ADHD Stimulant Medication<br /><br />Stimulant medication is the first-line treatment for ADHD. They have a long history of robust response, good tolerance and safety throughout the entire lifespan.<br /><br />It is important to find the right medication and dosage that relieves your or your child's symptoms without causing side adverse effects. This may require a lot of trial and error, as and a clear communication with your doctor.<br /><br />Stimulants<br /><br />Stimulants are drugs which increase the activity of the central nervous system. They are frequently used for performance enhancement and cognitive enhancers by athletes, students as well as artists and workers. They are also used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) as well as binge eating disorder and some anxiety disorders. The most popular stimulant drugs are methylphenidates and amphetamines.<br /><br />FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in both extended-release and immediate-release formulations. Immediate-release pills are usually taken every 4 hours. If they are not taken as often they can trigger a sudden and short-term decrease in energy. The crash can trigger extreme hunger, mood swings and fatigue. Instant-release medications can also raise heart rate and blood pressure in some people, especially when they don't eat enough.<br /><br />Extended-release medication is formulated to release active ingredients over 8-16 hours. Your doctor may recommend this type of medication if your goal is lasting symptom control and do not need to take a pill multiple times per day. Methylphenidate medications in the extended-release category include Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. Daytrana is a long-acting methylphenidate product that adheres to your skin like a bandage, and lasts the entire day. This kind of medication is often prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD who require a daily dose that lasts longer than the immediate-release alternatives.<br /><br />The use of stimulants does not cure ADHD but it can assist manage the symptoms by improving how neurons in the brain communicate. They accomplish this by altering the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This is done by blocking or binding to their receptors. This allows the release of more neurotransmitters, which helps to improve the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.<br /><br />In addition to stimulants, doctors may prescribe antidepressants for ADHD. The majority of antidepressants prescribed by doctors for ADHD are based on the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. One class, referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is a good choice for people who have depression or anxiety. These medications are often combined with stimulants to boost their effectiveness. Your doctor could also switch between stimulant and non-stimulant medication in the event that your current medication isn't working or causes an unacceptable adverse effects.<br /><br />Long-acting<br /><br /><br /><br />About 70 to 80% children and adults with ADHD benefit from stimulants. They reduce symptoms like the tendency to fidget and talk over others. They also enhance job performance and social abilities.<br /><br />Stimulant medications begin to work as soon as they pass through the blood-brain barrier which can take anywhere between 45 and 60 minutes. They increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels in brain cells, which reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. FDA-approved stimulant medications use two molecules: Methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). The stimulants can cause adverse effects like nausea and loss of appetite. They can also cause increased blood pressure. They can also trigger anxiety and headaches. They can also cause tics to become worse and may cause sleep problems in some people.<br /><br />Long-acting stimulants (such as Strattera and Wellbutrin) can be used throughout the day and night unlike the short-acting drugs that only last a few hours. They also aid in other conditions like anxiety or depression.<br /><br />These medicines work by altering the ways your body regulates chemicals known as monoamine oxides. Monoamine oxidases are enzymes which break down dopamine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. When these chemicals aren't broken down and remain in your body for longer and affect your behavior and thinking. Long-acting medications can have less negative effects. Your doctor will prescribe them in smaller doses that you consume throughout the day.<br /><br />Some stimulants are available in extended-release versions that you can take every day. Some adults may find this more convenient however, you must keep in mind to take your stimulants each day.<br /><br />Other medications have been found to be effective for a lot of people suffering from ADHD such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications are usually prescribed to treat anxiety or depression but can be prescribed for ADHD. Around 70% of people respond to these drugs. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is another SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been proven to be more efficient than placebos in a controlled study. These SSRIs can cause severe side effects like ringing in the ears anxiety, a change to vision and lung and heart function in certain people.<br /><br />Short-acting<br /><br />Stimulant medications work to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. These are two chemicals that help people focus and regulate their behavior. These drugs are available in different forms and each one has its own brand name, like Adderall Vyvanse Ritalin Concerta. There are two major types of stimulant medications amphetamines and methylphenidates. They have the same effects, however their duration of action varies. The methylphenidates are less effective; they can last as long as three hours, while the amphetamines provide longer-lasting effects.<br /><br />Certain individuals are better in their ability to take stimulant drugs that have a long-acting effect than those that use short-acting drugs and therefore, your doctor might prescribe this type. It is crucial to know all you can about the medication and its possible side effects, how often it should be taken, and any warnings specific to the medication that should be followed. This will allow you to work with your physician in determining the appropriate dosage and medication for you.<br /><br />These medications can also trigger adverse side effects, such as difficulty sleeping or loss in appetite. If these occur you should talk to your doctor about changing the dosage or attempting different medications.<br /><br />Adults with ADHD who do not respond well to stimulants may be treated with non-stimulant medicines that take longer to get started but can improve the ability of a person to focus and manage impulses. These drugs might be prescribed as a stand-alone or together with stimulants.<br /><br />Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera or Qelbree is the very first. It is a stimulant of 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 the level of brain chemicals in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was originally designed to treat high blood pressure, has now been shown to be effective in treating ADHD.<br /><br />Combinations<br /><br />People with ADHD make use of a variety drug combinations. This includes stimulants paired with depressant drugs such as Guanfacine or Clonidine. These drugs can have a calming affect on the brain and help reduce symptoms such as sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. They also help prevent withdrawal symptoms from stimulants. However, this combination could be dangerous if it is not utilized correctly. Combining two stimulants at same time increases the risk of developing serotonin-related syndrome, an emergency drug that occurs when the body is flooded with too excessive serotonin. This combination may also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-medication/">adhd medication for adults uk</a> or those with high blood pressure are at a greater chance of experiencing adverse reactions from this medication.<br /><br />Young adults and teens are increasingly using stimulant combinations. These drugs, which are available in pharmacies, are often known as "legal highs". These drugs are also available on the black market. These substances can be hazardous particularly when they are combined with alcohol and other substances. This is known as polydrug use and is extremely risky. Mixing drugs can trigger dangerous and unpredictable effects, including increased heart rate, slowed breathing, hallucinations, paranoia seizures, and addiction.<br /><br />Combination therapy is more effective than monopharmacotherapy in treating ADHD according to a study. Combining medications improved adherence, and helped patients achieve better relief from symptoms than monotherapy. Some patients, however stopped their treatment due to adverse effects. In a few cases, the medication was discontinued due to sleep issues or worsening tics. This could be because of a poor diagnosis, or a lack of access to medication.<br /><br />Nonstimulants are an alternative treatment for ADHD. These medications are effective in improving the quality of attention and impulse control however they are not as effective as stimulants. They are less likely to suppress appetite and growth. Certain antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD however, they have a lower chance of improving concentration and focus.<br /><br />Several studies have shown that atomoxetine and methylphenidate (Concerta) can be combined to yield better results than either by itself. Combining these two medications was found to increase adherence and reduce adverse effects in the majority of people. The combination proved effective for young adults and adolescents. This combination may be a viable solution for children with severe ADHD.<br /><br />