ADHD Medication - The Difference Between Stimulant and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can enhance your child's focus as well as their ability to complete tasks. However, it's not a panacea.
Stimulants can improve communication between nerves in the brain to reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Short-acting medicines that need to be taken multiple times per week and long-acting medicines that work for up to 12 hours each day are available.
Stimulants
For many people with ADHD, stimulant medications are the first treatment option. They increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, enhancing focus and reducing the impulsive behavior. They are most effective when taken regularly, but may also have side effects such as trouble sleeping, agitation, and an increased heart rate. They can also be habit-forming. It is crucial to consult with your doctor before deciding to stop or begin medications and follow their instructions regarding dosage, frequency, and use.
Long-acting and short-acting stimulant medications are both available. The short-acting medicines peak in several hours and should be taken at least three times per day and the long-acting ones -Ritalin (methylphenidate), Concerta (methylphenidate), Adderall (amphetamine) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)--last up to eight hours and are taken once every day. Long-acting medications can decrease the need to take additional doses throughout the day. However, it can be difficult to remember.
Since stimulants are categorized as controlled substances in the majority of jurisdictions that require prescriptions to get them. You'll also be subject to strict guidelines when refilling or changing doctors. There are alternatives that offer similar benefits, without the risk of abuse or addiction. These medications include:
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to begin working. You may not experience their full effects until three to four weeks of consistent use. But if you're struggling to be motivated, are prone to adverse effects or are unable to take stimulants because of the family history of heart conditions or addiction, these medications may be the best option for you.
The medications Strattera (atomoxetine), Kapvay (clonidine hydrochloride) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are designed to increase the amount of norepinephrine present in your brain, which can improve concentration and control of impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs are prescribed "off-label", meaning that they are not FDA approved for ADHD. However they have been utilized to treat other conditions for years and have shown to be effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
Vyvamind is a natural alternative for prescription ADHD medication that blends cognitive support ingredients, is a fantastic option. It offers real-world improvement in mental endurance and agility. It is designed to combat mental fatigue, which can be a barrier for people suffering from ADHD. It also enhances mood and resiliency to stressful situations. These are important aspects of managing ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants
While stimulants are among the top ADHD medication for adults, they're not effective or safe for everyone. Other negative effects include headaches less appetite and insomnia. For these reasons, some doctors opt for non-stimulant ADHD drugs. These medications, which help improve concentration and focus are different from stimulants and don't suffer the same adverse effects.
In this category are atomoxetine, bupropion, and venlafaxine. Similar to stimulants, they raise levels of the chemical messengers norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They only affect the part of the brain that is involved with attention. These antidepressants are usually used to treat depression and anxiety however they can also be prescribed to treat ADHD.
Although the FDA has not granted them this approval However, some doctors have prescribed them off-label as a treatment for ADHD. They are typically prescribed after other treatments like diet and exercise have failed. Some experts believe that antidepressants may aid with ADHD by boosting mood and reducing anxiety and irritability, which can affect how well someone concentrates.
These medicines also have a lower risk of abuse and don't affect growth or weight gain. They also reduce tics, such as eye blinking and throat clearing, but may make them more noticeable. They can also raise heart rate, which is risky for those with heart problems.
Research shows that mixing stimulants and these medications can make them both more efficient than on their own. Before you try this combination, you need to speak with your physician.
The use of stimulants is not recommended for children who aren't yet 12. They could cause long-term brain changes in teens and young children, which may be detrimental to their mental health later in life. They may also decrease appetite and lead to weight loss, and could increase the risk of having seizures in children.
While it's rare there are children with severe ADHD that isn't responding to stimulant medications. They might need another type of treatment like atomoxetine, or Guanfacine AXR.
Other medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD and are often the first prescription a doctor will prescribe. These drugs can help enhance focus and memory however they can cause negative effects such as headaches, heart palpitations and stomachaches. Many people with ADHD seek stimulants to treat their symptoms. Some of these alternatives include natural supplements, diet modifications and cognitive behavior therapy.
Some holistic approaches can help treat ADHD symptoms. However, they may not work for all patients. They are most effective when combined with more traditional treatment methods, such as psychotherapy. Therapists, for instance can instruct patients on how to manage their symptoms. They can also formulate an action plan.
Children with ADHD are treated with nonstimulant ADHD medications, like viloxazine, guanfacine, atomoxetine and (brand name Strattera which will be which will be discontinued in 2022). Atomoxetine reduces symptoms by blocking norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter which controls behavior1. Similarly, long-acting adhd medication online and viloxazine are both alpha agonists, and were initially developed to treat high blood pressure. These drugs can help calm anxiety and improve sleep, as well as reduce aggression. However they aren't as effective in improving concentration.
They have a more gradual start than stimulants, however they may be beneficial to people who are unable to perceive the benefits of stimulants. They are also less likely to cause heart issues, which can be a major concern for some kids with ADHD.
Another option to supplement stimulants is L tyrosine, which is an amino acid that occurs naturally which can boost brain health by increasing levels of dopamine epinephrine, and norepinephrine. This supplement can be found in health food stores, but it is important to discuss its use with a doctor prior to taking it. Lastly, melatonin can help with insomnia and sleep issues that are that are associated with ADHD. It's available as an over-the-counter sleep aid and has been proven to be effective in some people suffering from ADHD. These natural ADHD treatments are worth a shot for those who have symptoms but aren't interested in taking 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 medication has less abuse or addiction potential, but might not be as effective in decreasing ADHD symptoms.
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera, was the first nonstimulant medication approved to treat ADHD. It is typically prescribed as a primary treatment. It helps by increasing the amount of norepinephrine present in your brain, which assists nerves send messages more efficiently between brain cells. It also reduces agitation, fatigue and sleep issues but it also has some negative effects such as decreased appetite, stomachaches and sleeping problems. Atomoxetine may cause suicidal feelings in rare instances. Intuniv, a long-acting guanfacine, is another alternative. It raises the levels of norepinephrine through blocking a mechanism which removes it. It is used to treat ADHD symptoms, but it has also been proven to help with anxiety, and so can be prescribed for kids with both disorders. It can raise heart rate and blood pressure, so it is recommended that you have your child's blood analyzed.
Stimulant medicines can cause issues with sleep, tics, and appetite and tics, which is why some parents choose nonstimulant treatment to reduce these side effects. Antidepressants can be prescribed for ADHD. They're referred to as SNRIs, also known as alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. They affect dopamine and norepinephrine levels in your brain, which can improve your mood and focus, and aid in controlling impulses. These drugs can be given alone or in combination with stimulants.
Behavioral therapy can aid you and your child develop coping skills that can lessen the effects of ADHD symptoms. Ginkgo biloba and passionflower are two natural supplements that have been proven to help calm hyperactivity. However it is crucial to consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
Complementary and alternative medicine is a broad term that describes treatments that fall outside of the norms of Western medical practice. These therapies include mind-body practices such as meditation, body-based methods such as massage and natural products like nutritional supplements. Alternative treatments are being evaluated for their effectiveness to help manage ADHD. However, more research is required before they can be recommended as the main treatment method.