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ADHD Stimulant Medication Stimulant medication is the first treatment of choice for ADHD. They have a long record of robust response, good tolerance, and safety over the life span. However, it's important to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that alleviates the symptoms of your child or yourself without causing side effects. This may require a lot of trial and error as well as an open communication with your physician. Stimulants Stimulants are drugs which increase the activity of the central nervous system. They are extensively used as performance enhancement and cognitive enhancers by students, athletes artists, workers, and students. They are also used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as binge eating disorder, and other anxiety disorders. The most popular stimulant drugs are amphetamines and methylphenidates. FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in extended-release and immediate-release formulas. Immediate-release medication is usually taken every 4 hours. They can trigger sudden, temporary decrease in energy known as a crash when they have worn off. The crash may cause extreme hunger, mood swings, and fatigue. Immediate-release medication can also increase blood pressure and heartbeat in certain people. This is especially the case when they do not eat enough. Extended-release medications are designed to release their active ingredients over a period of 8-16 hours. This type of medication can be prescribed by your doctor if you are looking for long-lasting relief from symptoms without taking pills several times a day. Ritalin Concerta and Focalin are all extended-release methylphenidate products. Daytrana is a long-acting methylphenidate product that adheres to your skin like a bandage, and lasts the entire day. This kind of medication can be prescribed to adults with ADHD and need a daily dosage that lasts longer than immediate-release options. Stimulant medication doesn't treat ADHD However, they can assist in managing symptoms by improving the way neurons in the brain communicate with each other. They do this by affecting the levels of neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They do this by blocking or binding to their receptors. This allows the release of more neurotransmitters which improves the transmission and reception of messages between neurons. In addition to stimulants, doctors sometimes prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD. The majority of antidepressants prescribed by doctors for ADHD are based on the norepinephrine and dopamine levels in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibiters are a great option for people with anxiety or depression. These medications are typically paired with stimulants to increase their effectiveness. Your doctor could also switch between stimulant and a non-stimulant drug if your current medication isn't working or causes an unacceptable side effects. Long-acting About 70 to 80% children and adults with ADHD benefit from stimulants. They can reduce symptoms such as the tendency to fidget and talk over others. They also help improve the performance of your job and improve your social abilities. The stimulant medication starts working as soon as it crosses the blood-brain boundaries, which takes 45-60 minutes. They increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in brain cells, which decreases the impulsivity and hyperactivity. FDA-approved stimulant medications use two molecules called Methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). Stimulants may cause side effects such as nausea, loss of appetite and increased blood pressure. They can also cause headaches and anxiety. They can also make tics more severe and trigger sleep problems in certain people. Long-acting stimulants like Strattera or Wellbutrin, can be used day and night. Short-acting medications are only effective for a few hours. They also aid in other conditions like depression or anxiety. These medications work by changing the ways your body regulates chemicals called monoamine oxides. Monoamine oxidases, or enzymes, break down dopamine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. These chemicals stay in the body longer if they are not broken down. This could affect your behavior and thinking. Long-acting medications can have fewer negative effects. Your doctor may prescribe it in smaller doses that you take throughout the day. Certain stimulants are available in extended-release form that you can take every day. Some adults might find this more convenient however, you must be sure to take the stimulants every day. Other medications have been shown to be effective for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD which includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are typically prescribed for depression or anxiety but they can also be prescribed for ADHD. About 70% of people react to these medications. Bupropion, also referred to as Wellbutrin is an SSRI approved for ADHD. It was found to be more effective in a controlled study than placebos. These SSRIs can cause serious side effects such as ringing in the ears, anxiety, and changes to vision and heart and lung function in some people. Short-acting Stimulant medications work to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These two chemicals assist people to control their behavior and focus. They are available in numerous forms, and each has its own brand name, such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are two major kinds of stimulant drugs: the methylphenidates (such as methylphenidate) and the amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine). All have similar effects, however they differ in the length of their action. The methylphenidates can produce a less lasting effect, lasting for up to three hours. Amphetamines on the contrary on the other hand, have a longer-lasting impact. Certain people are tolerant of stimulant drugs better than others, which is why your doctor might prescribe them. It is important to learn everything you can about the drug, including possible side effects, the best dosage, how often it is recommended to take it and any warnings specific to the medication that should be followed. This will assist you and your doctor to determine the best medication for you. most effective adhd medication for adults can also trigger some negative side effects such as difficulty sleeping or loss in appetite. Talk to your doctor in the event that you experience any of these side effects. You may need to alter the dosage or even try a different medication. Adults with ADHD who aren't responding well to stimulants may be treated with non-stimulant medicines, which take longer to begin working but can improve the ability of a person to concentrate and control impulses. These medications are available either in combination or on their own. The first one is atomoxetine (brand names Strattera and Qelbree) It increases norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the prefrontal cortex, which controls the behavior. Another is Guanfacine (brand name Intuniv) is a member to a group of medications called alpha agonists. These work by blocking the release of these brain chemicals, and increasing their levels in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was developed to treat high blood pressure but has also been shown to help those suffering from ADHD. Combinations People with ADHD use a variety of drug combinations. These include stimulants combined with depressants such as Guanfacine or Clonidine. These drugs have a calming effect on the brain, and can decrease symptoms such as sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. They can also reduce withdrawal symptoms from stimulants. This combination can be dangerous however, if it is not used properly. Combining two stimulants at same time increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, which is an emergency drug that occurs when the body is overloaded with much serotonin. This combination can also raise the blood pressure and heart rate. The risks of taking this medication are more pronounced for people with pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease. Combinations of stimulants are more and more being used by teens and young adults. These substances, which are sold in pharmacies, are often known as “legal highs”. They are also sold on the black market. These substances are dangerous particularly when they are combined with alcohol or other drugs. This is known as polydrug usage and can be very dangerous. Mixing drugs can trigger dangerous and unpredictable effects, including increased heart rate, slower breathing, paranoia, hallucinations seizures, addiction and hallucinations. A study showed that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy for treating ADHD. Combining medications helped improve adherence and helped patients achieve better relief from symptoms than monotherapy. However, many patients stopped their treatment due to side effects. In some cases it is possible that the medication has been stopped due to sleep problems or worsening of tics. This could be due to a misdiagnosis or the absence of medication. Nonstimulants are another treatment option for ADHD. These medications improve the quality of attention and impulse control, but they don't work as effectively as stimulants. They are less likely to suppress appetite and increase. Certain antidepressants may also be prescribed for ADHD. However they have a less chance of improving focus and concentration. In a number of studies, atomoxetine (Concerta) in combination with methylphenidate, produced better results than any other drug taken on its own. Combining these two medications helped improve adherence and reduced side effects for most people. The combination was beneficial for adolescents and young adults. This combination could be a viable solution for children suffering from severe ADHD.