5 Clarifications Regarding ADHD Stimulant Medication

ADHD Stimulant Medication

Stimulant drugs are the first line treatment for ADHD. They have a long history of a robust response, high tolerability and safety across the lifespan.

It's important to find the dosage and medication that eases your child's or your own symptoms without causing adverse consequences. This often takes many trials and trial and regular communication with your doctor.

Stimulants

Stimulants are drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. They are widely used as performance enhancement and cognitive enhancers by students, athletes, artists, and workers. They are also used in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) as well as binge eating disorder and some 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. In the case of immediate-release, they are typically taken every four hours as required. If they are not taken as often they can cause sudden and temporary loss of energy. The crash can trigger extreme craving, mood swings and fatigue. Instant-release medication can also increase blood pressure and heartbeat in some people. This is particularly true when they don't take enough food.

Extended-release drugs are designed to release their active ingredients over a period of 8 to 16 hours. This type of medication can be prescribed by your physician when you're looking for long-lasting relief from symptoms without taking tablets several times per day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate products. Another option is the long-acting methylphenidate patch known as Daytrana which adheres to the skin like a bandage and lasts throughout the day. This type of medication can be prescribed to adults who have ADHD and require daily doses that last longer than the immediate-release options.

The use of stimulants does not cure ADHD but it can help manage the symptoms by improving the way neurons in the brain communicate. They do this by affecting the levels of neurotransmitters within the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine, by blocking or binding to their receptors. This allows the release of more neurotransmitters, which helps to improve the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.

Doctors sometimes prescribe antidepressants in addition to stimulants to treat ADHD. The majority of the antidepressants doctors prescribe for ADHD affect the levels of norepinephrine serotonin, and dopamine in your brain. One group, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, is a great option for those suffering from anxiety or depression, too. These medications are usually combined with stimulants to enhance their effectiveness. Your doctor could change between stimulant and non-stimulant drug if your current medication isn't working or has an unacceptably side effect.

Long-acting

Stimulants can help 70% to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. They can reduce symptoms like fidgeting, arguing with others and losing focus during conversations or tasks. They also enhance the quality of work and social skills.

The stimulant drugs begin to work as soon as they pass through the blood-brain barrier which takes about 45 to 60 minutes. They boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in brain cells, which reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity. FDA-approved stimulant medications use two molecules called the methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). The stimulants can cause adverse effects like nausea or loss of appetite, as well as increased blood pressure. They can also cause anxiety and headaches. They can also make tics more severe and trigger sleep problems in some people.

Long-acting stimulants, such as Strattera or Wellbutrin, are effective day and night. The short-acting drugs only last a few hours. They can also help with other conditions like depression or anxiety.

These medicines work by altering the way that your body regulates chemical called monoamine oxides. Monoamine oxidases break down dopamine in the brain, along with other neurotransmitters. If these chemicals aren't eliminated into smaller pieces, they remain in your body longer and affect your behavior and mental state. Long-acting drugs can have fewer side effects, and your doctor may prescribe them in smaller doses that you take throughout the day.

Certain stimulants are available in extended-release form that you can take once every day. This may be more convenient for some adults, however it's important to remember that you take them each day.

Other medications have been found to be effective for many adults suffering from ADHD such as selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These are usually used for depression or anxiety, but they can also be prescribed for ADHD and around 70% of people react. Bupropion, also known as Wellbutrin, is an SSRI approved for ADHD. It was shown to be more efficient in a controlled research than placebos. These medications can cause severe side effects like ringing in the ears 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 that are present in the brain. These two chemicals aid people to manage their behavior and stay focused. They come in a variety of different forms and each has its own brand name, like Adderall Vyvanse Ritalin Concerta. There are two main types of stimulant medications amphetamines, methylphenidates, and methylphenidates. They have the same effects, but their duration of action is different. The methylphenidates may produce a less lasting effect, lasting up to three hours. Amphetamines, on the other on the other hand, have a longer-lasting impact.

Certain individuals are better able to tolerate long-acting stimulant medications than those that use short-acting drugs, so your doctor may prescribe this type of medication. It is essential to know all you can about the medication that you are taking, including the possible side effects, how often it should be taken, and any specific warnings that must be followed.  adhd medication list  will help you and your doctor decide on the right medication for you.

It is important to understand that these drugs can cause certain negative side effects, including trouble getting to sleep or losing appetite. If these occur, talk to your doctor about changing the dosage or attempting other medications.

Adults with ADHD who don't respond to stimulants well can be treated with non-stimulant drugs. These drugs take longer to effect but they improve the capacity to pay attention and to manage impulses. These medications can be prescribed on their own or together with stimulants.

The first is atomoxetine (brand names Strattera and Qelbree), which is a stimulant of norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex which regulates the way we behave. Guanfacine, also known as Intuniv, belongs to the class of drugs known as alpha-agonists. They block the reuptake of these brain chemicals and increasing their concentration in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was created to treat high blood pressure but it has also been proven to help those suffering from ADHD.

Combinations

There are a variety of combinations of drugs used by those with ADHD. These include stimulants and depressant-type drugs such as clonidine and guanfacine. These drugs can be calming for the brain, and can reduce symptoms like sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. They also prevent withdrawal symptoms that can result from stimulants. This combination could be risky but only when it is not utilized correctly. Serotonin syndrome is a drug emergency that occurs when there is a high concentration of 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 higher risk of developing side effects from this drug.

Young adults and teenagers are increasingly taking stimulant-based combinations. These drugs, which are available in pharmacies, are called "legal highs". They are also available on the black market. These substances can be dangerous, especially if mixed with alcohol or other drugs. The use of multiple drugs can be risky. Mixing drugs can cause dangerous and unpredictable consequences. They include an increase in heart rate, decreased respiration, paranoia and hallucinations.

A study concluded that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy for treating ADHD. Combining medication increased adherence and allowed patients to achieve more symptom relief than monotherapy. However some patients halted their treatment due to side effects. In some instances it is possible that the medication has been discontinued due to sleep problems or worsening of tics. This could be due to a misdiagnosis or lack of medication.

Nonstimulants are also used to treat ADHD. These drugs enhance attention span and impulse control however they don't work as effectively as stimulants. They are less likely to inhibit appetite and increase. Certain antidepressants may also be prescribed for ADHD. However, they have a smaller chance of improving concentration and focus.

In a number of studies, the atomoxetine (Concerta) when combined with methylphenidate, gave better results than any other drug taken on its own. Combining these two medications was found to increase adherence and reduce the risk of adverse reactions in a majority of people. The combination also proved effective in young adults and adolescents. This combination could be a feasible option for children suffering from severe ADHD.