Ten ADHD Stimulant Medication That Will Make Your Life Better
ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medication is the first treatment of choice for ADHD. They have a long track record of robust response, good tolerance and safety throughout the lifespan.
It's important to find the dosage and medication that eases your child's or your own symptoms without causing any side negative effects. This can take a lot trial and error, as well as an open communication with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that boost activity in the central nervous system. Students, athletes, artists, workers, and others use them to enhance their cognitive and performance. They are also used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, binge eating disorder, as well as other anxiety disorders. The most common stimulant medications are amphetamines and methylphenidates.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in immediate-release and extended-release formulas. The immediate-release medications are typically taken every 4 hours. When they wear off, they can cause a sudden and short-term drop in energy. The crash can result in severe mood swings, hunger, and fatigue. Instant-release medication can also increase blood pressure and heartbeat in certain people. This is especially the case when they don't take enough food.
Extended-release medications are designed to release its active ingredients over the course of 8-16 hours. Your doctor may recommend this kind of medication if you are looking for long-lasting control of symptoms without having to take a pill several times a day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate medications. Daytrana is a long-acting methylphenidate product that sticks to your skin like a bandage, and is able to last for the entire day. This type of medication is available to adults suffering from ADHD and require a daily dosage that lasts longer than immediate-release alternatives.
The use of stimulants doesn't cure ADHD However, they can aid in managing symptoms by enhancing the way that neurons in the brain communicate with one other. By blocking or binding their receptors, they can affect the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. This allows more neurotransmitters to be released, and aids in ensuring that messages between neurons are more efficiently transmitted and received.
Doctors may prescribe antidepressants in addition to stimulants to treat ADHD. The majority of the antidepressants doctors prescribe for ADHD alter the levels of norepinephrine serotonin and dopamine in your brain. One class, referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is a good choice for people who have depression or anxiety. These medications are typically paired with stimulants to increase their effectiveness. Another reason your doctor might switch between non-stimulant and stimulant medication is if the previous medication isn't working or it produces unacceptably adverse side effects.
Long-acting
Stimulants aid in the treatment of 70%-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. They help reduce symptoms such as fidgeting, over-talking and losing focus during conversations or on tasks. They also enhance social skills and job performance.
The stimulant drugs begin to work once they cross the blood-brain barrier which can take between 45 and 60 minutes. They boost the levels of Dopamine and Norepinephrine in brain cells which reduces 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). Stimulants can cause side reactions that include stomach upset and loss of appetite, increased heart rate and blood pressure headaches, as well as nervousness or anxiety. They can also make tics worse and trigger sleep problems for some people.
Long-acting stimulants (such as Strattera and Wellbutrin) are effective throughout the day and night unlike the short-acting drugs which last only several hours. They can be used to treat other ailments like anxiety or depression.
These medications work by changing the way that your body regulates chemical known as monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases break down dopamine in the brain and other neurotransmitters. These chemicals stay in your body for longer if they're not broken down. This can affect your behavior and thinking. Long-acting medications can have fewer negative effects. Your doctor may prescribe it in smaller doses, which you take throughout the day.
Certain stimulants are available in extended-release form that you can consume once every day. Some adults might prefer this option, but you should still be sure to take your stimulants each day.
Other medications have been found to be effective for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD such as selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are typically prescribed for depression or anxiety but can be prescribed for ADHD. Around 70% of people react to these medications. Bupropion, also referred to as Wellbutrin is an SSRI approved for ADHD. It was shown to be more efficient in a controlled research than placebos. These drugs can cause serious adverse effects, including the ringing of ears anxiety, and changes in vision, heart and lung function.
Short-acting
Stimulant medications reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These two chemicals assist people to control their behavior and focus. These drugs come in many different forms, and each has its own brand name, such as Adderall Vyvanse Ritalin Concerta. There are two major types of stimulant medications amphetamines and methylphenidates. All have similar effects, however they differ in the duration of their action. The methylphenidates are less effective and can last up to three hours, while the amphetamines provide longer-lasting effects.
Some people can tolerate stimulant medication better than others, which is why your doctor might prescribe them. It is important to learn everything you can about the drug and its possible side effects, how often it should be taken and any special warnings that should be heeded. This will allow you to work with your physician to determine the best dosage and medication for you.
These medications can also cause adverse side effects, such as insomnia, or a decrease in appetite. Talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects. You may need to alter your dosage or try another drug.
Adults with ADHD who do not respond well to stimulants may be treated with non-stimulant medications, which take longer to get started but can improve the ability of a person to concentrate and manage impulses. These drugs might be prescribed alone or in combination with stimulants.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera or Qelbree is the first. It works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex, which regulates behavior. Guanfacine is also known as Intuniv is part of the group of drugs called alpha-agonists. They block the reuptake of brain chemicals and increasing their level in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was developed to treat high blood pressure, but has also been shown to aid people suffering from ADHD.
Combinations
People with ADHD make use of a variety drug combinations. This includes stimulants paired with depressants like the guanfacine or clonidine. These drugs may have a calming affect on the brain, and reduce symptoms like sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. They also aid in preventing withdrawal symptoms from stimulants. However, this combination could be risky if properly used. Serotonin Syndrome is a drug emergency which occurs when there is too much serotonin in the body. This combination can also increase the blood pressure and heart rate. The risks associated with this medication are more pronounced for people with pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
Combinations of stimulants are more and more being used by teens and young adults. These substances are often referred to as "legal highs" and are sold at pharmacies. They are also available on the black market. adhd adults medication can be hazardous particularly when they are combined with alcohol and other drugs. The use of multiple drugs can be risky. Mixing drugs can result in unpredictably harmful consequences, such as an increased heart rate, slower breathing, hallucinations, paranoia seizures, addiction and hallucinations.
A study concluded that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy when treating ADHD. Combining medications improved adherence, and allowed patients to achieve more relief from symptoms than monotherapy. Many patients, however, quit their treatment due to side effects. In some instances the medication was removed due to sleep issues or worsening of tics. This could be the result of a poor diagnosis or lack of access to medication.
Nonstimulants are an alternative treatment for ADHD. These drugs enhance the ability to focus and control impulses However, they don't perform as well as stimulants. They are less likely to suppress appetite and growth. Certain antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD. However they have a lower chance of improving concentration and focus.
In a variety of studies, atomoxetine (Concerta), when combined with methylphenidate produced better results than any other drug taken on its own. Combining these two medications helped improve the adherence of patients and decreased adverse effects for the majority of people. The combination also proved effective in young adults and adolescents. This combination could be a viable option for children with severe ADHD.