adhd medication ritalin - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
For a lot of people stimulant medications are the first option for treating ADHD. Certain people experience adverse reactions or they don't perform as well.
Doctors may prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medications instead, or in addition to stimulants. These include medications that treat high blood pressure like clonidine or Guanfacine (Tenex). They also include others that act to promote wakefulness.
Benefits
Stimulants are the first medication doctors prescribe to treat ADHD. They work by increasing communication between brain nerves. These drugs increase levels of neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers like dopamine and norepinephrine. This can improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They come in many forms, but they are generally classified into two classes of drugs: methylphenidates and amphetamines. They are controlled substances because of the potential for abuse. The dosage, distribution and usage of these drugs are tightly controlled.
Doctors may prescribe a mix medication that includes nonstimulants and stimulants. They may do this because a stimulant is not functioning properly, due to side effects that are too severe or because the patient has a mental health condition which needs to be treated. Combination treatments are commonplace in children and adults.
Nonstimulant medicines include atomoxetine guanfacine and viloxazine. These medicines are generally well tolerated and don't carry the same dangers of addiction or abuse like stimulants. They may take longer to start working and aren't as long-lasting as stimulants do, but they're often effective in treating symptoms of ADHD.
The majority of people who use non-stimulant ADHD medication report mild to moderate side effects, including headaches, stomach upsets dry mouth, and a general feeling of sleepiness. Some people may have difficulty staying awake while taking these drugs. However this is not as much of an issue for children than adults.
If you're thinking of taking medication to manage your or your child's ADHD discuss with your doctor about it. They'll discuss the various medications as well as their advantages and risks and how to begin. They'll also help you choose the medication and dosage that works best for you.
It could take a few attempts to determine the correct medication and dosage. The aim is to manage your ADHD symptoms with the least amount of adverse consequences. Once you have found the best medication, you must keep it in place because should you stop taking it, the symptoms will be back. The majority of people with ADHD have to take these medications for the rest of their lives.
Dosage
Stimulant medications like Adderall (methylphenidate/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) increase levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which boosts communication between nerves. This improves focus, concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is the first type that doctors prescribe for ADHD. It's not for everyone, and it can have undesirable side effects.
Non-stimulant drugs, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv (guanfacine), are FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. They are able to reduce symptoms directly on the prefrontal cortex of the brain and creating an calming effect. They are often used in conjunction with stimulant medications, or if the stimulant medication isn't working for you.
Both atomoxetine (also called Guanfacine) and guanfacine belong to the alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists category of drugs. This means that they function by blocking receptors that send dopamine from one cell to another. This allows other chemicals in the brain, like norepinephrine to enter the brain and cause the effect of calming, which enhances attention and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity.
The methylphenidate and amphetamine and other classes of ADHD medications are effective in reducing or eliminating ADHD-related symptoms. However they can also be misused and addictive, leading to an overdose. These drugs are classified as controlled substances, and they have "boxed" warnings that alert patients to the risks. They are also vulnerable to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants kick in within 30-45 minutes of taking them, and last for 3-4 hours. They can be taken up to three times a day. Long-acting and intermediate stimulants are more difficult to activate, but they can provide relief from symptoms for between 8 and 16 hours. They can be used just once a day, and can be a good choice for those who struggle to remember to take your medication at the same time each day.
When the medication wears off some people are affected by a rebound effect. This means that their symptoms will return to previous levels. This can cause short-lived depression, fatigue and an intense hunger. Changing the dosage, when you take it or what kind of medication you are taking can help prevent this from occurring. Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing this issue.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD drugs increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, promoting focus and reducing hyperactive and impulsive behavior. They may also improve memory and decrease aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These are usually given orally as capsules, though some children can take them in drops or chewable tablets. These stimulants can trigger side effects like dry mouth, a decrease in appetite and difficulty sleeping. In some cases, these effects are minor and go away as the medication wears off. In some cases these reactions can be serious and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medicines help to manage ADHD symptoms by targeting different neurotransmitters within the brain. They may also have a lower dependence or dependency risk than stimulants. Common adverse effects of these drugs include drowsiness, loss appetite, and dizziness. To reduce the risk of drowsiness, take the medication earlier in the day, eat before the medication starts to work and avoid drinking caffeinated beverages.
Many people find that they respond better to the extended release versions of these medications. These formulations build up slowly within the body and decrease the risk of the drug wearing out too quickly and causing symptoms to get worse. They also make it easier to remember to take your medication, especially when you or your child has difficulties keeping track of the number of pills in a bottle.
Most children and adults who take medication to treat ADHD will experience side effects. These side effects can be managed by observing the reactions of your child or yourself, and adjusting the dosage and following the prescribed dosage. If you or your child suffers adverse or harmful side effects, talk to an expert in mental health regarding the possibility of switching to a different type of medication.
It can take time to find the best medication for someone suffering from ADHD. In addition, it's not uncommon for a doctor to switch you or your child between the two categories of medications--stimulant and non-stimulant--because one isn't effective or causes intolerable side effects.
Monitoring
The most important aspect to be aware of with ADHD medication is that it may help manage your symptoms however it's not an effective cure. Your doctor can alter the dosage to help control your symptoms while minimizing the side effects. ADHD treatment plans typically consist of therapy, medication and support from teachers and family members.
The most popular ADHD medication is stimulant. They work by boosting brain chemicals that improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can cause a variety of side effects, including weight loss, difficulty sleeping, stomachaches, headaches, increased heart rate, jitteriness and, occasionally, shaking hands.
It may take a while to determine the best medication and dose for your or your child's specific needs. Sometimes it takes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months before the benefits of the medication are apparent. During this period, it is important to follow your doctor's directions and report any adverse effects.
While stimulants offer the benefit of being quick-acting, they do have a higher risk of dependence and abuse. Many people, particularly young adults and children are reluctant to take them due to this. Non-stimulant medications can be just as good and are better for people who are not able to handle stimulants' side effects.
Non-stimulant drugs include atomoxetine dextroamphetamine and guanfacine. These drugs are endorsed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for other conditions but can also be used to treat ADHD "off-label".
A recent study has found that the long-term use of ADHD medications is linked to a higher risk of CVD. The risk was higher as the dose of the medication was increased and was greater for girls and boys. The researchers suggest that people be closely monitored and undergo regular health screenings, especially for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This is particularly true if there is an ancestral history of cardiovascular disease.