ADHD Medication - The Difference Between Stimulant and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can improve your or your child's ability to focus, control impulses and stick to tasks. But it's not a cure-all.
Stimulants help boost communication between brain nerves to reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Medications include short-acting stimulants that require multiple times a day. Long-acting stimulants that can be used for up to 12 hours per day.
Stimulants
For many people suffering from ADHD, stimulant medications are the first option for treatment. These drugs increase dopamine levels which improve concentration and reduces impulsive behavior. The drugs are most effective when they are used regularly. However, they may also trigger side effects, such as difficulty sleeping, agitation and a rapid heart rate. In addition, they can be addictive. This is why it is crucial to consult with your doctor when starting or stopping medication. Always adhere to their recommendations regarding dosage, frequency and use.
Long-acting stimulant medications as well as short-acting stimulant drugs are both available. The short-acting medications peak within several hours and should be taken at least three times per 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 a day. Long-acting drugs may lessen the need for supplemental doses throughout the day, but they can be difficult to remember to take.
Since stimulants are considered to be controlled substances in most jurisdictions that require prescriptions to purchase them and be subject to strict guidelines regarding refills or changing doctors. The good news is that there are nonstimulant alternatives that provide the same benefits, but without the risk of dependence or abuse. These medications include:
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to begin working and you may not be able to feel the full benefit until you've been taking them consistently for three to four weeks. But if you're struggling to keep yourself motivated, are sensitive to the effects of side effects, or cannot use stimulants due to the family history of heart problems or addiction, these drugs might be right for you.
Drugs like Strattera (atomoxetine), Kapvay (clonidine hydrochloride) and Qelbree (viloxazine) help to increase the amount of norepinephrine present in your brain, which helps increase concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. They're typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD which means they're not endorsed by the FDA for this purpose, but have been used for a long time to treat various health conditions and have been proven to have an effect on ADHD symptoms.
Vyvamind, a natural substitute for prescription ADHD medication that blends cognitive support ingredients, is an excellent choice. It offers real-world improvements in mental agility and endurance. It's designed to help combat mental fatigue that can be a barrier for people suffering from ADHD and boost the resilience of people to stress, which are crucial aspects of managing ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants
Although stimulants are often the first choice of ADHD medications for adults, they aren't effective or safe for everyone. They also come with a number of side effects, including decreased appetite, headaches, and insomnia. This is why certain doctors prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medications. These medications work differently than stimulants and do not have the same side-effects.
In this category, medications include atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Like stimulants, they increase levels of the chemical messengers norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They only affect a portion of the brain involved with the process of focusing. The antidepressants are typically used to treat depression and anxiety, but they can also be prescribed to treat ADHD.
The FDA hasn't officially endorsed the use of these drugs, but some doctors prescribe them as an off-label treatment for ADHD. They are usually prescribed after other treatments like exercise and diet have failed. Some experts believe antidepressants may aid in treating ADHD by improving mood, decreasing anxiety and anger. This can impact the ability to concentrate.
These medications also have a lower risk of abuse and do not affect growth or weight growth. They also reduce tics, including eye blinking and throat clearing, but may make them more apparent. They can increase heart rate, which is risky for people with heart issues.
Research suggests that combining stimulants with these medications can make them both more efficient than on their own. It's essential to consult your doctor prior to attempting this combination.
Children under 12 years of age should not consume stimulants. They could cause long-term changes in the brains of teens and young children, which could be bad for their mental health in later life. They can also reduce appetite and cause weight loss, and can raise the risk of seizures in a few children.
It's not common but some children with severe ADHD do not respond well to stimulant medication. They may require an alternative treatment for example, atomoxetine or Guanfacine XR.
Other medication
Stimulants, which are the most popular treatment prescribed by doctors for ADHD are often the first medications prescribed. These medications can help a person focus and improve their memory, but they also come with negative side effects such as insomnia as well as stomachaches, headaches and heart palpitations. Because of this, many people who struggle with ADHD seek alternatives to stimulants in the treatment of their symptoms. Some of these options include natural supplements, diet modifications and cognitive behavioral therapy.
While holistic approaches can aid in treating ADHD symptoms, they might not be effective for everyone. add adhd medications are most effective when used in conjunction with more traditional methods of treatment like psychiatric treatment. A therapist, for example can help patients learn how to manage their symptoms. They can also create a plan of action.
Nonstimulant ADHD medication, such as atomoxetine (brand name Strattera (which will be discontinued in 2022) Guanfacine, atomoxetine, as well as viloxazine, are available to treat children with ADHD. Atomoxetine reduces symptoms by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine which is a neurotransmitter that regulates behavior1. Viloxazine as well as Guanfacine with a long-acting also alpha agonists created to treat high blood pressure. These drugs can help to calm the tics and improve sleep as well as decrease aggression. However they aren't as effective in improving concentration.
They're less potent than stimulants but can be beneficial for those who cannot take stimulants or don't believe in their advantages. They are less likely to cause heart problems. add adhd medications could be a serious issue for children suffering from ADHD.
Another possible alternative to stimulants is L-tyrosine. It is a naturally occurring amino acid that improves the health of the brain by increasing levels of dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. The supplement is available in health food stores, however it is essential to discuss the use of it with a doctor prior to taking it. Melatonin can also be effective in treating sleep disorders and insomnia that are associated with ADHD. It is available as a sleep aid on the market and has been proven effective in treating some people with ADHD. These natural ADHD treatment options are worth a try for those who are struggling with symptoms but can't or don't want to use prescription medications.
Other treatment options
If you or your child's stimulant medication fails to work or the side effects are too severe your doctor might recommend another drug. Non-stimulant medications have less potential for addiction or abuse, but also may not be as effective at reducing ADHD symptoms, particularly in young children.
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera was the first non-stimulant drug approved for treating ADHD. It is typically used as a primary treatment. It works by raising the amount of a neurotransmitter in the brain called norepinephrine which aids nerves in passing messages between brain cells. It also reduces agitation fatigue and sleep problems, but has some side consequences, including a decreased appetite, stomachaches, and sleep issues. Atomoxetine could trigger suicidal feeling in rare instances. Long-acting guanfacine (Intuniv) is a different option that increases the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your body, by blocking a mechanism that removes it. It's used to treat ADHD symptoms, but it has also been found to reduce anxiety, so it can be prescribed for kids who suffer from both disorders. It may increase heart rate and blood pressure which is why you should have your child's blood analyzed.
Stimulant medicines can cause issues with sleep, tics, and appetite, so some parents choose nonstimulant treatment to minimize the negative effects. Several antidepressants are prescribed for ADHD and are commonly called alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists or SNRIs. They affect dopamine and norepinephrine levels in your brain, which can enhance your focus and mood and aid in controlling your impulses. These drugs can be used either by themselves or in combination with stimulants.
Behavioral therapy can aid you and your child learn coping skills that will reduce the effects of ADHD symptoms. Ginkgo biloba and passionflower are natural products that have been proven to help calm 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 not part of the standard of Western medicine. These therapies include mind-body practices like meditation, body-based methods like massage, as well as natural products like nutritional supplements. Alternative treatments are being studied for their effectiveness to help manage ADHD. However further research is needed before they are recommended as the primary treatment method.