Why You'll Need To Learn More About ADHD Stimulant Medication

ADHD Stimulant Medication

Stimulant medication is the initial line treatment for ADHD. They have a long history of a strong response, good tolerance, and are safe throughout the lifespan.

It is crucial to find a medication and dosage that will relieve your child's or your own symptoms without causing adverse effects. It can take a lot of trial and error as and a clear communication with your doctor.

Stimulants

Stimulants are medications that increase the activity of the central nervous system. Students artists, athletes, workers and other people use these drugs to improve their performance and cognitive abilities. They are also used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, binge eating disorder, as well as other anxiety disorders. Amphetamines, methylphenidates and other stimulant medications are among the most commonly used.

FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in both prolonged-release and immediate-release formulations. Immediate-release medications are usually taken every four hours, as needed. They can cause a sudden, short-term decrease in energy, referred to as a crash once they wear off. The crash may cause extreme hunger, mood swings, and fatigue. Immediate-release medications also can increase heart rate and blood pressure in some people, especially when they don't eat enough.

Extended-release medication is formulated to release active ingredients over a period of 8 to 16 hours. This type of medication may be prescribed by your doctor if you are looking for long-lasting control of symptoms without having to take tablets several times per day. Methylphenidate products that fall into the extended-release category include Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. Another alternative is the methylphenidate long-acting patch known as Daytrana which adheres to the skin as a band-aid and lasts for the entire day. This type of medication is usually prescribed to adults with ADHD who require a daily dose that lasts longer than the immediate-release options.

Stimulant medications do not cure ADHD but it can assist manage the symptoms by enhancing how neurons in the brain communicate. They accomplish this by altering the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine, by blocking or binding to their receptors. This permits the release of more neurotransmitters which aids in the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.

Doctors often prescribe antidepressants addition to stimulants to treat ADHD. The majority of antidepressants that doctors prescribe for ADHD alter the levels of norepinephrine dopamine and serotonin in your brain. One of the groups, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, is a good choice for people suffering from anxiety or depression, too. These drugs are typically combined with stimulants to enhance their effectiveness. Your doctor may switch between stimulant and a non-stimulant medication in the event that your current medication isn't working or has an unacceptably side effect.

Long-acting

Stimulants aid in the treatment of 70% to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. They reduce symptoms such as fidgeting, over-talking and losing focus during conversations or in tasks. They also enhance job performance and social skills.

The stimulant medication starts to work as soon as it crosses the blood-brain boundaries, which takes 45-60 minutes. They boost the levels of dopamine and Norepinephrine within brain cells, which reduces the intensity of impulses and hyperactivity. The FDA-approved stimulant drugs contain one of two molecules: the methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). These stimulants can cause adverse effects such as stomach upset, weight loss, an increase in blood pressure and heart rate headaches, as well as nervousness or anxiety.  My Site  can also cause tics to become worse and cause sleep problems for some people.

Long-acting stimulants (such as Strattera and Wellbutrin) are effective throughout the night and day unlike medications that only last several hours. They can also be used to treat other conditions such as anxiety or depression.

These medicines work by altering the way that your body regulates chemical called monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases, or enzymes, break down dopamine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. When these chemicals aren't eliminated into smaller pieces, they remain in your body for a longer time and can affect your thinking and behavior. Long-acting medicines can cause fewer negative effects. Your doctor may prescribe smaller doses that you can take throughout the day.

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

SSRIs and other medicines have proven to be effective in treating ADHD in many adults. These are usually used for anxiety or depression however, they can be prescribed for ADHD and 70% of people are able to respond. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is another SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been demonstrated to be more effective than placebos in a controlled study. These SSRIs can cause severe side effects like hearing ringing anxiety, a change to vision and heart and lung function in certain people.

Short-acting

Stimulant medication reduces ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain. These two chemicals aid people to control their behavior and focus. They are available in numerous forms, and each has its own brand name such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are two major types of stimulant medications, methylphenidates and amphetamines. They all have similar effects, but differ in the length of their action. The methylphenidates are less effective and can last as long as three hours, whereas the amphetamines have longer-lasting effects.

Some people can tolerate stimulant medication better than others, and your doctor may prescribe them. It is important to learn all you can about the drug that you are taking, including the possible side effects, how often it is recommended to take it and any special warnings that should be followed. This will help to work with your doctor in determining the appropriate medication and dose for you.

These medications can also cause some negative side effects such as insomnia, or a loss of appetite. If these occur consult your physician about altering the dosage or using another drug.

Adults with ADHD who do not respond well to stimulants may be treated with non-stimulant drugs, which take longer to begin working but can improve the ability of a person to concentrate and manage impulses. These drugs can be prescribed alone or in combination with stimulants.

Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera or Qelbree, is the first. It increases dopamine and norepinephrine within the prefrontal cortex, which regulates behavior. Guanfacine, also referred to as Intuniv is part of the class of drugs known as alpha-agonists. These drugs work by preventing Reuptake and increasing levels of brain chemicals in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was created to treat high blood pressure, but it has also been proven to help those suffering from ADHD.

Combinations

People suffering from ADHD utilize a variety of drug combinations. This includes stimulants that are depressant type drugs like Guanfacine and Clonidine. These drugs have a calming effect on the brain, and can decrease symptoms like insomnia and aggressive behavior. They also help to prevent withdrawal symptoms from stimulants. However, this combination can be dangerous if it is not properly used. Combining two stimulants at the simultaneously increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, an emergency drug that occurs when the body has too many serotonin. This combination can also raise the heart rate and blood pressure. People with heart disease or high blood pressure are at a greater chance of experiencing adverse reactions from this drug.

Combinations of stimulants are more and more being used by teens and young adults. These substances, which are sold in pharmacies, are sometimes known as "legal highs". These drugs are also available on the black market. These substances can be dangerous, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs. This is referred to as polydrug use and can be extremely dangerous. Mixing drugs can cause dangerous and unpredictable effects, such as increased heart rate, slow breathing, hallucinations, paranoia, seizures and addiction.

A study found that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy when treating ADHD. Combining medications improved adherence, and allowed patients to achieve more relief from symptoms than monotherapy. Some patients, however were unable to continue treatment due side effects. In a few cases it was reported that the medication was withdrawn because of sleep problems or worsening tics. This could be because of poor diagnosis or a lack of access to medications.

Nonstimulants are also used to treat ADHD. These medications help improve the ability to focus and control impulses, but they don't work like stimulants do. They are less likely to inhibit appetite and growth. Certain antidepressants may also be prescribed for ADHD. However they have a lower chance of improving focus and concentration.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that atomoxetine and methylphenidate (Concerta) can be combined to yield superior results than either alone. Combining these two medications was proven to increase adherence and reduce adverse effects in the majority of people. The combination was also effective for adolescents and young adults. This combination could be a feasible option for children suffering from severe ADHD.