ADHD Medication - The Difference Between Stimulant and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can help improve your child's concentration, impulse control and ability to complete tasks. But it is not a cure-all.
Stimulants enhance the communication between nerves within the brain, reducing impulsiveness and excessive activity. Short-acting drugs that have to be taken multiple times per week and long-acting medicines that last for up to 12 hours a day are available.
Stimulants
Many people suffering from ADHD are treated first by stimulant drugs. They increase levels of dopamine which improve concentration and decreases impulsive behavior. They're most effective when taken regularly, but may also cause side effects such as trouble sleeping, agitation, and an increased heart rate. They can also become habit-forming. This is why it is crucial to consult with your physician when you start or stopping medication, and to follow their instructions on dosage, frequency and use.
Short-acting stimulant medications and long-acting stimulant drugs are both available. The short-acting medicines peak in several hours and should be taken 2-3 times a day, while the long-acting pills--Ritalin (methylphenidate), Concerta (methylphenidate), Adderall (amphetamine) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)--last up to eight hours and are taken twice every day. Long-acting medication can reduce the need for additional doses throughout the day. However, it can be difficult to remember.
You'll need an prescription for stimulants and you will be subjected to strict rules when you decide to change doctors or refill your prescription. There are other options that can offer similar benefits, without the risk of abuse or addiction. These medications include:
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to kick in and you may not be able to feel the full benefit until you've been taking them regularly for three to four weeks. If you're struggling to be motivated, are prone to the effects of side effects, or cannot take stimulants because of a family history of heart conditions or addiction, these drugs may be the best option for you.
Medications like Strattera (atomoxetine), Kapvay (clonidine hydrochloride) and Qelbree (viloxazine) work to increase the amount of norepinephrine present in your brain, which can help improve concentration and control impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications are prescribed "off-label" which means they aren't FDA approved for ADHD. However they have been utilized to treat other ailments for a long time and have proven to be effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
Vyvamind, a natural substitute for prescription ADHD medication that blends cognitive support ingredients, is a fantastic option. It provides real-world improvements in mental agility and endurance. It's designed to combat mental fatigue which can be a hindrance for people suffering from ADHD. It also enhances mood and resilience to stressful situations. These are important aspects of managing ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants
Although stimulants are the most commonly used ADHD medication for adults, they're not appropriate or safe for everyone. Other side effects include headaches, decreased appetite and sleeplessness. Some doctors prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication for these reasons. These medications work differently than stimulants and do not cause the same adverse effects.
The medications that fall into this category are atomoxetine bupropion and venlafaxine. They increase the levels of chemical messengers dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, just like stimulants. The difference is that they do this in a certain part of the brain, that is involved in the process of focusing. These antidepressants are usually used to treat depression and anxiety however they can also be prescribed to treat ADHD.
Although the FDA has not approved them for this use However, some doctors have prescribed them off-label to treat for ADHD. They are typically prescribed after other treatments, such as diet and exercise, don't seem to be helping. Some experts believe antidepressants may help ADHD by improving mood, reducing anxiety and anger. This can impact the ability to concentrate.
They are also less likely to be abused and do not impact weight gain or growth. They can also help reduce the frequency of tics like eye blinking and throat clearing, but they could make them more noticeable. They can also increase heart rate, which can be dangerous for those with heart problems.
Certain studies show that combining stimulants with these medications can enhance their effectiveness more than or in isolation. It is important to consult a doctor before trying this combination.
These medications are not recommended for children who aren't yet 12. They can cause long-term brain changes in teens and young children, which could be detrimental to their mental health later on in life. They might also reduce appetite and cause weight loss, and they may increase the risk of having seizures in a few children.
It's not common, but certain children with severe ADHD do not respond well to stimulant drugs. They may need an alternative treatment, such as the atomoxetine XR or the guanfacine.
Other medication
Stimulants are among the most popular medication for ADHD and are often the first medicine prescribed by a doctor. These medications can enhance focus and memory however they can cause side-effects like headaches, heart palpitations and stomachaches. Many people with ADHD are seeking stimulants to alleviate their symptoms. These alternatives include natural supplements and diet changes, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
While some holistic methods can aid in treating ADHD symptoms, they may not be effective for all people. These treatments are most effective when they are used in conjunction with traditional treatments such as psychiatric therapy. For instance therapy can instruct patients on how to manage their symptoms and formulate an action plan for their success.
Children suffering from ADHD can be treated with nonstimulant ADHD medication, such as viloxazine, guanfacine, and atomoxetine (brand name Strattera and will be to be discontinued in 2022). Atomoxetine reduces symptoms by reducing norepinephrine reuptake, a neurotransmitter which controls behavior1. Similarly, long-acting guanfacine and viloxazine both are alpha agonists, which were originally designed to treat high blood pressure. These drugs can ease the tics and aid in aggression and sleep, but they're not as effective in improving concentration.
They're less effective than stimulants, but can be beneficial for those who cannot tolerate stimulants or don't see their benefits. adhd medication for adults uk are less likely than stimulants to cause heart problems. This could be a serious issue for some children with ADHD.
L-tyrosine is a different option to stimulants. This naturally occurring amino acid can boost brain health by increasing levels of epinephrine as well as dopamine. The supplement is available at health food stores, but it's important to consult a doctor before taking it. Additionally, melatonin can help with insomnia and sleep disorders that are related to ADHD. It is available as a sleep aid on the market and has been proven effective in treating some individuals with ADHD. These natural ADHD treatment options are worth a try for those who are struggling with symptoms but don't have the time or don't want to take prescription medications.
Other treatment options
If your stimulant medication is not working or the adverse effects of your stimulant medication are too severe, your doctor could recommend a different drug. Non-stimulant medicines are less prone for addiction or abuse, however they may not be as effective in decreasing ADHD symptoms, especially for children in the early years of their development.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) was the first nonstimulant drug to be approved for use in treating ADHD and is often prescribed as a first-line treatment. It helps by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in your brain, which helps nerves transmit messages more effectively between brain cells. It also reduces agitation, fatigue and sleep problems, but has some side effects, such as a decrease in appetite, stomachaches and sleeping problems. Atomoxetine can trigger suicidal thoughts in rare cases. Long-acting Guanfacine (Intuniv) is another option that increases the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your body, by blocking a mechanism that eliminates it. It is used to treat ADHD symptoms however, it has also been found to reduce anxiety. Therefore, it could be prescribed to children with both disorders. It can raise heart rate and blood pressure, however, so it's essential to have your child's blood pressure monitored.
Some parents choose nonstimulant medications to lessen the negative effects of stimulant drugs, such as tics, sleep problems, and issues with appetite. Antidepressants can be prescribed for ADHD. They're referred to as SNRIs or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. They alter norepinephrine and dopamine levels in your brain, which may improve your mood and focus, and aid in controlling your impulses. These medications are often administered as a single dose, but they can be combined with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.
Behavioral therapy can assist you and your child to learn coping skills that will lessen the effects of ADHD symptoms. Some natural products and herbs, like Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and passionflower, have been proven to be effective in calming hyperactivity, but it's crucial to consult your doctor before starting any supplementation.
Complementary and alternative medicine is broad term used to describe treatments that fall outside of the normal scope of Western medical practice. These therapies include mind/body practices like meditation, body-based techniques like massage, and natural products like nutritional supplements. Alternative treatments are being evaluated for their effectiveness to help manage ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research before they are recommended as the primary treatment option.