Five Lessons You Can Learn From ADHD Stimulant Medication
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Stimulant drugs are the first line treatment for ADHD. They have a long track record of high response, excellent tolerance and safety throughout the life span.
It's important to find the right dosage and medication that can ease your child's or your own symptoms without causing side consequences. This can take a lot 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 frequently used for enhancement of cognitive and performance by students, athletes as well as artists and workers. They are also used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, binge eating disorder, and some anxiety disorders. The most popular stimulant drugs are amphetamines and methylphenidates.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in extended-release and immediate-release formulas. Immediate-release medications are usually taken every four hours as needed. They can trigger a sudden, short-term decrease in energy called a crash after they have worn off. The crash could cause extreme mood swings, hunger, and fatigue. Immediate-release medications also can increase heart rate and blood pressure in some people, especially those who don't eat enough.
Extended-release drugs are designed to release their active ingredients over a period of 8 to 16 hours. This type of medication may be prescribed by your physician in case you're seeking long-lasting relief from symptoms without taking pills frequently throughout the day. Methylphenidate medications in the extended-release category include Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. Daytrana is a methylphenidate that acts long-lastingly product that adheres to your skin like a bandage, and lasts the entire day. This type of medication is typically given to people with ADHD who require a daily dose that lasts longer than the immediate-release options.
The use of stimulants does not cure ADHD but it can assist manage the symptoms by improving how neurons in the brain communicate. By blocking or binding their receptors they can alter the levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, in the brain. This allows more neurotransmitters to be released and aids in ensuring that messages between neurons are more efficiently transmitted and received.
In addition to stimulants, doctors can prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD. The majority of antidepressants prescribed by doctors for ADHD are based on the norepinephrine and dopamine levels in your brain. One class, referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is a great option for those suffering from depression or anxiety, too. These medications are usually paired with stimulants to enhance their effectiveness. Another reason your doctor might switch you between stimulant and non-stimulant medications are if your old medication isn't working, or causes intolerable side effects.
Long-acting
Stimulants aid in the treatment of 70% to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. They can reduce symptoms like fidgeting, over-talking, and losing focus in conversations or in tasks. They also help improve social skills and job performance.
The stimulant medication begins to work as soon as it crosses the blood-brain boundaries which can take between 45 and 60 minutes. They increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels between brain cells, which decreases 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). The stimulants can trigger side reactions that include stomach upset decreased appetite, elevated blood pressure and heart rate as well as headaches, anxiety or nervousness. They can also make tics worse and cause sleep issues in some people.
Long-acting stimulants like Strattera or Wellbutrin, work day and night. The short-acting drugs only last a few hours. They can also be used to treat other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
The medications affect the way your body regulates monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases are enzymes that break down dopamine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. These chemicals stay in your body for longer if not broken down. This can affect your behavior and your thinking. Long-acting medicines can cause less side effects, and your doctor may prescribe smaller doses of the drugs that you take throughout the day.
Some stimulants are available in extended-release formulations that you take every day. Some adults might prefer this option however, it is important to remember to take your stimulants each day.
SSRIs and other medicines have shown to be effective in treating ADHD in many adults. These medications are usually prescribed for anxiety or depression but can be prescribed for ADHD. About 70% of people react to these drugs. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is a different SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been shown to be more effective than placebos in a controlled study. These medications can have serious side effects such as ringing in the ears, anxiety, and changes to vision and lung and heart function in certain people.
Short-acting
The stimulant drugs work to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These two chemicals assist people to manage their behavior and stay focused. They come in a variety of different forms and each one has its own brand name, like Adderall Vyvanse Ritalin Concerta. There are two major kinds of stimulant drugs amphetamines, methylphenidates, and methylphenidates. All have similar effects, however they differ in the length of their action. The methylphenidates may have a shorter-lasting effect, lasting up to three hours. Amphetamines on the other are more effective.
Some people can tolerate stimulant medication better than others, so your doctor might prescribe them. It is important that you know as much as you can about the medication. This includes any side effects, how often it should be taken and any warnings. This will allow you to work with your doctor to determine the best dosage and medication for you.
These medications can also cause adverse side effects, like insomnia or a loss of appetite. If these happen, talk to your doctor about changing the dosage or attempting other medications.
Adults with ADHD who prescribes adhd medication aren't responding well to stimulants could be treated with non-stimulant medications, which take longer to begin working but improve a person's ability to focus and manage impulses. These medications can be prescribed on their own or together with stimulants.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera or Qelbree is the first. It is a stimulant of dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the prefrontal cortex, which regulates behavior. Guanfacine, also known as Intuniv, belongs to the class of drugs known as alpha-agonists. These drugs block reuptake and increasing the level of brain chemicals in the bloodstream. Guanfacine, originally developed to treat high blood pressure, has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD.
Combinations
People with ADHD utilize a variety of drug combinations. These include stimulants with depressant type drugs like the guanfacine and clonidine. These drugs can influence a calming effect on the brain, and reduce symptoms like insomnia and aggressive behaviour. They also help prevent withdrawal symptoms from stimulants. This combination can be dangerous but only should it not be used properly. Serotonin Syndrome is a medical emergency that occurs when there is an excess of serotonin in the body. This combination can also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. People with heart disease or high blood pressure are at higher chance of experiencing adverse reactions from this medication.
Young adults and teenagers are increasingly taking stimulant-based combinations. These substances are often referred to as "legal highs" and are sold at pharmacies. These drugs are also sold on the black market. These substances can you get adhd medication without a diagnosis be dangerous particularly when they are mixed with alcohol or other substances. Polydrug use can be dangerous. Mixing drugs can trigger dangerous and unpredictable effects, such as increased heart rate, slow breathing, paranoia, hallucinations seizures, and addiction.
A study showed that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy in treating ADHD. Combining medications improved adherence, and enabled patients to experience better relief from symptoms than monotherapy. However some patients halted their treatment because of side effects. In some cases, the medication was discontinued because of sleep problems or worsening tics. This could be due to a wrong diagnosis or a lack of medication.
Nonstimulants are an alternative treatment for ADHD. They help improve the quality of attention and impulse control, but not as well as stimulants. They are also less likely to inhibit growth and affect appetite. Some antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD, but they have a less chance of improving concentration and focus.
In a variety of studies, in a number of studies, atomoxetine (Concerta), when combined with methylphenidate, produced better results than either drug on its alone. Combining these two medications helped improve compliance and reduced the risk of the risk of adverse reactions for a majority of people. The combination was effective for young adults and adolescents. This combination could be a viable option for children suffering from severe ADHD.