ADHD Stimulant Medication<br /><br />Stimulant medications are the first option for treating ADHD. They have a long history of robust response, good tolerance, and safety over the entire lifespan.<br /><br />However, it's important to determine the appropriate medication and dosage that relieves the symptoms of your child or yourself without side effects. This may require a lot of trial and error as well as a constant communication with your doctor.<br /><br />Stimulants<br /><br /><br /><br />Stimulants are drugs which increase 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 disorders (ADHD), binge eating disorder and some anxiety disorders. The most commonly used stimulant medications are amphetamines and methylphenidates.<br /><br />FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in both prolonged-release and immediate-release formulations. The immediate-release medication is usually taken every four hours as needed. They can cause sudden, temporary decrease in energy, referred to as a crash once they wear off. The crash may cause extreme hunger, mood swings, and fatigue. Instant-release medications can also raise blood pressure and heart rate in some people, especially those who don't eat enough.<br /><br />Extended-release medicines are designed to release active ingredients over a period of 8-16 hours. Your doctor may suggest this type of medication if your goal is lasting symptom control and do not need to take a pill several times a day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate drugs. Daytrana is a methylphenidate with a long-acting product that sticks to your skin like a bandage and lasts throughout the day. This type of medication can be prescribed to adults with ADHD and need daily doses that last longer than immediate-release options.<br /><br />Stimulant medications don't cure ADHD however they can assist in managing symptoms by improving the way neurons in the brain communicate with one other. By blocking or binding their receptors they can affect the levels of neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, in the brain. This allows more neurotransmitters to be released, and it helps messages between neurons be more efficiently sent and received.<br /><br />In addition to stimulants, doctors can prescribe antidepressants for ADHD. Most antidepressants doctors prescribe for ADHD affect the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors are a good choice for people suffering from anxiety or depression. These medications are typically paired with stimulants to enhance their effectiveness. Another reason your doctor might switch between non-stimulant and stimulant medication is if the previous medication isn't working or it has undesirable side effects.<br /><br />Long-acting<br /><br />Between 70 and 70% to with ADHD benefit from stimulants. They help reduce symptoms like fidgeting and talking over others. They can also improve job performance and social abilities.<br /><br />Stimulant medications start working when they cross 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 one of two molecules: the methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). Stimulants may cause adverse effects like nausea or loss of appetite, as well as increased blood pressure. They can also cause anxiety and headaches. They can also cause tics to become worse and can cause sleep issues in certain people.<br /><br />Long-acting stimulants, like Strattera or Wellbutrin, are effective day and night. Short-acting medicines are only effective for a few hours. They can also be used to treat other conditions such as anxiety or depression.<br /><br />These medications work by changing the ways your body regulates chemicals known as monoamine oxides. Monoamine oxidases break down dopamine in the brain and other neurotransmitters. When these chemicals aren't broken down into smaller pieces, they remain in your body for a longer time and affect your behavior and mental state. Long-acting medication can have fewer adverse effects. Your doctor may prescribe smaller doses, which you take throughout the day.<br /><br />Some stimulants are available in extended-release formulations that you take every day. Some adults might prefer this option however, you must be sure to take your stimulants each day.<br /><br />SSRIs and other medications have proven to be effective in treating ADHD in a variety of adults. SSRIs are typically prescribed for depression or anxiety but can be prescribed for ADHD. Around 70% of people respond to these medications. Bupropion, also referred to as Wellbutrin is an SSRI approved for ADHD. It was proven to be more efficient in a controlled research than placebos. These medications can cause serious side effects, like ringing of the ears anxiety, and changes in heart, vision and lung function.<br /><br />Short-acting<br /><br />Stimulant medication reduces 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 are available in numerous forms, and each comes with their own brand name such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are two major types of stimulant medicines that are methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and the amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). They all have similar effects, but differ in their duration of effect. The methylphenidates are less effective that can last up to three hours, whereas the amphetamines are more long-lasting.<br /><br />Some people tolerate stimulant medications better than others, and your doctor may prescribe them. It is crucial to learn as much as possible about the medication. This includes any side effects, how frequently it is recommended to take it, and any warnings. This will make it easier to work with your physician in figuring out the right dosage and medication for you.<br /><br />It is important to know that these drugs can cause a few negative adverse effects, like difficulty sleeping or a loss of appetite. Talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects. You may have to alter your dosage or try a different drug.<br /><br />Adults with ADHD who don't respond well to stimulants could be treated with non-stimulant medicines that take longer to start working but can improve the ability of a person to pay attention and control impulses. These medications can be prescribed either in combination or on their own.<br /><br />Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera or Qelbree is the first. It is a stimulant of dopamine and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex that regulates behavior. Another is the guanfacine (brand name Intuniv) is a member to a class of drugs known as alpha agonists. These drugs block Reuptake and increasing levels of brain chemicals in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was created to treat high blood pressure but has also been shown to help those suffering from ADHD.<br /><br />Combinations<br /><br />There are a number of combinations of drugs used by those who suffer from ADHD. These include stimulants combined with depressant drugs such as the guanfacine or clonidine. These drugs are calming for the brain, and can decrease symptoms like insomnia and aggressive behavior. They also aid in preventing withdrawal symptoms that can result from stimulants. This combination could be risky however, when it is not utilized properly. Serotonin syndrome is a drug emergency that occurs when there is an excess of serotonin in the body. This combination may also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. The risks of using this medication are more pronounced for people with pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease.<br /><br />Combinations of stimulants are increasingly being used by teens and young adults. These substances, which are sold in pharmacies, are known as "legal highs". They are also sold on the black market. These substances are dangerous especially when mixed with alcohol and other substances. Polydrug use can be dangerous. Mixing drugs can cause unpredictably harmful effects, such as increased heart rate, slower breathing, hallucinations, paranoia seizures, and addiction.<br /><br />A study concluded that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy for treating ADHD. Combining medications increased adherence and helped patients achieve more relief from symptoms than monotherapy. However there were many patients who stopped their treatment due to adverse effects. In some instances it is possible that the medication has been removed due to sleep issues or worsening of tics. This could be a result of a poor diagnosis or inaccessibility to medications.<br /><br />Nonstimulants can also be used to treat ADHD. These drugs can be effective in enhancing the quality of attention and impulse control however they are not as effective as stimulants. They are also less likely to block growth and alter appetite. Certain antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD, but they are less likely of enhancing focus and concentration.<br /><br />In <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-medication/">adhd treatment without medication</a> of studies, atomoxetine (Concerta) when combined with methylphenidate, produced better results than any other drug taken on its on its own. Combining these two medications was proven to increase adherence and decrease side effects in most people. The combination was effective for adolescents and young adults. This combination could be a viable solution for children suffering from severe ADHD.<br /><br />