ADHD Medication - The Difference Between Stimulant and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can improve your child's focus, impulse control and ability to complete tasks. But it's not a magic bullet.
Stimulants improve communication between nerves in the brain to reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity. The medications include short-acting stimulants that must be taken several times a day and long-acting stimulants that can be used for up to 12 hours per day.
Stimulants
For many people with ADHD stimulant medication is the first choice for treatment. These drugs increase dopamine levels, which improves concentration and reduces impulsive behavior. They're most effective when taken regularly, but may also cause negative effects like trouble sleeping, agitation or rapid heart rate. They may also turn into a habit. It's important that you work closely with your physician when you are deciding to stop or start any medication and follow their recommendations regarding dosage frequency, frequency, and usage.
Short-acting stimulant medications and long-acting stimulant medications are both available. The short-acting medications peak within several hours and should be taken every day for a minimum of three times The long-acting medications -Ritalin (methylphenidate), Concerta (methylphenidate), Adderall (amphetamine) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)--last up to eight hours and are taken once each day. Long-acting drugs may lessen the requirement for supplemental doses throughout the day, but they can be difficult to remember to take.
You'll need to obtain a prescription for stimulants, and you will be subjected to strict regulations if you want to switch doctors or refill your prescription. There are other options that could provide similar benefits, without the risk of abuse or addiction. These medications include:
Nonstimulant ADHD medications are more difficult to take effect, and you might not be able to feel the full benefit until you've been taking them regularly for three to four weeks. But if you're struggling to keep yourself motivated, are sensitive to side effects or can't take stimulants due to the family history of heart disease or addiction, these medications may be the best option for you.
Strattera, Kapvay and Qelbree all boost the levels of norepinephrine in your brain. This helps increase concentration and reduce impulse control and hyperactivity. These drugs 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.
If adhd no medication seeking an alternative to prescription ADHD medication, Vyvamind is an excellent choice that combines cognitive-support ingredients that deliver real-world improvements in mental agility and endurance. It's designed to help combat mental fatigue that can be a problem for people suffering from ADHD, and improve mood and resilience to stress, two crucial aspects of managing ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants
While stimulants are among the most well-known ADHD medication for adults, they aren't appropriate or safe for everyone. Other adverse effects include headaches, reduced appetite, and sleeplessness. Because of this, certain doctors prescribe non-stimulant ADHD drugs. These medications, which help improve concentration and focus, work differently from stimulants and don't have the same side effects.
The medications in this category include atomoxetine (Strattera), bupropion (Wellbutrin) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They increase the levels of chemical messengers like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, just like stimulants. The difference is that they do this in a certain part of the brain, which is involved in attention. These antidepressants are generally used to treat depression and anxiety however they can also be used to treat ADHD.
The FDA hasn't officially endorsed for this purpose however, some doctors do prescribe them as an off-label treatment for ADHD. They're typically tried after other treatments, such as exercise and diet, don't seem to be aiding. Some experts believe that antidepressants could aid with ADHD by improving mood and reducing anxiety and irritability. This could affect how a person concentrates.
These medicines are also less likely to be misused and do not affect weight growth or weight gain. They can also help reduce tics, including eye blinking and throat clearing, but may make them more obvious. They might increase heart rate, which can be dangerous for people who have heart problems or a history of heart trouble.
Research shows that combining stimulants with these medications can make them both more effective than by themselves. Before attempting this combination, it's essential to consult your doctor.
These medications are not advised for children younger than 12 years old. They can trigger long-term brain changes in teens and young children, which may be detrimental to their mental health later in their lives. They may also decrease appetite and lead to weight loss and could increase the risk of having seizures in children.
While it's not uncommon there are children with severe ADHD that isn't responding to stimulant medication. They may require an alternative treatment, such as atomoxetine or guanfacine AXR.
Other medications
Stimulants are the most common medication for ADHD and are often the first medicine that a doctor prescribes. These drugs can help a person focus and improve their memory, but they also come with side effects like trouble sleeping as well as stomachaches, headaches and heart palpitations. Because of this, many people who struggle with ADHD are seeking alternatives to stimulants in the treatment of their symptoms. Some of these options include natural supplements, dietary changes and cognitive behavior therapy.
Some holistic approaches can aid in the treatment of ADHD symptoms. However, they might not be appropriate for everyone. They are most effective when they are combined with traditional methods of treatment, such as psychotherapy. For example, a therapist can teach patients techniques to manage their symptoms and create an action plan to achieve their goals.
Children suffering from ADHD can be treated using nonstimulant ADHD medications, like atomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine (brand name Strattera and will be to be discontinued in 2022). Atomoxetine reduces symptoms by blocking norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter which controls behavior1. Similarly, long-acting guanfacine and viloxazine are both alpha agonists that were initially developed to treat high blood pressure. These drugs can be used to help reduce tics, improve sleep and reduce aggression. However they aren't as effective in improving concentration.
These drugs have a slower time to start than stimulants, but they are beneficial for those who can't tolerate or see the benefit of stimulants. They are also less likely than stimulants to cause heart problems. This can be a serious problem for children suffering from ADHD.
Another option to supplement stimulants is L tyrosine, which is an amino acid that occurs naturally that improves brain health by increasing levels of dopamine norepinephrine, and epinephrine. The supplement is available in health food stores, but it's important to consult with a physician 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 shown to be effective in treating some individuals with ADHD. These natural ADHD treatment options are worth a try for those who have trouble with symptoms but aren't able or don't want to take prescription medication.
Other treatment options
If your stimulant medication isn't working or the side effects of your stimulant medication are too severe, your doctor could suggest a different medication. Non-stimulant medicines are less prone for abuse or addiction but also may not be as effective in reducing ADHD symptoms, particularly for children in the early years of their development.
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera was the first non-stimulant drug approved to treat ADHD. It is often prescribed as a first-line treatment. It is a stimulant that increases the amount of norepinephrine present in your brain, which assists nerves send messages more efficiently between brain cells. It also decreases anxiety and sleep issues however, it can cause some side effects like decreased appetite, stomachaches, tiredness and problems sleeping. In rare cases, atomoxetine may trigger suicidal thoughts. Long-acting Guanfacine (Intuniv) is another alternative, and it boosts the amount of norepinephrine in your body, by blocking a mechanism that eliminates 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 raise blood pressure and heart rate However, it is important to keep your child's blood pressure monitored.
The use of stimulants can cause problems with sleep, tics, and appetite and tics, which is why some parents choose to use nonstimulant medications to minimize the negative effects. There are a variety of antidepressants prescribed for ADHD, and they're generally referred to as SNRIs or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. They can boost your concentration and mood, and they can also aid in controlling your impulses. These drugs are sometimes given in isolation, and can also be combined with stimulants to enhance their effectiveness.
Behavioral therapy can aid you and your child learn coping skills that will lessen the effects of ADHD symptoms. Ginkgo biloba and passionflower are both natural products that have been shown to reduce hyperactivity. However it is crucial to consult with your physician prior to taking any supplements.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine is an expression used to describe treatments that fall outside the norm of Western medicine. These therapies include mind-body practices like meditation, body-based approaches such as massage and natural products such as nutritional supplements. Some alternative therapies are being examined to determine their effectiveness in helping to manage ADHD however more research is required before they can be recommended as a primary treatment method.