adhd no medication - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
For a lot of people, stimulant medications are the first choice for treating ADHD. However, for some people patients, they trigger side effects or don't help.
Some doctors prescribe stimulants along with non-stimulant ADHD medication. These medicines include ones that treat high blood pressure, for instance Clonidine and Guanfacine hcl (Tenex). They also include others that act to promote wakefulness.
Benefits
The first medication doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulants. They work by increasing the communication between brain nerves. These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) dopamine and norepinephrine, which help improve concentration and reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity. These drugs are available in various forms, but they all fall into two drug categories: methylphenidates or amphetamines. Because of their potential for misuse, they are regulated substances. The dosage, distribution, and usage of these drugs are tightly controlled.
Doctors can prescribe a combination medication that includes stimulants and nonstimulants. This could be due to a stimulant not effective enough, or due to the fact that side effects are too severe, or because the person has a mental health condition that requires treatment. Combination treatments are common in children and adults.
Viloxazine and Guanfacine as well as Atomoxetine are all non-stimulant drugs. They are generally well-tolerated and don't carry the danger of addiction or abuse that stimulants do. They might take longer to work and last less than stimulants however, they can be effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
Most people who take nonstimulant ADHD medication experience mild to moderate side-effects. They can experience headaches, stomach upsets, and insomnia. Some people might struggle to stay awake while taking these medications however this is likely to be less of a problem for children than for adults.
If you're thinking about taking the use of medication to treat your child's ADHD, talk to your doctor about it. They will explain the different medications with regards to their benefits and potential risks, and how you can get started. They'll also assist you in finding the medication and dosage that works best for you.
It might take a few times to determine the correct dosage and medication. The goal is to control your ADHD symptoms with the lowest amount of adverse effects. Once you find the right medication, it's important to stick with it because if you stop using it, your symptoms will return. The majority of people with ADHD require these medications for the rest of their lives.
Dosage
Stimulant medications like Adderall (methylphenidate/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) increase levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which boosts communication between nerves. This improves focus, concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. It's the primary type of medication that doctors typically prescribe for ADHD. However, it's not suitable for everyone and can have adverse effects that are unpalatable.
Non-stimulant medications that have been approved by FDA, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv(guanfacine) are used to treat ADHD among adults. They alleviate symptoms by acting directly on the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which creates a calm effect. They are typically used in conjunction with stimulant drugs or when the stimulant medication isn't working for you.
Both atomoxetine and Guanfacine belong in the alpha-2 adrenergic agonists class of medications which means that they work by blocking receptors that transmit dopamine to other cells. This allows other chemicals in the brain, for instance norepinephrine, to enter the brain and produce a calming effect, which enhances attention and reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity.
The methylphenidate and amphetamine and various other classes of ADHD medications are effective in decreasing or eliminating symptoms of ADHD. However they can also be misused as addictive and lead to an overdose. They're classified as controlled substances and have "boxed warnings" that warn patients of these risks. These drugs are also susceptible to shortages.
Short-acting stimulants begin working within 30 minutes and last for 3 to 4 hours. They can be taken as many as three times a day. Long-acting and intermediate stimulants are more difficult to use but they can provide symptoms relief for up to 8-16 hours. These stimulants can be used daily if you find it difficult to remember to take your medication each day at the same time.
As the medication wears off certain patients suffer from a rebound effect. This means that their symptoms will return to previous levels. This can lead to short-lived fatigue, a bad mood and an intense hunger. This can be prevented by changing the dosage, when it is taken, or the kind of medication. If you're experiencing this problem consult your physician about how you can make changes to your medication.
Side effects
Stimulant ADHD medication increases dopamine levels in brain cells, which improves focus and reduces impulse-driven behavior. They may also improve memory and reduce aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These medications are usually consumed orally in capsules but some children take them as chewable tablets or drops. These stimulants could cause adverse reactions, such as dry mouth, decreased appetite, and trouble sleeping. In some cases these side effects are mild and go away as the medication wears off. In other instances, they can be serious and require medical attention.
Non-stimulant medications help manage ADHD symptoms by targeting different neurotransmitters in the brain. They also carry a lower risk for dependence or addiction than stimulants. Common adverse reactions of these medications include drowsiness and loss of appetite and dizziness. To avoid drowsiness the medication earlier in your day, eat breakfast before the medication begins to work and stay clear of caffeine-based drinks.
Many people discover that they are more responsive to the long-acting or extended release versions of these medications. These formulations are slowly absorbed within the body and decrease the risk of the drug being absorbed too quickly and causing symptoms to get worse. They can also make it easier to remember to take your medication, particularly if either you or your child have trouble keeping track several pill bottles.
Most children and adults who are taking medication to treat ADHD will experience side effects. These side effects can be managed by observing the reactions of your child or yourself, altering the dosage and taking the medication as prescribed. Consult an expert in mental health if you or your child experience unpleasant or dangerous adverse reactions.
It can take time to find the right treatment for a person with ADHD. In addition, it's not uncommon for a doctor to switch you or your child between the two categories of medications--stimulant and non-stimulant--because one isn't effective or causes intolerable side effects.
Monitoring
The most important aspect to be aware of with ADHD medication is that it can help manage your symptoms, but it's not an effective cure. Your doctor can alter the dosage to control your symptoms while minimizing side effects. ADHD treatment plans typically include medication, therapy, and assistance from teachers and family members.
Stimulant drugs are the most popular ADHD medications, and they work by increasing levels of brain chemicals that enhance attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can cause a variety of adverse effects, such as loss of appetite, trouble sleeping stomachaches, headaches, jitteriness, increased heart rate, and occasionally shaky hands.
It can take a while to determine the best dosage and dosage for your or your child's requirements. It can take a few months or weeks for the benefits of a drug to be apparent. In this time it is vital to follow the instructions of your doctor carefully and report any adverse effects.
While stimulants have the advantage of being quick-acting, they do be more prone to dependence and abuse. This is one reason why many are hesitant to take them, particularly young children and adolescents. Non-stimulant medications can be equally efficient and are a good alternative for those who cannot tolerate the side effects of stimulants.
Non-stimulant medicines include atomoxetine dextroamphetamine, and guanfacine. These drugs are endorsed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for other conditions, but are also used to treat ADHD "off-label".
Recent research has found that long-term ADHD medication use is linked with an increase in CVD risk. The risk of developing CVD increased as the dosage of medication was increased and was more prevalent for both genders. The researchers recommend that patients be closely monitored and undergo regular health screenings, particularly for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This is particularly true when the person has an early family history of cardiovascular disease or heart attack.