ADHD Medication - The Difference Between Stimulant and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can improve your child's focus as well as their ability to complete tasks. However, it's not a panacea.
Stimulants can improve communication between brain nerves to reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Short-acting medications that must be taken several times per week and longer-acting medications that work for up to 12 hours per day are available.
Stimulants
Many people suffering from ADHD are treated first with stimulant medications. They increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, improving concentration and reduce impulsive behavior. They're most effective if used regularly, but they can also have negative effects like trouble sleeping, agitation and a rapid heart rate. They may also turn into a habit. Because of this, it is essential to consult with your doctor when starting or stopping medication. Always adhere to their recommendations regarding dosage, frequency and usage.
Stimulant medicines are available in both short-acting and long-acting forms. The short-acting medicines peak in several hours and must be taken at least three times per day and the long-acting ones -Ritalin (methylphenidate), Concerta (methylphenidate), Adderall (amphetamine) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)--last up to eight hours and are taken once a day. Long-acting medications may reduce the need for supplemental doses throughout the day, but they can be harder to remember to take.
You'll need to obtain prescriptions 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 alternative alternatives that provide the same advantages without the risk of addiction or abuse. These include:
Nonstimulant ADHD medications take longer to kick in, and you might not be able to feel the full benefit until you've been taking them consistently for three to four weeks. These medications may be the best option for you if struggling to get motivated, are sensitive to adverse effects, or can't take stimulants due to an addiction or family history.
Drugs like Strattera (atomoxetine), Kapvay (clonidine hydrochloride) and Qelbree (viloxazine) help to increase the amount of norepinephrine present in your brain, which can improve concentration and control impulsivity and hyperactivity. They're usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD that is, they're not approved by FDA for this reason, but have been used for decades to treat various health conditions and found to be effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
If you're looking for an alternative to prescription ADHD medication Vyvamind is a fantastic choice that combines cognitive-support ingredients that deliver real-world improvements in mental endurance and mental agility. It's designed to combat the mental fatigue which can be a hindrance for people with ADHD and to improve mood and resilience to stress--important aspects of managing ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants
Although stimulants are the most popular ADHD medication for adults, they aren't safe or effective for everyone. Other adverse effects include headaches, decreased appetite and sleeplessness. Some doctors prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medications to treat these issues. 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. Like stimulants, they increase levels of the chemical messengers norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. The difference is that they only do this in a certain part of the brain, which is involved in attention. These antidepressants can be prescribed to treat anxiety, depression 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're usually prescribed after other treatments, like exercise and diet aren't effective in helping. Some experts believe that antidepressants could aid with ADHD by boosting mood and reducing anxiety and irritability. These could affect how a person concentrates.
These medicines also have a lower likelihood of abuse and don't affect growth or weight growth. They can also decrease the frequency of tics, like eye blinking or throat clearing, but may make them more noticeable. They might increase heart rate, which can be dangerous for people with heart issues or those who have a history of heart issues.
Research shows that combining stimulants and these medications can make them both more efficient than on their own. It's essential to consult an experienced doctor before attempting this combination.
Children who are younger than 12 years of age are not advised to take stimulants. They could cause long-term changes to the brains of teenagers and young children which can be detrimental for their mental health later on in life. They can also reduce appetite and cause weight loss, and could increase the risk of having seizures in some children.
It's not common but certain children with severe ADHD don't respond well to stimulant drugs. They may require an alternative treatment, such as atomoxetine or guanfacine AXR.
Other medicines
Stimulants, which are the most popular treatment prescribed by doctors for ADHD are usually the first drugs prescribed. These medications can help people focus and improve their memory, however they can also cause side effects like trouble sleeping as well as stomachaches, headaches and heart palpitations. Many people suffering from ADHD are seeking stimulants to manage their symptoms. These alternatives include natural supplements, diet changes, as well as cognitive behavior therapy.
Certain holistic approaches can be helpful in treating ADHD symptoms. However, they might not be suitable for everyone. They are most effective when they are combined with traditional treatment methods, such as psychiatric therapy. For over the counter adhd medication can teach patients techniques to manage their symptoms and develop an action plan for their success.
Children with ADHD are treated with nonstimulant ADHD medications, like viloxazine, guanfacine, atomoxetine and (brand name Strattera which will be which will be discontinued in 2022). Atomoxetine helps to decrease symptoms by inhibiting the reuptake process of norepinephrine which is a neurotransmitter that controls behavior1. Viloxazine as well as Guanfacine with a long-acting also alpha agonists, which were created to treat high blood pressure. how does medication for adhd work can help to calm anxiety, improve sleep and reduce aggression. However they aren't as effective in boosting concentration.
They have a more gradual start than stimulants, however they are beneficial for those who can't tolerate or perceive the benefits of stimulants. They are less likely than stimulants to trigger heart problems. This could be a major issue for children suffering from ADHD.
Another option to supplement stimulants is L-tyrosine. It is a naturally occurring amino acid which can boost the health of the brain by increasing levels of dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. The supplement is readily available in health food stores but it's essential to consult with a physician prior to taking it. Melatonin can also be effective in treating insomnia and sleep disorders associated with ADHD. It's available as an over the counter sleep aid and has been proven to be effective for some people with ADHD. These natural ADHD treatment alternatives are worth a look for those who are struggling with symptoms but aren't able or don't want to take prescription medications.
Other treatment options
If you or your child's stimulant medication fails to work or the side effects are too severe your doctor might recommend an alternative drug. Non-stimulant medication has less abuse or addiction risk, but may not be as efficient in reducing ADHD symptoms.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, was the first non-stimulant drug approved for treating ADHD. It is usually prescribed as a primary treatment. It works by increasing the amount of a neurotransmitter within your brain, called norepinephrine which helps nerves better pass messages between brain cells. It also decreases agitation and sleep problems however, it can cause certain side effects, such as decreased appetite, stomachaches, fatigue and problems sleeping. Atomoxetine may cause suicidal feelings in rare cases. Long-acting Guanfacine (Intuniv) is another alternative, and it boosts the amount of norepinephrine present in your body by blocking a mechanism to eliminate it. It is used to treat ADHD symptoms, but it has also been found to help with anxiety. Therefore, it can be prescribed to children with both disorders. It can increase heart rate and blood pressure, however, so it is important to keep your child's blood pressure measured.
The use of stimulants can cause problems with sleep, tics, and appetite, so some parents choose nonstimulant treatment to minimize the negative effects. Antidepressants can be prescribed for ADHD. They are commonly referred to as SNRIs or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. They affect dopamine and norepinephrine levels in your brain, which can improve your mood and focus, and aid in controlling your impulses. These drugs can be administered as a single dose or in combination with stimulants.
Behavioral therapy can help you and your child develop coping strategies that can lessen the effects of ADHD symptoms. Ginkgo biloba and passionflower are natural products that have been proven to ease hyperactivity. However it is crucial to consult with your doctor prior to taking any supplements.
Complementary and alternative medicine is broad term used to describe therapies that aren't part of the normal scope of Western medical practice. These therapies include mind-body practices like meditation, body-based therapies like massage, and natural products such as nutritional supplements. Alternative treatments are being evaluated to determine their effectiveness in helping manage ADHD. However further research is needed before they can be recommended as the main treatment method.