ADHD Medication - The Difference Between Stimulant and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can aid in improving your your child's ability to focus, control impulses and stick to tasks. However, it's not a panacea.
Stimulants improve communication between nerves in the brain to reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity. The medications include short-acting stimulants that need to be taken multiple times a day. Long-acting stimulants that can be used up to 12 hours a day.
Stimulants
Many people with ADHD are treated first with stimulant drugs. These medications increase dopamine levels in the brain, enhancing concentration and reduce the risk of impulsive behavior. They are most effective when they are used regularly. However, they may cause adverse effects such as difficulty sleeping, agitation, and rapid heart rate. They may also turn into a habit. This is why it is essential to consult with your doctor before starting or stopping medication. Always adhere to their prescriptions for dosage, frequency and usage.
Stimulant medications are available in short-acting and long-acting types. The short-acting stimulants are peaking in a short time and should be taken at least twice daily. The long-acting drugs - Ritalin (methylphenidate), Concerta(methylphenidate), Adderall(amphetamine), and Vyvanse(lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) last up to eight hours. Long-acting medications can decrease the need to take additional doses throughout the day. However it can be difficult to remember.
You'll need to get prescriptions for stimulants, and you'll be subject 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 provide the same advantages without the risk of dependence or abuse. These include:
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to kick in, and you might not experience the full benefits until you've been using them regularly for three to four weeks. These medications could be the best option for you if struggling to get motivated, are prone to side-effects, or you are unable to take stimulants due an addiction history in your family or a family history.
Drugs like Strattera (atomoxetine), Kapvay (clonidine hydrochloride) and Qelbree (viloxazine) work to increase the amount of norepinephrine in your brain, which helps improve concentration and control of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They're typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD, meaning they're not approved by FDA for this reason, but have been used for decades to treat other health conditions and have been found to affect ADHD symptoms.
Vyvamind, a natural substitute for prescription ADHD medication that blends cognitive support ingredients, is a fantastic choice. uk adhd medication delivers real-world improvements to mental endurance and agility. It's designed to combat the mental fatigue that can be a problem for those with ADHD and boost the resilience of people to stress, which are crucial aspects of managing ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants
Although stimulants are often the first choice of ADHD treatment for adults, they're not effective or safe for everyone. Other side effects include headaches, reduced appetite, and sleeplessness. For these reasons, some doctors use non-stimulant ADHD drugs. These drugs, which improve focus and concentration differ from stimulants, and don't have the same adverse effects.
In this category, medications include atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Like stimulants, they boost levels of the chemical messengers norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They only affect a portion of the brain that is involved with the process of focusing. These antidepressants are generally prescribed to treat depression as well as anxiety, but they can also be used to treat ADHD.
The FDA hasn't officially endorsed for this purpose However, some doctors prescribe them as an off-label treatment option for ADHD. They are typically prescribed after other treatments such as diet and exercise have failed. Some experts believe that antidepressants could aid in treating ADHD by improving mood, decreasing anxiety and anger. This can affect the ability to focus.
These medications also have a lower likelihood of abuse and don't affect growth or weight gain. They can also decrease tics, such as eye blinking and throat clearing however they may make them more apparent. They can increase heart rate, which is risky for those who have heart problems.
Research suggests that mixing stimulants and these drugs can make them more efficient than by themselves. It's essential to consult a doctor before trying this combination.
The use of stimulants is not recommended for children under age 12. They might cause long-term changes in the brains of teenagers and young children that could be harmful for their mental health in later life. They might also reduce appetite and cause weight loss and can raise the risk of having seizures in a few children.
While it's rare there are children with severe ADHD that does not respond to stimulant medication. They might require another treatment, such as the atomoxetine XR or the guanfacine.
Other medications
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD and are often the first prescription prescribed by a doctor. They can improve memory and focus however they can cause side-effects like headaches, heart palpitations, and stomachaches. Many people with ADHD are seeking stimulants as an alternative to alleviate their symptoms. These alternatives include natural supplements, diet changes, as well as cognitive behavior therapy.
Some holistic methods can aid in the treatment of ADHD symptoms. However, they may not be appropriate for everyone. They are most effective when paired with conventional methods of treatment, such as psychiatric therapy. A therapist, for example can help patients learn how to manage their symptoms. They can also develop a plan of action.
Children suffering from ADHD can be treated using nonstimulant ADHD medication, such as viloxazine, guanfacine, and atomoxetine (brand name Strattera and will be discontinued in 2022). Atomoxetine reduces symptoms by reducing norepinephrine reuptake, a neurotransmitter which controls behavior1. Similarly, long-acting guanfacine and viloxazine are both alpha agonists that were initially designed to treat high blood pressure. These drugs can ease the tics and aid in aggression and sleep, but they're not as effective at improving concentration.
These medications have a slower onset than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for people who are unable to see the benefit of stimulants. They are also less likely than stimulants to trigger heart problems. This can be a serious problem for children suffering from ADHD.
L-tyrosine is a different option to stimulants. This naturally occurring amino acid may enhance brain health through higher levels of epinephrine as well as dopamine. The supplement is available at health food stores but it's essential to consult a doctor prior to taking it. Additionally, melatonin can help with insomnia and sleep issues that are that are associated with ADHD. It is available as a sleep aid on the market and has been proven effective in treating certain people with ADHD. These natural ADHD treatment alternatives are worth a look for those who have trouble with symptoms but can't or do not want to take prescription medication.
Other treatment options
If your stimulant medication is not working or the adverse effects of your stimulant medication are too severe, your doctor might suggest a different medication. Non-stimulant medicines are less prone for addiction or abuse but they aren't as effective in decreasing ADHD symptoms, particularly for children who are young.
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera, was the first medication that is non-stimulant approved to treat ADHD. It is usually prescribed as a primary treatment. It helps by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your brain, which aids in ensuring that nerves send messages more efficiently between brain cells. It also helps reduce agitation and sleep problems however, it can cause some side effects like decreased appetite, stomachaches, fatigue and problems sleeping. Atomoxetine can trigger suicidal thoughts in rare cases. Long-acting guanfacine (Intuniv) is a different option, and it increases the amount of norepinephrine present in your body by blocking a mechanism that eliminates it. It is used to treat ADHD symptoms however, it has also been shown to reduce anxiety. Therefore, it could be prescribed to kids who have both disorders. It can increase blood pressure and heart rate, however, so it's important to have your child's blood pressure checked.
Some parents choose nonstimulant medications to reduce the side effects of stimulant drugs like sleep issues, tics and issues with appetite. Antidepressants can be prescribed for ADHD. They are commonly referred to as SNRIs or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. They can help improve your concentration and mood as well as help with impulse control. These drugs can be administered alone or together with stimulants.
Behavioral therapy is an essential aspect of treatment for anyone with ADHD and can help you or your child learn coping strategies that can minimize the impact of ADHD symptoms. Ginkgo biloba and passionflower are two natural products that have been proven to ease hyperactivity. However, it is important to consult with your doctor prior to taking any supplements.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine is a term used to describe treatments that are not part of the standard of Western medicine. These treatments include techniques for mind and body like meditation, body-based practices such as massage and other natural products such as nutritional supplements. Alternative therapies are being examined for their effectiveness in helping to manage ADHD however more research is needed before they can be suggested as a main treatment method.