Ten Common Misconceptions About ADHD Stimulant Medication That Don't Always Hold

ADHD Stimulant Medication

Stimulant medication is the first treatment of choice for ADHD. They have a history of a strong response, a high tolerance, and are safe throughout the entire life span.

It's important to find the dosage and medication that will relieve your child's or your own symptoms without causing any side effects. It usually takes a lot of trial and error, as well as open dialog with your doctor.

Stimulants

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

FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in immediate-release and extended-release formulas. Immediate-release pills are usually taken every 4 hours. They can cause a sudden, short-term decrease in energy called a crash once they are worn off. The crash can cause extreme hunger, mood swings and fatigue. Immediate-release medications also can increase blood pressure and heart rate in some people, especially when they don't eat enough.

Extended-release medicines are formulated to release its active ingredients over 8-16 hours. Your doctor might suggest this kind of medication if you are looking for long-lasting control of symptoms without having to take a pill several times per day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate drugs. Another option is the long-acting methylphenidate patch known as Daytrana that adheres to the skin as a band-aid and lasts all day. This kind of medication is usually given to people with ADHD who need daily doses that last longer than the immediate-release alternatives.

Stimulant medications do not cure ADHD but it can help manage the symptoms by enhancing how neurons in the brain communicate. By blocking or binding their receptors, they can affect the levels of neurotransmitters, like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This permits the release of more neurotransmitters, which improves the transmission and reception of messages between neurons.

In addition to stimulants, doctors can prescribe antidepressants for ADHD. The majority of antidepressants prescribed by doctors for ADHD affect the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. One of the groups, called selective serotonin receptor inhibitors, is a great option for people who have depression or anxiety, too. These medications are usually paired with stimulants to enhance their effectiveness. Other reasons your doctor might switch between non-stimulant and stimulant medication is if the previous medication isn't working, or causes intolerable side effects.

Long-acting

Stimulants can help 70%-80% of children and adults with ADHD. They help 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 as soon as they cross the blood-brain barrier which takes about 45 to 60 minutes. They increase the levels of dopamine and Norepinephrine between brain cells which reduces the amount of hyperactivity and impulseivity. FDA-approved stimulant medications use one of two molecules: the methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). Stimulants can cause side effects such as stomach upset and decreased appetite, elevated heart rate and blood pressure headaches, as well as nervousness or anxiety. They can also make tics more severe, and they may cause sleep problems in some people.

Long-acting stimulants (such as Strattera and Wellbutrin) work all night and day unlike medications which last only a few hours. They can also help with other conditions like anxiety or depression.

The medications affect the ways your body regulates chemicals known as monoamine oxides. Monoamine oxidases are enzymes that break down dopamine as well as other neurotransmitters inside the brain. If these chemicals aren't broken down and remain in your body longer and affect your behavior and mental state. Long-acting medication 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 every day. Some adults might prefer this method however, you must be sure to take your stimulants each day.

SSRIs and other medications have been proven to be effective in treating ADHD in many adults. These medications are usually prescribed to treat anxiety or depression however they can also be prescribed for ADHD. Around 70% of people react to these drugs.  medication for adult add  (Wellbutrin) is another SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been shown to be more effective than placebos in one controlled study. These drugs can cause serious adverse effects, including ringing of the ears anxiety, changes in heart, vision and lung function.

Short-acting

Stimulant medication helps 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 manage their behavior. They are available in numerous forms, and each has their own brand name such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are two major types of stimulant drugs that are methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and the amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). They have the same effects, however their duration of action is different. The methylphenidates are less effective that can last as long as three hours, while the amphetamines have longer-lasting effects.

Certain individuals are better able to tolerate long-acting stimulant medication than those that use short-acting drugs and therefore, your doctor might prescribe this kind of drug. It is crucial to be aware of as much as you can about the medication. This includes any possible side effects, the frequency at which it should be taken and any warnings. This will allow you to work with your doctor in figuring out the right medication and dose for you.

You should also understand that these drugs can cause certain negative adverse effects, like problems getting to sleep or losing appetite. Consult your physician in the event that you experience any of these adverse effects. You may have to adjust the dosage or try another drug.

Adults with ADHD who aren't responding well to stimulants may be treated with non-stimulant medications, which take longer to get started but can improve the ability of a person to focus and control impulses. These medications can be prescribed either in combination or on their own.

Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera or Qelbree, is the first. It increases dopamine and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex, which regulates the behavior. Another is guanfacine (brand name Intuniv) that belongs to a group of medications called alpha agonists. They block the release of these brain chemicals and increasing their levels in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was developed to treat high blood pressure, but has also been shown to aid people suffering from ADHD.

Combinations

There are a number of combinations of drugs used by those who suffer from ADHD. These include stimulants and depressant type drugs like Guanfacine and Clonidine. These drugs may influence a calming effect on the brain, and reduce symptoms like insomnia and aggressive behavior. They can also reduce withdrawal symptoms of stimulants. This combination could be dangerous however, if it is not used correctly. Serotonin Syndrome is a drug emergency which occurs when there is too much serotonin in the body. This combination may also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. People with heart disease or high blood pressure are at greater risk of developing adverse effects from this medication.

Young adults and teenagers are increasingly taking stimulant-based combinations. These are commonly referred to as "legal highs" and are available at pharmacies. They are also available on the black market. These substances are extremely dangerous particularly when they are mixed with alcohol or other drugs. This is referred to as polydrug use, and is extremely risky. Mixing drugs can trigger dangerous and unpredictable consequences, such as an increased heart rate, slowed breathing, hallucinations, paranoia seizures, and addiction.

Combination therapy is more effective than monopharmacotherapy in treating ADHD, according to the findings of a study. Combining medication increased the adherence of patients and helped them achieve more symptom relief than monotherapy. However, many patients stopped their treatment because of side effects. In some cases, the medication has been removed due to sleep issues or worsening of tics. This could be due to a poor diagnosis or a lack of medication.

Nonstimulants are an alternative treatment for ADHD. These drugs can be effective in enhancing attention span and impulse regulation however, they do not perform as well as stimulants. They are also less likely to inhibit growth and alter appetite. Certain antidepressants may 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 used together to achieve better results than either by itself. Combining these two medications helped improve adherence and reduced the risk of adverse reactions for a majority of people. The combination was also effective for adolescents and young adults. This combination could be a viable option for children suffering from severe ADHD.