The Ultimate Glossary For Terms Related To ADHD Medications
ADHD Medications For Adults
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, your first course of treatment will probably be medication. Stimulants boost concentration and manage impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Long-acting formulations should be chosen, as they provide continuous relief and avoid negative side effects (such ringing in the ears or changes in vision).
The use of medication can be beneficial however psychotherapy can also help to manage symptoms. Therapy can help you gain new techniques to deal with ADHD, improve your relationships and gain stability at work or in your home life.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
The medications in this class assist improve focus and attention and reduce impulsivity through increasing the levels of two neurotransmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the two most important chemicals that control the pre-frontal cortex part of the brain which is often known as the "secretary" or "executive functioning" area. This is because this area controls how you plan, organize and perform. This is what helps you stay on task to prioritize your tasks and keep your emotions in check.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD and come in a variety of doses and forms. The medication prescribed by your doctor is based on your symptoms, health history and other aspects. Some of the more common long-acting stimulant formulations include methylphenidate/amphetamine (Concerta), methylphenidate/amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Metabolite CD), methylphenidate/amphetamine/dextroamphetamine/dextromethorphan (Ritalin-LA) and methylphenidate/amphetamine/dextroamphetamine/dextroamphetamine/amiloride extended-release (Adderall XR).
The differing time-action profiles of these stimulants that last a long time allow physicians to select the best drug for each patient. For example, if a patient struggles in the morning, a long-acting methylphenidate/amphetamine/dextroamphetamine formulation may be beneficial because it provides an effect for up to 8 hours.
Additionally that, a lot of these formulations have a reduced chance of causing side effects like insomnia or stomach upsets compared to shorter-acting medications. They also do not increase heart rate and blood pressure in the same way as stimulants that work quickly which is vital for people suffering from heart disease.
One exception to this are the AMP salts in Adderall, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure somewhat. Your doctor can monitor the levels to ensure they remain secure.
There are other medications that help treat ADHD without stimulating the nervous system, including guanfacine and clonidine. They are more difficult to use than stimulants, however they are less likely to be misused. They are not as effective in improving concentration and attention, but they can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. They are available in a variety of dosages and forms that include extended-release tablets as well as capsules. Clonidine, a long-acting medication, Intuniv, is approved for adults and is able to be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment, such as behavioral therapy. It is important to remember that any medication you take is a tool that's only part of the process. Behavioral therapy is also crucial to helping you manage your ADHD.
Guanfacine, or clonidine
Guanfacine and clonidine as well as other central alpha-2 receptor antagonists are FDA-approved medications for high blood pressure. They are also employed "off-label" to treat ADHD. They function by stimulating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, both preand post-synaptically. The medication reduces sympathetic nerve impulses coming from the vasomotor center to the blood vessels and the heart and causes the heart to slow down and peripheral resistance. It can alleviate the main symptoms associated with ADHD including hyperactivity and impulsivity. It can also reduce the tics that are associated with Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders. It can be used as a stand-alone drug or in combination with stimulants. In a study of preschool-aged ADHD children, 78% of those taking stimulants in conjunction with Guanfacine experienced improvement in their symptoms.
These medications have a greater half-life than stimulants, meaning they can be used for a period of up to 24 hours. They are less likely to cause sedation and insomnia. They can be taken as a tablet or as a patch. The patch is a good option for people who forget to take their pills or don't like swallowing them. It is very important to take these pills exactly as directed. If the dosage is not sufficient the medication won't be effective. If the dosage is too high, you may see a significant drop in blood pressure. This could be harmful for those with low blood pressure or heart disease.
Clonidine and guanfacine are older medications that were created to treat hypertension. Both are approved for use by adults and can be taken alone or together with stimulants. They can also be used to treat anxiety symptoms that may hinder concentration in people suffering from ADHD. Clonidine is also used to treat sleep problems associated with ADHD. It does not affect appetite, which is a positive for people who are struggling with weight issues.
Studies on guanfacine and clonidine have demonstrated that both are effective in treating the primary symptoms of ADHD. They can be used on their own or together with a stimulant and are less likely to cause adverse negative effects than other drugs. Clonidine is particularly effective in reducing the severity of tics associated with Tourette syndrome and other disorders of the tic. Clonidine isn't as effective at reducing the inattention ADHD symptoms.
Ritalin
Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is a central nerve system stimulant. It is able to reduce a variety of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD. It can improve concentration, reduce fidgeting, and reduce impulse-driven behavior. It also improves those who are not able to focus. It is usually prescribed alongside other treatments such as behavioral therapy. Ritalin may cause a variety of side effects, but they tend to be minor and go away as your body adjusts to the medication.
It is available as tablets that are immediate-release (small doses that are taken 2 to 3 times a day) or extended-release capsules called Focalin XR, which is taken once daily in the morning with the dose released throughout the day. The extended-release capsules, Focalin XR, contain only the right-handed methylphenidate molecules, which minimizes the risk of side effects compared to other formulations.
Other methylphenidate medications include chewable tablets with short-acting properties that are taken twice daily and last for about four hours. Additionally, the long-acting tablet (Lisdexamfetamine) or solution is available. see this are usually given to adolescents and children older than 5 years old and adults who have not responded to methylphenidate treatment after six weeks.
All forms of methylphenidate have been associated with serious heart problems for certain people. Anyone with a history of cardiovascular disease should not use methylphenidate. It may also trigger an increased heart rate in certain individuals and can affect blood flow through your feet and hands. It may interact with a variety of other medications, such as anticholinergics, blood thinners, and certain anesthetics. It is crucial to provide your doctor with a complete list of all prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking. They can then look for possible interactions. Alternatively, a non-stimulant medication called Strattera is available, and can be prescribed to adults with ADHD. It regulates dopamine levels and doesn't cause the same side-effects as stimulant medications. It may take longer to take effect than other treatments, however it is thought to be a safe option for patients of adult age who do not want to take stimulant medication.
Adderall
Adderall is an stimulant medication that increases the activity of certain brain areas. It aids people in focusing on their behavior, manage their behavior and manage hyperactivity. It may also improve mood by altering the way that the brain releases chemicals such as dopamine and sérotonin. People who have ADHD typically have lower levels of these substances, which contributes to their excessive activity and inability to manage their emotions. This is one reason that some adults with ADHD aren't able to respond to medication alone.
Adderall when taken as prescribed, is not addictive and does not trigger dependence. However, there are risks associated with taking Adderall and it could cause side effects that require medical attention. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns or questions.
Adderall overdose symptoms include muscle twitching, restlessness and a higher heart rate. They can also cause confusion, hallucinations and agitation. If you experience any of these symptoms you should seek medical attention immediately.
Adderall is not recommended to be taken with medications that affect mood, like antidepressants and depression medications. These medications can increase the risk for serious side effects like seizures or death. This medication is not recommended for children younger than 12 years of age.
The effects of stimulants can cause difficulty in sleeping. You can reduce this side effect by limiting caffeine intake and screen time (e.g. TV, tv or video games) prior to the time you go to bed. You could also consider a sleep aid such as Melatonin.
Another option is to change to a more powerful formulation of the drug, like extended-release Adderall. This will stop an "rebound" effect that can occur in the late afternoon or evening as the medication has slowed down. Many people with ADHD take a long-acting dose of the medication using an immediate-release pill taken in the morning.
Some people without ADHD take stimulants like Adderall to experience a surge of mental energy or alertness. This can cause people to believe that the medication has magical properties. Some of these beliefs can cause people to develop an addiction. In addition the use of Adderall for non-medical reasons can raise the risk of a positive drug test for amphetamines.