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ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medications are the first-line treatment for ADHD. They have a track record of a robust response, good tolerance and safety across the lifespan.
It is crucial to find a medication and dosage that can ease your child's or your own symptoms without causing adverse effects. This often takes lots of trial and error, as well as regular dialog with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that increase the activity of the central nervous system. Students, athletes, artists, workers, and others use them to enhance their performance and cognitive abilities. They are also used in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as binge eating disorder, and other anxiety disorders. Amphetamines, methylphenidates, and other stimulant drugs are the most frequently used.
FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in both immediate-release and prolonged-release formulations. The immediate-release medications are typically taken every 4 hours. They can cause a sudden, short-term decrease in energy called a crash after they are worn off. The crash can trigger extreme hunger, mood swings and fatigue. Instant-release medication can also increase blood pressure and heartbeats in certain people. This is particularly true when they don't take enough food.
Extended-release medicines are designed to release their active ingredients over a time of between 8 and 16 hours. Your doctor may suggest this type of medication if you are looking for long-lasting symptom control without having to take a pill multiple times per day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate drugs. Daytrana is a methylphenidate that acts long-lastingly product that adheres to your skin like a bandage, and lasts throughout the day. This kind of medicine can be prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD and require daily doses that last longer than immediate-release alternatives.
The use of stimulants does not cure ADHD however it can help manage the symptoms by improving how neurons in the brain communicate. By blocking or binding their receptors, they can alter the level of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. This allows the release of more neurotransmitters which improves the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.
Doctors often prescribe antidepressants addition to stimulants to treat ADHD. The majority of antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD work on the norepinephrine and dopamine levels in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors are an excellent option for people with depression or anxiety. These medications are often combined with stimulants to boost their effectiveness. Your doctor can change between stimulant and non-stimulant drug if your current medication isn't effective or has an unacceptably side effect.
Long-acting
Stimulants can help 70% to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. They can reduce symptoms like fidgeting, talking over others, and losing focus in conversations or on tasks. They also help improve the social skills of employees and improve their performance.
The stimulant medication starts working as soon as it crosses the blood-brain boundaries, which takes 45-60 minutes. They boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in brain cells, which reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. The FDA-approved stimulant drugs contain two molecules called methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). The stimulants can cause side effects such as nausea or loss of appetite, as well as 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.
Long-acting stimulants (such as Strattera and Wellbutrin) can be used throughout the day and night unlike medications that only last for a couple of hours. They can also be used to treat other ailments such as anxiety or depression.
These medicines work by altering the way that your body regulates chemical called monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases break down dopamine within the brain and other neurotransmitters. When these chemicals aren't broken down, they stay in your body for a longer time and can affect your behavior and mental state. Long-acting medicines can cause fewer negative effects. Your doctor may prescribe them in smaller doses that you can take throughout the day.

Certain stimulants are available in extended-release form that you can take every day. This may be more convenient for some adults, however it's important to to take them every day.
SSRIs and other medications have shown to be effective in treating ADHD in a variety of adults. no title are usually prescribed for anxiety or depression but they can also be prescribed for ADHD. Around 70% of people react to these medications. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is another SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been shown to be more efficient than placebos in a controlled study. These SSRIs can cause serious side effects such as ringing in the ears anxiety, a change to vision as well as lung and heart function in certain people.
Short-acting
Stimulant medication helps reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. These two chemicals assist people to manage their behavior and improve their focus. They are available in many varieties, and each has its own brand name, such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are two major kinds of stimulant drugs amphetamines and methylphenidates. All have similar effects, however they differ in the length of their effect. The methylphenidates can produce a less lasting effect, lasting for up to three hours. Amphetamines, on the other on the other hand, have a longer-lasting impact.
Certain people are more able to tolerate stimulant drugs that have a long-acting effect than those that use short-acting drugs, so your doctor may prescribe this type of medication. It is essential to know as much as you can about the medication. This includes any adverse effects, how often it is recommended to take it, and any warnings. This will help you and your physician decide on the right medication for you.
You should also understand that these medications can have certain negative side effects, including difficulty getting to sleep or losing appetite. Talk to your doctor in the event that you experience any of these side effects. You may need to alter the dosage or try another drug.
Adults with ADHD who don't respond well to the stimulants might be treated with non-stimulant drugs that take longer to begin working but can improve the ability of a person to pay attention and manage impulses. These drugs might be prescribed as a stand-alone or in combination with stimulants.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera or Qelbree, is the first. It works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine within the prefrontal cortex which controls behavior. Another is guanfacine (brand name Intuniv) that belongs to a class of drugs called alpha agonists. These drugs work by preventing Reuptake and increasing levels of brain chemicals in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was developed for high blood pressure, but it has also been proven to help people with ADHD.
Combinations
People suffering from ADHD use a variety of drug combinations. These include stimulants and depressant type drugs like Guanfacine and Clonidine. These drugs are calming for the brain, and can decrease symptoms such as sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. They also help to prevent withdrawal symptoms of stimulants. However, this combination can be risky if utilized correctly. Combining two stimulants at same time increases the risk of developing serotonin-related syndrome, which is a drug emergency that occurs when the body is overloaded with many serotonin. This combination can also raise the blood pressure and heart rate. no title or those with high blood pressure are at greater risk of developing side effects from this drug.
Teenagers and young adults are increasingly consuming stimulant mixtures. These drugs, which are sold in pharmacies, are often called "legal highs". They are also sold on the black market. These substances are extremely dangerous, especially if they are combined with alcohol or other drugs. This is referred to as polydrug use, and can be extremely dangerous. Mixing drugs can trigger unpredictably harmful effects, including increased heart rate, slow breathing, paranoia, hallucinations seizures, and addiction.
Combination therapy is more effective than monopharmacotherapy when it comes to treating ADHD according to the findings of a study. Combining medications improved compliance and allowed patients to experience greater relief from symptoms than monotherapy. A majority of patients, however, stopped their treatment due to adverse effects. In some cases the medication was removed due to sleep issues or worsening of tics. This could be due to a misdiagnosis or lack of medication.
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 less likely to suppress appetite and increase. Certain antidepressants may also be prescribed for ADHD. However, they have a smaller chance of improving focus and concentration.
Several studies have shown that atomoxetine and methylphenidate (Concerta) can be used together to achieve better results than either drug alone. Combining these two drugs improved the adherence of patients and decreased the risk of adverse reactions for a majority of people. The combination was effective for young adults and adolescents. This combination could be a viable option for children suffering from severe ADHD.