ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant? Stimulant drugs are the most popular treatment for ADHD, and for many people they work well. Some suffer from adverse reactions or they don't work. Doctors may prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medications instead, or in combination with stimulants. These include medications that treat high blood pressure, for instance the clonidine drug and guanfacine HCL (Tenex). They also include other medications that act to promote awakening. Benefits The first prescription medication doctors recommend to treat ADHD is stimulants. They work by boosting communication between nerves within the brain. These medications increase levels of neurotransmitters, also known as chemical messengers, dopamine and norepinephrine. This can improve concentration and decrease excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. They are available in a variety of forms, but most fall into two drug classes amphetamines and methylphenidates. Because of their potential for abuse, they are classified as controlled substances. The dosage, distribution, and use of these medications are tightly regulated. Doctors may prescribe a mix medication that includes nonstimulants and stimulants. They may do this because a stimulant isn't effective enough, or because of side effects that are too extreme, or because the person has a mental health condition that needs to be treated. Combination treatments are common in children and adults. Non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine viloxazine, and guanfacine. These medications are well tolerated and don't pose the same risks of abuse or addiction as stimulants do. They can take longer to start working and they don't last as long as stimulants do, however they're usually effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD. The majority of people who use non-stimulant ADHD medications report moderate to minor side effects. These include headaches, stomach upsets, and insomnia. Some people might struggle to stay awake when taking these medications however this is likely to be less of a problem for children than for adults. Consult your physician if you or your child is contemplating medication for ADHD. They'll explain the various medications available as well as the advantages and dangers of each, and how to begin. They'll also help you find the medication and dosage that works best for you. It may take a few attempts to determine the appropriate medication and dosage. The aim is to manage your ADHD symptoms with the least amount of adverse consequences. Once you've found the best medication, you should keep it in place. If you stop taking it your symptoms will come back. The majority of people with ADHD need to take these medications for life. Dosage Stimulant medications like Adderall (methylphenidate/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) increase levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which boosts communication between nerves. This increases concentration and focus and decreases hyperactivity and impulse control. It's the first medication that doctors typically prescribe for ADHD. It's not for everyone, and it could cause side effects which are intolerable. Non-stimulant drugs that are FDA-approved such as Strattera (atomoxetine), and Intuniv(guanfacine) can be used to treat ADHD among adults. They can reduce symptoms directly on the prefrontal cortex of the brain, and creating a calming effect. They are often utilized in conjunction with stimulant medications or if the stimulant medication fails to work for you. Both atomoxetine as well as guanfacine fall in the alpha-2 adrenergic agonists class of medications, which means they act by blocking receptors that transmit dopamine to other cells. This allows for other chemicals to be absorbed into the brain, such as norepinephrine. This chemical can be calming and improves attention, as well as reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity. While the amphetamine and methylphenidate classes of medicines are efficient in cutting down or eliminating ADHD symptoms however, they also carry the risk for abuse, addiction and overdose. They're classified as controlled substances, and have boxed warnings that alert patients to the dangers. These drugs are also susceptible to shortages. adhd medication and pregnancy -acting stimulants begin to work within 30 minutes and last for 3 to 4 hours. They can be taken at least three times a day. Long-acting stimulants and intermediate ones require more time to work, but can provide symptom relief for up to 8-16 hours. They can be taken only once a day and are a great option when you are struggling to remember to take your medication at the same time every day. Some suffer from the rebound effect when the medication wears off, meaning their symptoms return to their prior levels. This can cause short-term fatigue, a negative attitude and intense hunger. This can be avoided by altering the dosage, time it is taken or the kind of medication. If you're experiencing this type of problem discuss with your doctor about how you can make changes to your medication. Side effects Stimulant ADHD medication boosts dopamine levels in brain cells, which improves concentration and decreases impulsive behavior. They may also improve memory and reduce aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These drugs are typically given in capsule form, but some children may use them as drops or chewable tablets. Stimulants can cause side effects such as dry mouth, decreased appetite, and difficulty sleeping. In some instances these effects are not serious and disappear as the medication wears off. In certain instances these reactions can be serious and require medical attention. Non-stimulant medication can help treat ADHD symptoms by targeting neurotransmitters within the brain. They also have less risk of dependence or addiction than stimulants. These medications can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Drowsiness can be reduced by taking the medication earlier in the day, eating meals prior to when the medication begins to take effect and avoiding caffeine-rich beverages. Many people notice that they respond better to the extended or long-acting release versions of these medications. This is because these formulas are slowly absorbed by the body, reducing the chance of the drug fading too quickly, making symptoms return more severe than they were before. They can also make it easier to take the medication on a regular basis particularly if you or your child is having trouble keeping the track of several pills. Most children and adults who are taking medications for ADHD will experience at least some side effects. These side effects can easily be managed by observing the reactions of your child or yourself, altering the dosage and taking the medication according to the prescription. If you or your child experiences adverse or harmful side effects, consult with an expert in mental health about the possibility of changing to a different type of medication. Sometimes, it can take time to determine the appropriate medication for someone with ADHD. In addition, it's not uncommon for a doctor to switch you or your child between the two categories of medications--stimulant and non-stimulant--because one isn't effective or causes intolerable side effects. Monitoring It is crucial to remember that ADHD medication can help manage symptoms, but it is not an effective cure. Your doctor may adjust the dosage to help control your symptoms while minimizing side effects. The medication is typically only one aspect of the treatment strategy for ADHD in addition to therapy and support from family and teachers. Stimulant medicines are the most popular ADHD drugs. They work by increasing levels of brain chemicals that increase focus and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. They can trigger a range of adverse effects, such as loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, stomachaches, headaches, anxiety, a higher heart rate and sometimes shaky hands. It can be challenging to determine the appropriate dose and medication for you or your child. Sometimes, it takes a few weeks to several months before the benefits of the medication are apparent. During this period, it is important to follow the doctor's prescriptions and report any side-effects. While stimulants have the advantage of being fast-acting, they can have a higher risk of dependence and abuse. Many people, especially children and young adults are hesitant to use them due to this. Non-stimulant medications can be just as good and are better for people who cannot tolerate the side effects of stimulants. Non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine, dextroamphetamine, and guanfacine. These drugs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for other conditions but can also be used to treat ADHD off-label. A recent study has found that the long-term use ADHD medications is associated with a higher risk for CVD. The risk increased with the quantity of medication used and was higher in girls and boys. The researchers recommend that patients be closely monitored and receive regular health screenings, specifically for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This is particularly true when there is an ancestral history of cardiovascular disease.
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