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ADHD Stimulant Medication

Stimulant medications are the first treatment of choice for ADHD. They have a long history of a high response, a high tolerance and safety across the lifespan.

It is essential to choose the right dosage and medication that can ease your child’s or your own symptoms without causing adverse consequences. This may require a lot of trial and error, as well as a constant communication with your physician.

Stimulants

Stimulants are drugs which increase the activity of the central nervous system. They are widely used as stimulants for cognitive enhancement and performance by students, athletes, artists, and workers. They are also used in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) as well as binge eating disorder, and other anxiety disorders. Amphetamines, methylphenidates and other stimulant medications are the most commonly used.

FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in extended-release and immediate-release formulas. In the case of immediate-release, they are typically taken every four hours as required. They can cause a sudden, short-term decrease in energy called a crash after they wear off. The crash can trigger extreme craving, mood swings and fatigue. Instant-release medications can also raise heart rate and blood pressure in certain people, particularly when they don’t eat enough.

Extended-release medicines are formulated to release its active ingredients over 8-16 hours. Your doctor may suggest this kind of medication if you want long-lasting symptom control without having to take a pill multiple times a day. Methylphenidate medications in the extended-release category include Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. Daytrana is a methylphenidate with a long-acting product that adheres to your skin like a bandage, and is able to last for the entire day. This kind of medicine is available to adults suffering from ADHD and need a daily dosage that lasts longer than the immediate-release options.

Stimulant medication doesn’t solve ADHD however they can help manage symptoms by enhancing the way that neurons in the brain communicate with one with each 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 aids in ensuring that messages between neurons are more effectively sent and received.

Doctors sometimes prescribe antidepressants in addition to stimulants to treat ADHD. The majority of the antidepressants doctors prescribe for ADHD affect the levels of norepinephrine dopamine and serotonin in your brain. One of the groups, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is a great option for people who have depression or anxiety, too. These medications are usually paired with stimulants to increase their effectiveness. Other reasons why your doctor may switch you between stimulant and non-stimulant medications are if your old medication isn’t working or has undesirable side effects.

Long-acting

Stimulants help about 70% to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. They reduce symptoms such as fidgeting, talking over others and losing focus during conversations or tasks. They can also improve the social skills of employees and improve their performance.

The stimulant medication begins to work once it has crossed the blood-brain boundaries, which takes 45-60 minutes. They boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels between brain cells, which reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. The FDA-approved stimulant drugs contain one of two molecules: the methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). The stimulants can trigger side effects including upset stomach, loss of appetite, increased blood pressure and heart rate as well as headaches, nervousness or anxiety. They can also make tics more severe and may cause sleep problems in some people.

Long-acting stimulants (such as Strattera and Wellbutrin) work all day and night unlike medications that last just several hours. They also aid in other conditions like depression or anxiety.

These medicines work by altering how your body regulates monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases are enzymes that break down dopamine as well as other neurotransmitters inside the brain. These chemicals stay in the body for longer if they’re not broken down. This can impact your behavior and thinking. Long-acting medications can have fewer adverse effects. Your doctor will prescribe it in smaller doses that you can take throughout the day.

Certain stimulants are available in extended-release form that you can take daily. Adults may find this more convenient, but you should still keep in mind to take your stimulants each day.

SSRIs and other medications have shown to be effective in treating ADHD in many adults. adhd medication adults are usually used for depression or anxiety however, they can be prescribed for ADHD and 70% of people are able to respond. Bupropion, also called Wellbutrin, is an SSRI approved for ADHD. It was shown to be more effective in a controlled study than placebos. These SSRIs can cause serious side effects such as hearing ringing, anxiety, and changes to vision and heart and lung function in some individuals.

Short-acting

Stimulant medication reduces ADHD symptoms by increasing levels dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. These two chemicals help people manage their behavior and improve their focus. These drugs are available in different forms, and each has its own brand, like Adderall Vyvanse Ritalin Concerta. There are two major types of stimulant drugs: the methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). They have the same effects, but their duration of action is different. The methylphenidates produce less lasting effects that can last for up to three hours, while the amphetamines provide longer-lasting effects.

Some people are better in their ability to take long-acting stimulant medications than those that use short-acting drugs and therefore, your doctor might prescribe this kind of drug. It is essential to know everything you can about the medication that you are taking, including the 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 doctor to decide on the right medication for you.

It is important to understand that these medications can have a few negative adverse effects, like problems sleeping or a loss of appetite. If you experience these issues consult your physician about altering the dosage or using other medications.

Adults with ADHD who don’t respond well to stimulants can be treated with nonstimulant medications. These medications take longer to work but they improve the capacity to pay attention and to control impulses. These medications can be prescribed in combination or as a single dose.

The first one is atomoxetine (brand names Strattera and Qelbree) that works by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine in the prefrontal cortex, which controls the way we behave. Guanfacine, also referred to as Intuniv, belongs to the class of drugs known as alpha-agonists. They block the absorption of these brain chemicals, and increasing their level in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was developed to treat high blood pressure but it has also been proven to help people with ADHD.

Combinations

There are a number of drug combinations that are used by people suffering from ADHD. These include stimulants combined with depressants like clonidine or guanfacine. These drugs can have a calming affect on the brain, and can reduce symptoms like sleeplessness and aggressive behaviour. They also help to prevent withdrawal symptoms of stimulants. This combination could be dangerous however, should it not be used properly. Combining two stimulants at the same time increases the risk of developing serotonin syndrome, a type of drug emergency that happens when the body has too excessive serotonin. This combination can also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. The risks of using this medication are greater for those with pre-existing health conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease.

Young adults and teenagers are increasingly taking stimulant-based combinations. These are commonly described as “legal highs” and are available at pharmacies. They are also available on the black market. These substances are dangerous, especially when combined with alcohol and other substances. The use of polydrugs can be hazardous. Mixing drugs can trigger unpredictable and harmful consequences, such as an increased heart rate, slower breathing, paranoia, hallucinations seizures, and addiction.

A study found that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy for treating ADHD. Combining medication increased the adherence of patients and helped them achieve more symptom relief than monotherapy. However there were many patients who stopped their treatment due to side effects. In some cases it is possible that the medication has been stopped due to sleep problems or worsening of tics. This could be due to a wrong diagnosis or a lack of medication.

Nonstimulants are a different treatment option for ADHD. These drugs enhance attention span and impulse control however they don’t work as well as stimulants. They are also less likely to suppress growth and reduce appetite. Some antidepressants can also be prescribed for ADHD. However they have a lower chance of improving concentration and focus.

A number of studies have proven that atomoxetine and methylphenidate (Concerta) can be combined to produce better results than either drug by itself. Combining these two medications helped improve the adherence of patients and decreased side effects for most people. The combination proved effective for young adults and adolescents. This combination could be a viable treatment for children with severe ADHD.