15 Things You Don't Know About ADHD Stimulant Medication

ADHD Stimulant Medication

Stimulant medication is the first-line treatment for ADHD. They have a long record of high response, excellent tolerance, and safety over the entire lifespan.

It's important 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 well as an open dialogue with your doctor.

Stimulants

Stimulants are substances that enhance the activity of the central nervous system. They are extensively used as enhancement of cognitive and performance by athletes, students artists, workers, and students. They are also used in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), eating disorders that cause binge eating, and other anxiety disorders. Amphetamines, methylphenidates and other stimulant drugs are the most common.

FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in immediate-release and extended-release formulas. Immediate-release pills are usually taken every 4 hours. They can cause sudden, temporary decrease in energy called a crash when they have worn off. The crash may cause extreme hunger, mood swings, and fatigue. Instant-release medication can also increase blood pressure and heartbeats in certain people. This is especially the case when they do not take enough food.

Extended-release drugs are designed to release their active ingredients over a time of 8 to 16 hours. Your doctor might suggest this kind of medication if you want lasting symptom control and do not need to take a pill multiple times a day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate medications. Another option is the long-acting methylphenidate patch, known as Daytrana that adheres to the skin like a bandage and lasts all day. This kind of medication is available to adults suffering from ADHD and need a daily dosage that lasts longer than immediate-release options.

The use of stimulants doesn't cure ADHD however they can help manage symptoms by improving the way neurons in the brain communicate with each with each other. By blocking or binding their receptors, they can alter the level of neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, in the brain. This permits the release of more neurotransmitters which helps to improve the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.

In addition to stimulants, doctors can prescribe antidepressants for ADHD. The majority of antidepressants that doctors prescribe for ADHD alter the levels of norepinephrine dopamine and serotonin in your brain. One group, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is a good choice for people who have depression or anxiety. These medications are usually paired with stimulants to increase their effectiveness. Other reasons why your doctor may switch you between stimulant and non-stimulant medication is if the previous medication isn't working or produces unacceptably adverse side effects.

Long-acting

Stimulants help about 70%-80% of children and adults with ADHD. They reduce symptoms such as fidgeting, over-talking and losing focus during conversations or on tasks. They also enhance the social skills of employees and improve their performance.

Stimulant medications begin to work when they cross the blood-brain barrier which takes about 45 to 60 minutes. They increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels between brain cells, which decreases the impulsivity and hyperactivity. A stimulant drug that is FDA-approved uses one of two molecules, methylphenidate, (Adderall Ritalin Vyvanse Concerta) or amphetamine, (Ritalin Adderall XR Vyvanse Vyvanse). The stimulants can trigger side effects such as stomach upset, decreased appetite, elevated blood pressure and heart rate, headaches, and anxiety or nervousness. They can also make tics more severe, and they may cause problems sleeping in some people.

Long-acting stimulants (such as Strattera and Wellbutrin) work all night and day unlike medications which last only for a couple of hours. They can also help with other conditions such as anxiety or depression.

The medications affect the way your body regulates chemicals called monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases break down dopamine inside the brain and other neurotransmitters. If these chemicals aren't broken down, they stay in your body for longer and can affect your behavior and thinking. Long-acting medication can have fewer adverse effects. Your doctor will prescribe it in smaller doses, which Adhd Medication is the best you take throughout the day.

Certain stimulants are available in extended-release forms that you take daily. This may be more convenient for some adults, however it's crucial to remember that you should take them daily.

Other medications have been found to be effective in treating many adults suffering from ADHD which includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are generally prescribed to treat anxiety or depression but can be prescribed for ADHD. About 70% of people react to these medications. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is another SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been shown to be more effective than placebos in a controlled study. These drugs can cause serious side effects, like ringing of the ears, anxiety and changes in heart, vision and lung function.

Short-acting

Stimulant medications work to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. These two chemicals assist people to manage their behavior and improve their focus. They are available in a variety of forms, and each has their 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 length of their effect. The methylphenidates may have a shorter-lasting effect lasting up to three hours. Amphetamines on the other hand have a longer-lasting effect.

Some people are better in their ability to take long-acting stimulant medication than those that use short-acting drugs, so your doctor may prescribe this type. It is essential to know everything you can about the drug that you are taking, including the possible side effects, the best dosage, how often it should be taken, and any warnings specific to the medication that should be observed. This will assist you and your physician determine the most suitable medication for you.

It is important to know that these medications may cause certain negative side effects, such as trouble getting to sleep or losing appetite. If these happen consult your physician about altering the dosage or using another drug.

Adults with ADHD who don't respond well to the stimulants might be treated with non stimulant adhd medication-stimulant medications, which take longer to start working but increase the capacity of an individual to concentrate and control impulses. These drugs may be prescribed in combination or as a single dose.

The first is atomoxetine (brand names Strattera and Qelbree) It increases norepinephrine as well as dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex, which controls the way we behave. Guanfacine, also referred to as Intuniv, belongs to the class of drugs known as alpha-agonists. They work by preventing the absorption of brain chemicals and increasing their levels in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was developed for high blood pressure but it also has been proven to aid people suffering from ADHD.

Combinations

There are a number of drug combinations that are used by people with ADHD. These include stimulants and depressant drugs such as the guanfacine or clonidine. These drugs can influence a calming effect on the brain and help reduce symptoms like insomnia and aggressive behavior. They also help to prevent withdrawal symptoms of stimulants. This combination could be dangerous, however, if it is not used correctly. Combining two stimulants at same time increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, a type of drug emergency that happens when the body is flooded with too excessive serotonin. This combination can also increase the blood pressure and heart rate. People with heart disease or high blood pressure are at greater chance of experiencing adverse reactions from this medication.

Combinations of stimulants are now being used by teens and young adults. These drugs, which are available in pharmacies, are referred to by the term "legal highs". These drugs are also sold on the black market. These substances can be hazardous, especially when combined with alcohol and other substances. This is known as polydrug usage and can be very dangerous. Mixing drugs can trigger dangerous and unpredictable consequences, such as an increased heart rate, slower breathing, hallucinations, paranoia, seizures and addiction.

Combination therapy is more effective than monopharmacotherapy in treating ADHD according to an investigation. Combining medications helped improve adherence and helped patients achieve more relief from symptoms than monotherapy. A majority of patients, however, were unable to continue treatment due adverse effects. In some instances, the medication has been stopped due to sleep problems or worsening of tics. This could be due to a wrong diagnosis or lack of medication.

Nonstimulants can also be used to treat ADHD. They can help improve the quality of attention and impulse control However, they don't perform like stimulants do. They are less likely to suppress appetite and increase. Certain antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD however, they have a lower chance of improving concentration and focus.

Several studies have shown that atomoxetine and methylphenidate (Concerta) can be used together to achieve superior results than either by itself. Combining these two drugs improved the adherence of patients and decreased the risk of adverse reactions for a majority of people. The combination proved effective for young adults and adolescents. This combination could be a feasible option for children suffering from severe ADHD.