Are ADHD Stimulant Medication The Best Thing There Ever Was?

ADHD Stimulant Medication

Stimulant drugs are the first line treatment for ADHD. They have a long track record of a robust response, high tolerance, and safety over 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 any side effects. It can take a lot of trial and error as well as an open communication with your physician.

Stimulants

Stimulants are drugs which increase the activity of the central nervous system. Students, workers, athletes, artists and others take them to boost their performance and cognitive abilities. They are also used 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.

FDA-approved prescription stimulants come in both immediate-release and prolonged-release formulations. The immediate-release medications are typically taken every 4 hours. They can trigger sudden, temporary decrease in energy called a crash when they are worn off. The crash can trigger extreme craving, mood swings and fatigue. Instant-release medications can also raise blood pressure and heart rate in certain people, particularly 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 kind of medication could be prescribed by a doctor if you are looking for long-lasting control of symptoms without having to take pills frequently throughout the day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate medications. Another alternative is the long-acting methylphenidate patch known as Daytrana, which sticks to the skin like a band-aid and lasts all day. This type of medication is usually given to people with ADHD who need daily doses that last longer than the immediate-release alternatives.

The use of stimulants doesn't solve ADHD However, they can aid in managing symptoms by improving the way neurons in the brain communicate 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 more neurotransmitters to be released, and it assists in ensuring that messages between neurons are more efficiently sent and received.

Doctors may prescribe antidepressants in addition to stimulants for ADHD. Most antidepressants doctors prescribe for ADHD work on the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibiters are a great choice for people suffering from depression or anxiety. These drugs are typically mixed with stimulants to increase their effectiveness. Your doctor could also switch between stimulant and a non-stimulant medication if your current medication isn't effective or has an unacceptably adverse effects.

Long-acting

About 70 to 80percent of children and adults with ADHD benefit from stimulants. They reduce symptoms such as fidgeting, over-talking, and losing focus in conversations or tasks. They also enhance the performance of your job and improve your social abilities.

Stimulant medications start working when they cross the blood-brain barrier which can take anywhere between 45 and 60 minutes. They increase the levels of Dopamine and Norepinephrine in brain cells which reduces the amount of hyperactivity and impulseivity. 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 weight loss, an increase in heart rate and blood pressure headaches, as well as nervousness or anxiety. They can also cause tics to become worse and can cause sleep problems in some people.

Long-acting stimulants, such as Strattera or Wellbutrin, work day and night. Short-acting medicines only last a few hours. They can be used to treat other conditions like anxiety or depression.

The medications affect the way your body regulates monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases are enzymes which break down dopamine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. When these chemicals aren't eliminated, they stay in your body longer and can affect your behavior and mental state. Long-acting medication can have fewer negative effects. Your doctor may prescribe it in smaller doses, which you can take throughout the day.

Some stimulants come in extended-release form that you can take every day. Some adults might find this more convenient however, you must keep in mind to take your stimulants each day.

Other medications have been shown to be effective for a lot of people suffering from ADHD such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These are usually prescribed to treat anxiety or depression however they can also be prescribed for ADHD and 70% of people respond. Bupropion, also known as Wellbutrin, is an SSRI approved for ADHD. It was proven to be more effective in a controlled study than placebos. These medications can trigger serious side effects, like hearing ringing anxiety, changes in heart, vision and lung function.

Short-acting

The stimulant drugs work to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain. These are the two chemicals that help people focus and control their behavior. They are available in a variety of forms, and each comes with their own brand name such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are  medication for adult add  of stimulant medications, methylphenidates and amphetamines. They have the same effects, but their duration of action differs. The methylphenidates have shorter-lasting effects that can last as long as three hours, whereas amphetamines have longer-lasting effects.

Certain people are more able to tolerate long-acting stimulant medications than those that use short-acting drugs which is why your doctor may prescribe this type. It is essential to know all you can about the medication, including possible side effects, how often it is recommended to take it and any warnings specific to the medication that should be followed. This will assist you and your physician determine the best medication for you.

These medications can also trigger adverse side effects, such as difficulty sleeping or loss in appetite. Consult your physician in the event that you experience any of these adverse effects. You may need to alter the dosage or try another drug.

Adults with ADHD who do not respond well to stimulants may be treated with non-stimulant medications, which take longer to begin working but can improve the ability of a person to concentrate and control impulses. These drugs may be prescribed either alone or in combination.

medication for adult adhd  of these is atomoxetine (brand names Strattera and Qelbree), which is a stimulant of norepinephrine and dopamine levels 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. These drugs block the reuptake process and increasing the amount of brain chemicals in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was created to treat high blood pressure but it also has been proven to aid people suffering from ADHD.

Combinations

People suffering from ADHD utilize a variety of drug combinations. These include stimulants combined with depressants like the guanfacine or clonidine. These drugs have a calming effect on the brain and can reduce symptoms like sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. They also help to prevent withdrawal symptoms caused by stimulants. This combination can be dangerous, however, should it not be used properly. Serotonin Syndrome is a drug emergency which occurs when there is too much serotonin in the body. This combination can also raise the heart rate and blood pressure. The risks of using this medication are more pronounced for those who have pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease.

Combinations of stimulants are now being used by teenagers and young adults. These substances are often referred to as "legal highs" and are readily available at pharmacies. These drugs are also available on the black market. These substances can be dangerous particularly when mixed with alcohol or other drugs. The use of polydrugs can be hazardous. Mixing drugs can have dangerous and unpredictable consequences. They include an increase in heart rate, decreased breathing, hallucinations and paranoia.

A study found that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy when treating ADHD. Combined medication improved the adherence of patients and helped them achieve more symptom relief than monotherapy. However there were many patients who stopped their treatment due to adverse effects. In a few instances the medication was stopped due to sleep problems or worsening tics. This could be a result of a poor diagnosis, or a inaccessibility to medications.

Nonstimulants can also be used to treat ADHD. These medications are effective in improving the ability to focus and impulse control however they are not as effective as stimulants. They are less likely to suppress appetite and increase. Certain antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD. However they have a lower chance of improving focus and concentration.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that atomoxetine and methylphenidate (Concerta) can be combined to produce better results than either drug alone. Combining these two medications improved compliance and reduced the risk of side effects for most people. The combination proved effective for young adults and adolescents. This combination may be a viable option for children with severe ADHD.