Ten ADHD Stimulant Medication Myths That Aren't Always True

ADHD Stimulant Medication Stimulants can help 70 percent to 80% adults and children with ADHD. They reduce symptoms by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels. These medicines start working within 30 to 45 minutes, and last between 3 and 6 hours. These medications are available in chewable or liquid tablet form. Nonstimulant drugs may be prescribed by your physician to supplement stimulants. These include atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv). Short-acting The most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulants. These drugs increase the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, which help nerves communicate with each other. They can also improve focus and concentration. They are available in short-acting formulations that wear off in just a few hours, or in long-acting ones that last all day. Doctors typically start children on the short-acting drugs to give them a chance to get used to them. These are usually amphetamines or methylphenidates. Orally, they can be found in liquids, pills or sprinkles. Some are taken twice per day, while others are taken only once per day. Adults are more likely to take longer-acting formulations as they are able to keep ADHD symptoms under better control throughout the day. Most people suffering from ADHD respond well to stimulant medication. If the first medication a person takes doesn't work or causes negative adverse effects, doctors suggest taking another. It's also possible that a patient will require a change to their medication over time depending on significant life changes. It is important that people with ADHD adhere to their medication according to the prescriptions of their doctors to get the most effective results. They should also be able to communicate openly and honestly with their health care provider about any negative or positive adverse effects they're experiencing. When taking a stimulant it is crucial for people to stay hydrated. They may experience headaches or stomachaches when they do not. It is normal for them to notice that their heart rate or blood pressure increases. Many doctors prefer prescribing a longer-acting version of these medications for adults, since they are less likely to be misused or become addicted than the shorter-acting ones. These medications are more likely to be effective for adults due to their effect on the body's production of hormones. The FDA has approved the use of two medications that are not stimulants to treat ADHD: Strattera, (atomoxetine), and Qelbree, (viloxazine). adhd medications for adults belong to the class of antidepressants referred to as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs. They increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain, which can help increase attention and reduces impulsivity. Intermediate-acting The most commonly prescribed medication used by doctors to treat ADHD is stimulants. They boost the levels brain chemicals, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals help nerves communicate with each other. These medications increase energy and improve alertness and focus as well as reduce the impulsivity and restlessness. They are available in both short- and long-acting versions, which depend on the speed at which the medication begins to work. The stimulants that have a longer duration of action, such as Cotempla XR -ODT and Jornay PM contain special coatings that slow down the release of the medication. They begin to work later in the day, compared to other stimulants. These drugs are more likely to be prescribed by psychiatrists, primary care physicians and pediatricians than shorter-acting versions. These medications may have a lower risk of misuse, but it is important to follow the exact dosage prescribed. Overdoses can have dangerous side effects, such as seizures, heart attacks, and addiction. Doctors can prescribe non-stimulant medication to treat ADHD that are less likely to cause adverse effects and do not affect growth or development. These include atypical medications like Wellbutrin, a type of guanfacine and tricyclic antidepressants, such as Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are prescribed “off-label” unless other medications fail to work or cause unacceptable side effects. These medications aren't considered to be as habit-forming in the doses that doctors prescribe to children and adults with ADHD and there's no evidence to suggest that those who use them are at risk of higher rates of drug abuse or addiction. It is important to inform your doctor about any medication that you or your child is taking, including over-the-counter medications such as vitamins and minerals. Non-stimulant treatment for ADHD can include therapy for behavior and psychoeducation, which teach children and adults how to control their behavior. Behavioral therapy can also aid people of all ages improve their social skills and organizational skills. For children suffering from ADHD it is recommended to combine treatments is usually the most effective. Long-acting Long-acting stimulant medication helps adults and children benefit from treatment throughout their day without having to remember multiple pills. In a recent Psychiatric Times Expert Perspective video, Greg Mattingly, MD as associate clinical professor at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, Missouri, and president-elect of the American Professional Society for ADHD and Related Disorders; and Oren Mason, MD, family physician at Attention MD in Grand Rapids, Michigan, discussed the benefits of long-acting stimulants to treat ADHD. Long-acting drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) and lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse) offer a continuous release into the bloodstream for up twelve hours. These drugs are available in a variety of strengths so that doctors can choose the most appropriate dosage for each patient. It is essential that both the child as well as the parent are aware of any adverse effects in the initial few weeks after beginning an unfamiliar medication. Most side effects are not serious and will disappear after a few weeks of use. If the medication is not aiding or if the side effects become too much to bear, the doctor will lower the dose or switch the type of medication until a suitable combination is discovered. Many people with ADHD require a variety of kinds of medications before settling on the one that helps best. It is normal for a adult's or child's needs to change over time depending on life events that are significant or changes, such as beginning school or becoming a parent. The stimulant medicines that are used to treat ADHD are extremely effective, but they also come with some side effects such as sleepiness and loss of appetite. In certain instances, it may be possible to reduce the effects of these medications by employing strategies such as eating small meals regularly or putting dinner off until a later time of the day once the effects of the medication has worn off. It is important to talk with the doctor about all the potential risks and benefits of any medication prior to starting therapy. While stimulants aren't to be taken in large doses to children and teens but they can lead to dependence if they are misused. Additionally, they could increase blood pressure, which can lead to heart issues, and increase the risk of a stroke. Non-stimulants The most frequently used medication by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the levels of two chemical substances in your brain that are called dopamine and norepinephrine, which aid in thinking and paying attention. Most people with ADHD notice that their symptoms improve when they take a medication that helps boost the levels of these chemicals. These drugs are available in short- and long-acting forms. They can last for a couple of hours or even 24 hours. They also have a low chance for abuse and addiction. There are some side effects that are difficult to deal with. The stimulants increase blood pressure and heart rate, and they can decrease your appetite, which may lead to weight loss. You may feel nervous or anxious, particularly if you take large doses of stimulants and you might have trouble sleeping. There are a variety of non-stimulant medications that can help with ADHD. These drugs are not part of the same class of stimulants and have a lower risk of abuse. They block the reuptake of norepinephrine, dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain to increase levels. These medications can aid in focusing and focus, however they aren't as effective as stimulants, and typically take three to four weeks before they begin to work. These medications can be used together with stimulant drugs or on their own to increase their effect. Four different medications are approved to treat adult ADHD using non-stimulants. some healthcare professionals might recommend atomoxetine or clonidine, which are both in the same drug class as stimulants, but with a lower risk for abuse. They can also be combined with psychotherapy to manage your symptoms. Certain people with ADHD are not able to respond to stimulant medications or do not take the adverse effects. Healthcare providers might switch to a different type of medication for example, from stimulants to non-stimulants, or mix various treatments, including the use of behavioral therapy and training, with medication. Many adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from a combination treatment that includes psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapies. You could also try natural treatments, such as yoga, meditation or even exercise in conjunction with your treatment plan.