ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
Stimulant drugs are the most popular ADHD treatment, because they're the most studied and have a fast-acting effect. But they're not for everyone.
These medications enhance the signaling between brain regions and nerves to decrease ADHD symptoms. They can also cause negative side effects, such as a loss of appetite and changes in blood pressure or heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most popular medications used to treat ADHD. They are known for increasing attention span, decreasing hyperactivity and impulsivity and also improving concentration and discipline. They are also known for increasing heart rate and blood pressure which could be harmful in certain people. Stimulants are used for both medical and non-medical purposes such as recreational drugs as weight loss aids, and illicit drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine or other synthetic cathinones (bath salts) and MDMA/ecstasy.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are the two most commonly prescribed stimulants to treat ADHD. They're both available in a variety of forms, including pills, liquids skin patches, chewable tablets. Amphetamines are the oldest and most well-known of these drugs, and methylphenidates are becoming more commonly prescribed as the years go by. They work by altering the way that neurotransmitters, receptors and other brain chemicals are used to reduce ADHD symptoms.
The majority of stimulant medications fall into the first-line treatment category, however, some doctors may prescribe them as a second-line therapy or in combination with other treatments. Stimulants offer quick relief from symptoms that is felt in just hours after having taken them. However, it can take several weeks of consistent usage for these medicines to reach full effectiveness.
These medications are available in both immediate-release and long-release formulations. This flexibility allows for you to modify your dosage to meet your needs. The immediate-release medications begin to work when you take them. This is a great choice for situations when you need to treat symptoms quickly, for instance during a test, or if you're taking part in a sporting event or at work.
Extended-release stimulant medicines are designed to release their active ingredients over a longer period, usually throughout the day. This allows you to keep an even level of medication in your system, which will help improve your compliance and overall adherence.
They are generally safe if you follow the instructions from your doctor and stay clear of other medications or substances that interact with them. I Am Psychiatry are generally controlled substances because of their potential for abuse. You will need a prescription before you start taking these medications.
The newer atomoxetine, sold under the brand names Clonidine XR XR and Qelbree and guanfacine are not stimulants. Both these medications affect the chemical in the brain called norepinephrine, stopping its reabsorption. They are effective in cutting down on hyperactivity and impulsivity but they don't help improve concentration as much as stimulants do.
Always discuss your options with a physician. Each medication can have its own side effects that can affect individuals differently. It is essential to be honest and open with your doctor about your feelings about the medication, so that you can adjust your dosage if necessary. Consult your physician if you plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding, as some of these medications can be absorbed through breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you have other health conditions like heart disease could affect the effectiveness of these drugs.