15 Things You've Never Known About ADHD Stimulant Medication
ADHD Stimulant Medication Stimulant medication is the first treatment of choice for ADHD. They have a history of a strong response, a high tolerance, and safety throughout the lifespan. However, it's important to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that eases the symptoms of your child or yourself without causing any adverse side effects. This often takes many trials and trial and open dialogue with your doctor. Stimulants Stimulants are medications that increase the activity of the central nervous system. They are widely used as performance enhancement and cognitive enhancers by athletes, students as well as artists and workers. They also serve to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. They also treat binge eating disorder, and some anxiety disorders. Amphetamines and methylphenidates as well as other stimulant medications are the most common. FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in both immediate-release and prolonged-release formulations. Immediate-release pills are usually taken every 4 hours. They can trigger sudden, temporary decrease in energy known as a crash when they wear off. The crash can cause extreme hunger, mood swings and fatigue. Immediate-release medication can also increase blood pressure and heartbeat in some people. This is particularly true when they do not consume enough food. Extended-release medicines are formulated to release its active ingredients over the course of 8-16 hours. This type of medication can be prescribed by your physician in case you're seeking long-lasting symptoms control without taking tablets several times per day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate drugs. Another alternative is the long-acting methylphenidate patch, known as Daytrana which adheres to the skin as a band-aid and lasts throughout the day. This type of medication is usually given to people with ADHD who require a daily dose that lasts longer than the immediate-release options. Stimulant medication doesn't cure ADHD, but they can aid in managing symptoms by improving the way neurons in the brain communicate with one and each. By blocking or binding their receptors they can affect the levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This allows the release of more neurotransmitters, which aids in the transmission and reception of messages between neurons. In addition to stimulants, doctors may prescribe antidepressants for ADHD. The majority of antidepressants that doctors prescribe for ADHD alter the levels of norepinephrine serotonin, and dopamine in your brain. One group, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, is a good option for those suffering from depression or anxiety, too. These medications are usually combined with stimulants to enhance their effectiveness. Your doctor could also switch between stimulant and a non-stimulant medication if your current medication isn't effective or causes an unacceptable adverse effects. Long-acting Stimulants aid in the treatment of 70% to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. They help reduce symptoms like talking to others and fidgeting. They can also improve the quality of work and social skills. Stimulant medications begin to work when they cross the blood-brain barrier, which takes about 45 to 60 minutes. They increase the levels dopamine and Norepinephrine between brain cells, which reduces the amount of hyperactivity and impulseivity. FDA-approved stimulant medications use two molecules that are the methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). Stimulants can cause side effects including upset stomach, loss of appetite, increased heart rate and blood pressure, headaches, and nervousness or anxiety. medication for adhd can also cause tics to become worse and trigger sleep problems for some people. Long-acting stimulants, like Strattera or Wellbutrin, work day and night. The short-acting drugs are only effective for a few hours. They can be employed to treat other conditions such as anxiety or depression. The medications affect the way your body regulates chemicals known as monoamine oxides. Monoamine oxidases, or enzymes, break down dopamine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. These chemicals stay in the body longer if they are not broken down. This can impact your behavior and thinking. Long-acting medications can have less negative effects. Your doctor will prescribe them in smaller doses that you can take throughout the day. Certain stimulants are available in extended-release form that you can consume once daily. Some adults may prefer this method however, it is important to keep in mind to take the stimulants every day. Other medications have been found to be effective in treating many people suffering from ADHD which includes selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are generally prescribed for depression or anxiety but can be prescribed for ADHD. About 70% of people react to these medications. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is a different SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been shown to be more effective than placebos in one controlled study. These medications can cause serious side effects such as hearing ringing anxiety, changes to vision as well as lung and heart function in certain people. Short-acting The stimulant medication helps reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These are the two chemical compounds that aid people in focusing and regulate their behavior. They are available in many varieties, and each has its own brand name, such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are two major kinds of stimulant drugs, methylphenidates and amphetamines. They all have similar effects, but differ in the duration of their action. The methylphenidates have shorter-lasting effects and can last up to three hours, whereas amphetamines provide longer-lasting effects. Certain individuals are better able to tolerate long-acting stimulant medication than short-acting medications which is why your doctor may prescribe this kind of drug. It is essential to be aware of as much as you can about the medication. This includes any adverse effects, how often it is recommended to take it, and any warnings. This will help you and your doctor determine the most suitable medication for you. It is important to understand that these medications may cause certain negative side effects, such as trouble getting to sleep or losing appetite. If these occur consult your physician about changing the dosage or attempting other medications. Adults suffering from ADHD who are unable to respond to stimulants well are treated with nonstimulant medications. These medications require longer time to work, but improve the ability to pay attention and manage impulses. These medications are available either in combination or on their own. Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera or Qelbree is the very first. It works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine within the prefrontal cortex that regulates behavior. Guanfacine, also known as Intuniv, belongs to the class of drugs known as alpha-agonists. They work by preventing the reuptake of these brain chemicals, and increasing their levels in the bloodstream. Guanfacine, originally developed to treat high blood pressure, has now been proved to be effective in treating ADHD. Combinations People suffering from ADHD utilize a variety of drug combinations. These include stimulants and depressant type drugs like clonidine and guanfacine. These drugs can have a calming effect on the brain and can reduce symptoms like sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. They also help prevent the onset of withdrawal from stimulants. However, this combination can be dangerous if not properly used. Serotonin syndrome is a drug emergency which occurs when there is too much serotonin in the body. This combination may also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. Heart disease sufferers or those with high blood pressure are at greater chance of experiencing adverse reactions from this drug. Combinations of stimulants are increasingly being used by teenagers and young adults. These drugs are often called “legal highs” and are readily available in pharmacies. They are also sold on the black market. These substances can be hazardous especially when mixed with alcohol or other drugs. The use of polydrugs can be hazardous. Mixing drugs can trigger dangerous and unpredictable consequences, such as an increased heart rate, slowed breathing, hallucinations, paranoia seizures, and addiction. Combination therapy is more effective than monopharmacotherapy in treating ADHD, according to an investigation. Combining medications improved adherence, and enabled patients to experience greater symptom relief than monotherapy. A majority of patients, however, quit their treatment due to side effects. In some instances the medication was stopped due to sleep problems or worsening of tics. This could be due to a poor diagnosis or the absence of medication. Nonstimulants are also used to treat ADHD. These medications are effective in improving the ability to focus and impulse control however they are not as effective as stimulants. They are less likely to inhibit appetite and growth. Certain antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD however they have a less chance of improving concentration and focus. In a number of studies, the atomoxetine (Concerta) in combination with methylphenidate, gave better results than either drug on its alone. Combining these two drugs improved the adherence of patients and decreased side effects for most people. The combination was effective for young adults and adolescents. This combination could be a viable option for children suffering from severe ADHD.