ADHD Medication - The Difference Between Stimulant and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can aid in improving your your child's ability to focus, manage impulses and follow through with tasks. But it's not a magic bullet.
Stimulants help boost communication between nerves in the brain to reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Short-acting medications that must be taken multiple times per week and long-acting medicines that last for up to 12 hours per day are available.
Stimulants
Many people with ADHD are treated initially with stimulant medications. They increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, which improve concentration and reducing impulsive behavior. They are most effective when they are taken regularly. However, they may also trigger side effects, such as anxiety, insomnia and a rapid heart rate. In addition, they can be habit-forming. This is why it is crucial to consult with your doctor before starting or stopping medication, and always adhere to their recommendations regarding dosage, frequency and use.
Stimulant medicines are available in both short-acting and long-acting forms. The stimulants with short-acting effects are peaking in a short time and need to be taken at least twice daily. In contrast, the long-acting drugs - Ritalin (methylphenidate), Concerta(methylphenidate), Adderall(amphetamine), and Vyvanse(lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) last up to eight hours. Long-acting drugs may lessen the need for supplemental doses throughout the day, but can be difficult to remember to take.
You'll need to obtain a prescription for stimulants, and you will be subjected to strict rules in the event that you wish to change doctors or refill your prescription. The good news is that there are nonstimulant alternatives that offer similar benefits without the potential for addiction or abuse. These medications include:
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes longer to kick in. It is possible that you won't feel the full benefit until three to four weeks of continuous usage. But if you're struggling to be motivated, are prone to side effects or can't take stimulants due to a family history of heart conditions or addiction, these medicines might be right for you.
Strattera, Kapvay and Qelbree all boost the levels of norepinephrine in your brain. This helps increase concentration and reduce impulse control and hyperactivity. They're typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD that is, they're not approved by FDA for this purpose, but they have been used for decades to treat other health conditions and found to have an effect on ADHD symptoms.
If you're seeking an alternative to prescription ADHD medication, Vyvamind is an excellent choice that blends cognitive support ingredients with real-world enhancements in mental endurance and mental agility. It is designed to combat mental fatigue, which can be a hindrance for those suffering from ADHD. It also enhances mood and resiliency to stressful situations. These are important aspects of managing ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants
While stimulants are among the most well-known ADHD treatment for adults, they aren't suitable or safe for everyone. They also have a variety of negative side effects, such as a decrease in appetite, headaches and sleeplessness. This is why certain doctors prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medications. These drugs work differently than stimulants, and do not have the same side-effects.
The medications that fall into this category are atomoxetine, bupropion, and venlafaxine. They increase the levels of chemical messengers, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, just as stimulants. They only affect the part of the brain associated with attention. The antidepressants are typically prescribed to treat depression as well as anxiety, but they can also be prescribed for ADHD.
The FDA hasn't officially endorsed for this purpose However, some doctors prescribe them as an off-label treatment for ADHD. They are typically prescribed after other treatments like exercise and diet have failed. Some experts believe antidepressants may help ADHD by improving mood, reducing anxiety and irritability. This can affect the ability to concentrate.
These medicines also have a lower risk of abuse and do not affect growth or weight increase. They can also help reduce the frequency of tics like eye blinking and throat clearing, however they can make them more obvious. They could increase heart rate, which could be dangerous for people who have heart issues or an history of heart problems.
Research shows that combining stimulants with these medications can make them more effective than they would be by themselves. Before attempting this combination, it's important to talk with your physician.
The use of stimulants is not recommended for children who aren't yet 12. They might cause long-term changes to the brains of teenagers and young children, which could be bad for their mental health later in life. They can also reduce appetite and cause weight loss, and can raise the risk of seizures in children.
While it's not uncommon, some children have severe ADHD that isn't responding to stimulant medications. They may require a different type of treatment like atomoxetine, or Guanfacine AXR.
Other medication
Stimulants, the most commonly used medication prescribed by doctors for ADHD are often the first medication prescribed. These medications can help a person focus and improve their memory, but they also come with side effects like trouble sleeping, headaches, stomachaches, and heart palpitations. Many people with ADHD are seeking stimulants to alleviate their symptoms. Some of these options include natural supplements, dietary changes and cognitive behavior therapy.
Certain holistic approaches can help treat ADHD symptoms. However, they may not be suitable for all people. adhd anxiety medication are most effective when combined with more traditional methods of treatment, such as psychotherapy. For instance therapy can help patients learn how to manage their symptoms and develop an action plan for success.
Children suffering from ADHD can be treated with nonstimulant ADHD medication, such as viloxazine, guanfacine, and atomoxetine (brand name Strattera and will be discontinued in 2022). Atomoxetine helps to decrease symptoms by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine which is a neurotransmitter that regulates behavior1. Similarly, long-acting guanfacine and viloxazine are both beta agonists that were initially developed to treat high blood pressure. These drugs can be used to help reduce the tics, improve sleep and reduce aggression. However, they are not as effective in improving concentration.
These drugs are less potent than stimulants but can still be helpful for people who can't tolerate stimulants or don't see their benefits. They are less likely than stimulants to cause heart problems. This can be a major issue for children who suffer from ADHD.
L-tyrosine can be a good alternative to stimulants. This naturally occurring amino acid may boost brain health by increasing levels of dopamine and epinephrine. This supplement is available in health food stores but it's essential to consult a doctor before taking it. Melatonin can also be effective in treating sleep disorders and insomnia associated with ADHD. It is available as an over-the-counter sleep aid, and has been found to be effective for certain people suffering from ADHD. These natural ADHD treatments are worth a shot for those suffering from symptoms but cannot or aren't interested in taking prescription drugs.
Other treatment options
If you or your child's stimulant medication does not work, or the side effects are too severe the doctor might prescribe another drug. The non-stimulant medications are less likely for abuse or addiction but also may not be as effective at decreasing ADHD symptoms, especially for children who are young.
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera, was the first nonstimulant medication approved for treating ADHD. It is often used as a primary treatment. It works by raising the amount of a neurotransmitter inside your brain, called norepinephrine which helps nerves better pass messages between brain cells. It also helps reduce agitation, fatigue and sleep problems however it can cause some adverse consequences, including a decreased appetite, stomachaches and sleeping problems. In rare instances, atomoxetine may trigger suicidal thoughts. Long-acting Guanfacine (Intuniv) is another alternative, and it boosts the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your body, by blocking a mechanism to eliminate it. It is used to treat ADHD symptoms but has also been proven to ease anxiety, so it could be prescribed to children who have both disorders. It can raise heart rate and blood pressure which is why it is recommended that you take your child's blood pressure into consideration.
The use of stimulants can cause problems with appetite, tics and sleep and tics, which is why some parents choose nonstimulant treatment to minimize the negative effects. Several antidepressants are prescribed for ADHD and are commonly known as SNRIs or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. They can boost your concentration and mood as well as aid in controlling your impulses. They are often prescribed alone, and they can be combined with stimulants to enhance their effectiveness.
Behavioral therapy is considered an essential part of treatment for people suffering from ADHD, and it can assist you or your child develop strategies to manage stress and reduce the impact of ADHD symptoms. Ginkgo biloba and passionflower are both natural products that have been shown to help calm hyperactivity. However it is crucial to consult with your doctor prior to taking any supplements.
Complementary and alternative medicine is broad term that refers to treatments that are not part of the normal scope of Western medical practice. These treatments include practices that focus on the mind like meditation, body-based methods such as massage and natural products such as nutritional supplements. Alternative treatments are being studied for their efficacy in helping manage ADHD. However further research is needed before they can be recommended as the main treatment method.