ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
For many stimulant medications are the first option for treating ADHD. But for some individuals, they can cause adverse negative effects or aren't helpful.
Doctors sometimes prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication in lieu of or in conjunction with stimulants. These include medications to treat high blood pressure, such as clonidine or guanfacine (Tenex). These include other medicines that aid in promoting wakefulness.
Benefits
Stimulants are the first medications doctors typically prescribe to treat ADHD. They help improve communication between brain nerves. These drugs increase levels of neurotransmitters, also known as chemical messengers, dopamine and norepinephrine. This can improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs come in various forms, but they all are classified into two categories amphetamines or methylphenidates. Due to their potential for abuse, they are classified as controlled substances. These drugs are strictly controlled in terms of dosage, distribution and use.
Doctors may prescribe a combination medication that includes stimulants and nonstimulants. They might do this because a stimulant doesn't work well enough, or because of intolerable side effects or if a person is suffering from an underlying mental health issue that needs to be treated. Combination treatments are commonplace for both adults and children.
Nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine. These medications are well tolerated and don't carry the same dangers of abuse or addiction as stimulants. They might take longer to work and last less than stimulants, but they can be effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
Most people who take nonstimulant ADHD medication report mild to moderate side effects. These include headaches, stomach upsets, dry mouth and insomnia. Some people may have a harder time staying awake when taking these medications but this can be less of a problem for children than for adults.
Consult your physician if you or your child is thinking about medication for ADHD. They'll discuss the various medications as well as their advantages and risks and how to begin. They'll also help you determine the right dosage and medication for your needs.
It might require a few attempts to find the perfect dosage and medication. The aim is to manage ADHD symptoms with as little side effects as possible. Once you've found the best medication, you should stick with it. If you stop taking it your symptoms will come back. Most people with ADHD will need to take these drugs for the rest of their lives.
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 concentration, focus and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is the first type that doctors prescribe for ADHD. It's not for everyone and it could cause undesirable side effects.
Non-stimulant medications, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv (guanfacine), are FDA-approved for treating ADHD in adults. They can reduce symptoms by directly acting on the prefrontal cortex of the brain and creating an calming effect. They are often used as an adjunct treatment for stimulant medications or when you aren't able to respond well to stimulants.
Both atomoxetine (also known as Guanfacine) and guanfacine belong to the alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists category of drugs. This means that they function by blocking receptors that transmit dopamine from one cell to the next. This allows other chemicals in the brain, such as norepinephrine to enter the brain and create the effect of calming, which improves attention and reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity.
The methylphenidate and amphetamine and various other classes of ADHD medications are effective in alleviating or eliminating symptoms associated with ADHD. However, they can be misused and addictive, leading to overdose. These substances are categorized as controlled substances, and they come with "boxed" warnings that warn patients of the dangers. These drugs are also susceptible to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants kick in within 30 to 45 minutes after taking them, and last for 3-4 hours. They can be taken as many as three times per day. Long-acting stimulants and intermediate ones are more difficult to use, but can provide symptom relief for between 8 and 16 hours. These stimulants are usually taken once a day when you find it difficult to remember to take your medication every day at the same time.
Some people experience what's called the rebound effect when their medication wears off, which means that their symptoms return to their prior levels. This can lead to temporary fatigue, a negative attitude and intense hunger. Changing the dosage, when you take it or what type of medication you use can stop this from occurring. If you're experiencing this problem, talk to your doctor about the best way to make adjustments to your medication.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD drugs increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, promoting focus and reducing hyperactive and impulsive behavior. They may also improve memory and reduce aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These are usually given orally as capsules, though some children can use them as drops or chewable tablets. Stimulants have the potential to cause side effects, including dry mouth, a decrease in appetite, and difficulty sleeping. In some cases these side effects are mild and disappear when the medication wears off. In other instances these effects may be serious and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medications can help treat ADHD symptoms by targeting various neurotransmitters within the brain. They may also carry a lower risk for addiction or dependence than stimulants. Common adverse effects of these drugs include drowsiness, loss of appetite, and dizziness. To avoid drowsiness the medication earlier in the day, eat breakfast before the medication begins to work, and avoid caffeinated drinks.
Many people discover that they are more responsive to the long-acting or extended release versions of these medications. These formulations are slowly absorbed in the body, and reduce the possibility of wearing out too quickly and causing symptoms to get worse. They also help reduce the need to remember to take the medication regularly particularly in the case that your child has trouble keeping track of multiple pills.
Most children and adults who take medication to treat ADHD will experience some side effects. These side effects can be controlled by monitoring the reactions of your child or yourself, and adjusting the dosage and taking the medication as prescribed. If you or your child is experiencing adverse or dangerous side effects, talk to an expert in mental health about the possibility of changing to a different type of medication.
It may take some time to find the right medication for someone 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 keep in mind about ADHD medication is that it can assist you to manage your symptoms however it's not a cure. Your doctor may have to keep an eye on your child or you and adjust the dosage until it is effective at controlling your symptoms, with no side consequences. ADHD treatment plans typically consist of therapy, medication and assistance from family and teachers.
Stimulant medications are the most common ADHD drugs. They help by increasing levels brain chemicals that enhance attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can trigger a range of side effects, including the loss of appetite, trouble sleeping stomachaches, headaches increased heart rate, jitteriness and sometimes shaky hands.
It may take some time to find the right dosage and medication for you or your child's specific needs. Sometimes it takes anywhere from between a few weeks and several months before the benefits of the drug are evident. During this period it is crucial to follow your doctor's prescriptions carefully and report any adverse effects.
While stimulants can be fast-acting and offer a benefit, they also pose a higher chance of abuse and dependence. Many people, particularly children and young adults, avoid them because of this. Non-stimulant medicines can be just as effective and are a great option for those who can't tolerate the side effects of stimulants.
Non-stimulant medicines include atomoxetine dextroamphetamine, and guanfacine. These medications are endorsed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for other conditions but are also used to treat ADHD "off-label".
Recent research has shown that long-term ADHD medication usage is associated with an increase in CVD risk. The risk was higher as the dose of the medication increased, and was more prevalent for girls and boys. I Am Psychiatry recommend that people be monitored closely and undergo regular health screenings. This is especially important for people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. This is especially true when the person has an ancestral history of cardiovascular disease or heart attack.