ADHD Medication - The Difference Between Stimulant and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can help improve your child's attention span as well as their ability to complete tasks. But it is not a cure-all.
Stimulants improve the communication between nerves in the brain, reducing impulsivity and excessive activity. Short-acting medications that must be taken multiple times per week and long-acting medicines that last for up to 12 hours each day are available.
Stimulants
For many people suffering from ADHD stimulant medications are the first treatment option. They boost dopamine levels, which improves concentration and decreases impulsive behavior. They are most effective when taken regularly. However, they can also trigger side effects, such as anxiety, insomnia and a rapid heart rate. They can also be habit-forming. It is crucial to collaborate with your physician when starting or stopping a medication and follow their instructions regarding dosage, frequency, and use.
Stimulant drugs are available in both short-acting and long-acting versions. The stimulants with short-acting effects peak in a few hours and need to be taken two times a day. The long-acting pills - Ritalin (methylphenidate), Concerta(methylphenidate), Adderall(amphetamine), and Vyvanse(lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) last up to eight hours. Long-acting drugs can cut down on the need to take additional doses throughout the day. However, it can be difficult to remember.
Since stimulants are considered to be controlled substances in most jurisdictions, you'll need a prescription to obtain them and will be subject to strict rules when refilling or changing doctors. There are alternatives that offer similar benefits, without the risk of abuse or addiction. These include:
Nonstimulant ADHD medication takes longer to take effect. You may not experience their full benefits until after three to four weeks of consistent use. These drugs could be the best option for you if struggling to get motivated, you are sensitive to adverse effects, or can't take stimulants due to an addiction history in your family or a family history.
Medications like Strattera (atomoxetine), Kapvay (clonidine hydrochloride) and Qelbree (viloxazine) help to increase the amount of norepinephrine in your brain, which can improve concentration and control of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They're usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD that is, they're not approved by the FDA for this purpose, but they have been used for a long time to treat various health conditions and have been found to affect ADHD symptoms.
If you're seeking an alternative to prescription ADHD medication Vyvamind is a great choice that combines cognitive-support ingredients with real-world enhancements in mental agility and endurance. It's designed to help combat mental fatigue that can be a barrier for people suffering from ADHD, and improve mood and resilience to stress--important aspects of managing ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants
While stimulants are the first-choice ADHD medications for adults, they aren't effective or safe for everyone. Other adverse effects include headaches, reduced appetite, and sleeplessness. Some doctors prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication for these reasons. These medications work differently than stimulants and don't have the same side-effects.
The medications that fall into this category are atomoxetine, bupropion and venlafaxine. They increase the levels of chemical messengers like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, just as stimulants. They only affect a portion of the brain that is involved with attention. The antidepressants can be prescribed to treat depression, anxiety and ADHD.
Although the FDA has not granted them this approval However, some doctors have prescribed them off-label as a treatment for ADHD. They are typically prescribed after other treatments such as diet and exercise have failed. Certain experts believe that antidepressants can help ADHD by improving mood, reducing anxiety and irritation. This could affect the ability to concentrate.
These medications are also less likely to be misused and do not impact weight gain or growth. They also reduce tics, including eye blinking or throat clearing, but may make them more obvious. They may also increase heart rate, which can be dangerous for people who have heart issues or a history of heart trouble.
Research shows that combining stimulants with these drugs can make them more effective than they would be by themselves. Before you try this combination, you need to consult your doctor.
Children under 12 years of age are not advised to consume stimulants. They could cause permanent brain changes in teens and young children, which could cause harm to their mental health later in life. They can also lead to weight loss and decrease appetite, and may increase the risk of seizures for some children.
It's not common, but some children with severe ADHD do not respond well to stimulant drugs. They may need another treatment, such as the atomoxetine XR or the guanfacine.
Other medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD, and they're often the first medicine a doctor will prescribe. They can improve memory and focus but they also have adverse effects like heart palpitations, headaches and stomachaches. For these reasons, many people with ADHD find alternatives to stimulants for treatment of their symptoms. These alternatives include natural supplements, changes in diet as well as cognitive behavior therapy.
Some holistic methods can be helpful in treating ADHD symptoms. However, they might not work for everyone. These treatments are most successful when paired with conventional treatments, like psychotherapy. For instance, a therapist can instruct patients on how to manage their symptoms and develop an action plan to achieve their goals.
Children with ADHD are treated with nonstimulant ADHD medications, like viloxazine, guanfacine, atomoxetine and (brand name Strattera and will be to be discontinued in 2022). Atomoxetine works to reduce symptoms by preventing the reuptake process of norepinephrine which is a neurotransmitter that regulates behavior1. In the same way, long-acting Guanfacine and viloxazine are both beta agonists that were initially created to treat high blood pressure. These drugs can help calm anxiety and improve sleep as well as decrease aggression. However, they are not as effective in improving concentration.
They're less potent than stimulants but can still be helpful for people who can't tolerate stimulants or don't see their advantages. adhd uk medication are also less likely than stimulants to cause heart problems. This can be a serious issue for children who suffer from ADHD.
L-tyrosine is another alternative to stimulants. This naturally occurring amino acid may boost brain health by increasing levels of epinephrine and dopamine. This supplement can be found in health food stores, however it is essential to discuss its use with a physician prior to taking it. Melatonin is also effective for treating insomnia and sleep disorders that are associated with ADHD. It is available in the form of a sleep aid that is available over-the-counter and has been proven effective in treating certain people with ADHD. These natural ADHD treatment options are worth a try for those who struggle with symptoms but can't or don't want to use prescription medication.
Other treatment options
If your child's stimulant medication fails to work, or the side effects are too severe your doctor might recommend a different medication. Non-stimulant medications are less prone to abuse or addiction potential, but may not be as effective in decreasing ADHD symptoms.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) was the first nonstimulant drug to be approved for use in treating ADHD, and is commonly prescribed as a first-line treatment. It helps by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your brain, which aids in ensuring that nerve cells transmit messages more efficiently between brain cells. It also helps reduce agitation, fatigue and sleep issues, but has some side effects, such as a decrease in appetite, stomachaches and sleep problems. In rare instances, atomoxetine can cause suicidal thoughts. Long-acting guanfacine (Intuniv) is another option that increases the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your body, by blocking a mechanism that eliminates it. It is used to treat ADHD symptoms however, it has also been found to reduce anxiety. This is why it can be prescribed to children who have both disorders. It can raise the heart rate and blood pressure However, it's essential to have your child's blood pressure measured.
Some parents choose nonstimulant medications to lessen the negative effects of stimulant medications like tics, sleep problems, and issues with appetite. Antidepressants are prescribed for ADHD. They're referred to as SNRIs, or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. They can boost your concentration and mood and can help with impulse control. These drugs can be administered as a single dose or together with stimulants.
Behavioral therapy is considered an essential aspect of treatment for those suffering from ADHD, and it can aid your child or you learn strategies to manage stress and reduce the impact of ADHD symptoms. Ginkgo biloba and passionflower are both natural products that have been shown to reduce hyperactivity. However it is crucial to consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
Complementary and alternative medicine is a term used to describe treatments that fall not part of the standard of Western medicine. These treatments include practices that focus on the mind like meditation, body-based approaches like massage, and natural products such as nutritional supplements. Alternative treatments are being studied to determine their effectiveness in helping manage ADHD However, more research is required before they're recommended as a primary treatment option.