Are ADHD Stimulant Medication The Best Thing There Ever Was?
ADHD Stimulant Medication Stimulant medication is the first-line treatment for ADHD. They have a long track record of a robust response, high tolerability and safety across the life span. However, it's important to determine the appropriate medication and dosage that relieves your child's or your own symptoms without causing side negative effects. This can take a lot trial and error as well as a constant communication with your doctor. Stimulants Stimulants are medications that increase the activity of the central nervous system. Students and workers, athletes, artists, and others use them to enhance their performance and cognitive abilities. They also serve to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as narcolepsy, binge eating disorder, and other anxiety disorders. The most common stimulant medications are amphetamines and methylphenidates. iampsychiatry.uk -approved prescription stimulants are available in extended-release and immediate-release formulas. Immediate-release pills are usually taken every 4 hours. They can trigger an abrupt, short-term drop in energy known as a crash once they wear off. The crash may cause extreme hunger, mood swings, and fatigue. Immediate-release medications can also raise blood pressure and heartbeat in certain people. This is especially true when they don't 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 are looking for long-lasting control of symptoms without having to take a pill multiple times a day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate products. Another alternative is the methylphenidate long-acting patch, known as Daytrana which adheres to the skin like a bandage and lasts for the entire day. This kind of medication is often prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD who need daily doses that last longer than the immediate-release options. Stimulant medications don't treat ADHD However, they can help manage symptoms by improving the way neurons in the brain communicate with each with each other. They accomplish this by altering the levels of neurotransmitters within the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They do this by blocking or binding to their receptors. This allows the release of more neurotransmitters which aids in the transmission and reception of messages between neurons. In addition to stimulants, doctors sometimes prescribe antidepressants for ADHD. The majority of antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD work on the norepinephrine and dopamine levels in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors are a good option for people with depression or anxiety. These drugs are typically combined with stimulants to enhance their effectiveness. Your doctor can also switch between stimulant and a non-stimulant medication in the event that your current medication isn't effective or has an unacceptably side effects. Long-acting Stimulants help about 70% to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. They reduce symptoms like fidgeting and talking over others. They can also improve social skills and job performance. The stimulant medication starts working as soon as it crosses the blood-brain barrier that can take 45 to 60 minutes. They boost the levels of dopamine and Norepinephrine within brain cells, which reduces the amount of hyperactivity and impulseivity. The FDA-approved stimulant medications contain two molecules called methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). These stimulants can cause adverse effects including upset stomach and decreased appetite, elevated heart rate and blood pressure headaches, as well as anxiety or nervousness. They can also make tics worse, and they may cause sleep problems in some people. Long-acting stimulants (such as Strattera and Wellbutrin) can be used throughout the day and night unlike medications that last just several hours. They can also aid with other conditions like depression or anxiety. These medications work by changing the way that your body regulates chemical called monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases break down dopamine in the brain, along with other neurotransmitters. These chemicals remain in the body longer if they are not broken down. This could affect your behavior and even your thinking. Long-acting medications can have fewer negative effects. Your doctor will prescribe it in smaller doses that you can take throughout the day. Some stimulants are available in extended-release forms that you take every day. This can be more convenient for some adults, but it's crucial to remember that you should take them daily. SSRIs and other medications have shown to be effective in treating ADHD in a variety of adults. These medications are usually prescribed for anxiety or depression however they can also be prescribed for ADHD. About 70% of people respond to these drugs. Bupropion, also called Wellbutrin is an SSRI approved for ADHD. It was proven to be more efficient in a controlled research than placebos. These medications can trigger serious adverse effects, including ringing of the ears anxiety, changes in heart and lung function. Short-acting Stimulant medications reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These are the two chemicals that help people focus and control their behavior. They are available in a variety of varieties, and each has their own brand name such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are two main types of stimulant medicines such as the methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). All have similar effects, however they differ in the duration of their action. The methylphenidates have shorter-lasting effects; they can last as long as three hours, whereas amphetamines have longer-lasting effects. Some people are better able to tolerate long-acting stimulant medication than those that use short-acting drugs which is why your doctor may prescribe this kind of drug. It is essential to know all you can about the medication and its possible side effects, the best dosage, how often it should be taken, and any specific warnings that must be heeded. This will help you and your physician determine the best medication for you. These medications can also trigger adverse side effects, such as difficulty sleeping or a loss of appetite. If these happen consult your physician about adjusting the dosage or trying other medications. Adults with ADHD who aren't responding well to stimulants may be treated with non-stimulant medicines that take longer to begin working but increase the capacity of an individual to focus and manage impulses. These drugs might be prescribed on their own or in combination with stimulants. Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera or Qelbree, is the first. It works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the prefrontal cortex which controls behavior. Guanfacine, also known as Intuniv is part of the group of drugs called alpha-agonists. These drugs block Reuptake and increasing levels of brain chemicals in the bloodstream. Guanfacine, originally developed to treat high blood pressure, has been proved to be effective in treating ADHD. Combinations There are a number of drug combinations used by people with ADHD. These include stimulants and depressants like clonidine or guanfacine. These drugs can have a calming effect on the brain, and can decrease symptoms such as sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. They also help prevent withdrawal symptoms that can result from stimulants. However, this combination could be risky if used correctly. Serotonin Syndrome is a drug emergency which occurs when there is an excess of serotonin in the body. This combination can also raise the heart rate and blood pressure. People with heart disease or high blood pressure are at a greater risk of developing side effects from this drug. Combinations of stimulants are now being used by teens and young adults. These substances, which are sold in pharmacies, are often referred to by the term “legal highs”. They are also available on the black market. These substances are dangerous particularly when they are combined with alcohol or other drugs. This is referred to as polydrug use and can be extremely dangerous. Mixing drugs can cause unpredictably harmful consequences, such as an increased heart rate, slow breathing, paranoia, hallucinations seizures, addiction and hallucinations. A study showed that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy when treating ADHD. Combining medications improved compliance and allowed patients to achieve more symptom relief than monotherapy. However, many patients stopped their treatment due to side effects. In a few instances, the medication was discontinued because of sleep problems or worsening tics. This could be the result of a poor diagnosis or lack of access to medications. Nonstimulants are an alternative treatment for ADHD. These medications improve the ability to focus and control impulses, but they don't work as well as stimulants. They are less likely to inhibit appetite and increase. Certain antidepressants may also be prescribed for ADHD. However they have a less chance of improving concentration and focus. Numerous studies have demonstrated that atomoxetine and methylphenidate (Concerta) can be combined to yield 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 was beneficial for adolescents and young adults. This combination may be an option for children suffering from severe ADHD.