ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medication is the initial option for treating ADHD. They have a long track record of high response, excellent tolerance, and safety over the entire lifespan.
It is essential to choose a medication and dosage that will relieve your child's or your own symptoms without causing any side negative effects. This may require a lot of trial and error, as and a clear communication with your physician.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs which increase the activity of the central nervous system. They are extensively used as performance enhancement and cognitive enhancers by athletes, students as well as artists and workers. They are also used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. They also treat binge eating disorder, and other anxiety disorders. The most commonly used stimulant medications are amphetamines and methylphenidates.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in extended-release and immediate-release formulas. The immediate-release medications are typically taken every 4 hours. If they are not taken as often they can cause sudden and temporary loss of energy. The crash can cause severe mood swings, hunger, and fatigue. Instant-release medications can also raise heart rate and blood pressure in certain people, particularly those who don't eat enough.
Extended-release medications are designed to release active ingredients over the course of 8-16 hours. Your doctor may suggest this kind of medication if you want long-lasting symptom control without having to take a pill multiple times a day. Methylphenidate products in the extended-release category include Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. Another alternative is the long-acting methylphenidate patch known as Daytrana which adheres to the skin like a band-aid and lasts throughout the day. This kind of medication is available to adults who have ADHD and need daily doses that last longer than immediate-release options.
Stimulant medication doesn't solve ADHD, but they can help manage symptoms by enhancing the way that neurons in the brain communicate with each other. By blocking or binding their receptors, they can alter the level of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This allows the release of more neurotransmitters, which improves the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.
In addition to stimulants, doctors may prescribe antidepressants for ADHD. The majority of 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 those suffering from anxiety or depression, too. These medications are typically paired with stimulants to increase their effectiveness. Your doctor could switch between stimulant and a non-stimulant drug if your current medication isn't effective or has intolerable side effects.
Long-acting
Around 70% to 80percent of children and adults with ADHD benefit from stimulants. They reduce symptoms such as fidgeting, talking over others and losing focus in conversations or tasks. iampsychiatry.uk help improve job performance and social skills.
The stimulant drugs begin to work once they cross the blood-brain barrier which takes about 45 to 60 minutes. They increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in brain cells, which reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. The FDA-approved stimulant medication consists of one of two molecules, methylphenidate (Adderall Ritalin Vyvanse Concerta) or amphetamine, (Ritalin Adderall XR Vyvanse Vyvanse). These stimulants can cause adverse effects such as stomach upset and weight loss, an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, headaches, and nervousness or anxiety. They can also make tics more severe, and they may cause problems sleeping in some people.
Long-acting stimulants (such as Strattera and Wellbutrin) can be used throughout the night and day unlike the short-acting drugs which last only a few hours. They can also aid with other conditions like depression or anxiety.
These medicines work by altering how your body regulates monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases break down dopamine in the brain, along with other neurotransmitters. If these chemicals aren't broken down and remain in your body for a longer time, which affects your thinking and behavior. Long-acting drugs can have less adverse effects. Your doctor will prescribe it in smaller doses that you take throughout the day.
Certain stimulants are available as extended-release versions that you can take once a day. This may be more convenient for some adults, but it's important to remember that you take them each day.
Other medications have been shown to be effective in treating many adults suffering from ADHD such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are generally prescribed for depression or anxiety but they can also 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 found to be more efficient in a controlled research than placebos. These drugs can cause serious side effects, like the ringing of ears anxiety, changes in heart, vision and lung function.
Short-acting
Stimulant medication reduces ADHD symptoms by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. These two chemicals help people control their behavior and focus. They are available in a variety of varieties, and each has its own brand name, such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are two main types of stimulant drugs: the methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). They have the same effects, however their duration of action varies. The methylphenidates produce a less lasting effect, lasting for up to three hours. Amphetamines on the contrary are more effective.
Some people can tolerate stimulant medication better than others, and your doctor might prescribe them. It is crucial to know everything you can about the drug and its potential side effects, how often it should be taken and any special warnings that should be observed. This will aid you and your doctor decide on the right medication for you.
These medications can also trigger some adverse side effects like insomnia or a loss of appetite. If these happen, talk to your doctor about adjusting the dosage or trying other medications.
Adults with ADHD who don't respond to stimulants well can be treated with nonstimulant medication. These medications require longer time to work, but improve the ability to pay attention and control impulses. These medications can be prescribed either alone or in combination.
The first is atomoxetine (brand names Strattera and Qelbree), which works by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex, which controls behavior. Guanfacine is also known as Intuniv, belongs to the class of drugs known as alpha-agonists. These work by blocking the reuptake of brain chemicals and increasing their level in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was originally designed to treat high blood pressure, has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD.
Combinations
People with ADHD utilize a variety of drug combinations. This includes stimulants paired with depressants like the guanfacine or clonidine. These drugs can have a calming effect on the brain and can reduce symptoms like sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. They also aid in preventing the onset of withdrawal from stimulants. This combination could be dangerous, however, when it is not utilized properly. Combining two stimulants at same time increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, a drug emergency that occurs when the body is flooded with too excessive serotonin. This combination can also raise the heart rate and blood pressure. Heart disease sufferers or those with high blood pressure are at higher chance of experiencing adverse reactions from this medication.
Young adults and teens are increasingly taking stimulant-based combinations. These substances are often called "legal highs" and are available in pharmacies. They are also available on the black market. These substances are extremely dangerous particularly when they are mixed with alcohol or other substances. The use of multiple drugs can be risky. Mixing drugs can trigger unpredictably harmful effects, including increased heart rate, slow breathing, paranoia, hallucinations seizures, and addiction.
A study showed that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy when treating ADHD. Combining medications improved compliance and allowed patients to experience greater relief from symptoms than monotherapy. However there were many patients who stopped their treatment due to side effects. In a few instances the medication was stopped due to sleep issues or worsening tics. This could be due to a poor diagnosis or the absence of medication.
Nonstimulants are also used to treat ADHD. These drugs improve the ability to focus and control impulses, but they don't work as effectively as stimulants. They are also less likely to suppress growth and alter appetite. Certain antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD however, they have a lower chance of improving concentration and focus.
A number of studies have proven that atomoxetine and methylphenidate (Concerta) can be used together to achieve better results than either by itself. The combination of these two medications was proven to increase adherence and decrease the risk of adverse reactions in a majority of people. The combination was also successful in young adults and adolescents. This combination could be a viable solution for children suffering from severe ADHD.