications are stimulant medications. They work by increasing brain chemicals that help improve concentration and decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can cause a variety of adverse reactions, including the loss of appetite, trouble sleeping stomachaches, headaches, anxiety, a higher heart rate and sometimes shaky hands.
It can be challenging to determine the appropriate dose and medication for your child or you. It may take several months or weeks for the benefits of a particular drug to be evident. In this time it is vital to follow your physician's instructions carefully and report any adverse effects.
Although stimulants are quick-acting and have an advantage but they also carry a higher risk for abuse and dependency. This is one reason why many avoid taking them, especially young children and adolescents. Non-stimulant drugs are just as effective and are a better alternative for those who cannot endure the negative side effects of stimulants.
There are many different kinds of non-stimulant medicines, such as the atomoxetine (Strattera) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) and Guanfacine (Concerta). A number of these medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat other conditions, but are also utilized "off-label" to treat ADHD.
A recent study has found that the long-term use of ADHD medications is associated with a higher risk of CVD. The risk increased with quantity of medication used and was greater in both genders. Researchers recommend that people be closely monitored, and undergo regular health screenings. This is particularly true for high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. This is especially important if the individual has an early family history of heart attack or cardiovascular disease.