ADHD Medication - The Difference Between Stimulant and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can aid in improving your your child's ability to focus, control impulses and follow through with tasks. But it's not a magic bullet.
Stimulants enhance the communication between nerves inside the brain, reducing impulsivity and excessive activity. Short-acting medications that must be taken multiple times per week and longer-acting medications that can last up to 12 hours each day are available.
Stimulants
Many people suffering from ADHD are treated first by stimulant medications. They increase levels of dopamine, which improves concentration and decreases impulsive behavior. The drugs are most effective when they are used regularly. However, they may cause adverse effects such as insomnia, agitation and a rapid heart rate. In addition, they can be addictive. For these reasons, it is crucial to work closely with your doctor before starting or stopping medication, and to adhere to their prescriptions for dosage, frequency and usage.
Long-acting and short-acting stimulant medications are both available. The short-acting medications peak within several hours and are taken 2-3 times a day, while the long-acting pills--Ritalin (methylphenidate), Concerta (methylphenidate), Adderall (amphetamine) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)--last up to eight hours and are taken only once a day. Long-acting medications may reduce the need for additional doses throughout the day, but may be harder to remember to take.
You'll need to get an prescription for stimulants and you will be subjected to strict regulations in the event that you wish to change doctors or refill your prescription. The good news is that there are other alternatives that provide the same advantages without the risk of addiction or abuse. These include:
Nonstimulant ADHD medication takes longer to begin working. You may not experience their full effects until three to four weeks of continuous use. These medications may be the best option for you if you are struggling to stay motivated, are sensitive to side-effects, or you can't take stimulants due to an addiction history in your family or a family history.
Strattera, Kapvay and Qelbree all boost the levels of norepinephrine in your brain. This helps to improve concentration and manage hyperactivity and impulsivity. These drugs are prescribed "off-label" which means they aren't FDA approved for ADHD. However, they have been used to treat other ailments for many years and have been proven to be effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
If you're seeking an alternative to prescription ADHD medication, Vyvamind is an excellent choice that blends cognitive support ingredients that deliver real-world improvements in mental endurance and mental agility. It's designed to help combat mental fatigue that can be a barrier for people with ADHD and boost the resilience of people to stress, which are crucial aspects of managing ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants
While stimulants are among the most well-known ADHD medication for adults, they're not appropriate or safe for everyone. Other side effects include headaches, less appetite and insomnia. Because of this, some doctors opt for non-stimulant ADHD medications. These drugs, which improve focus and concentration, work differently from stimulants and don't have the same side effects.
In this category, medications include atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Like stimulants, they boost levels of the chemical messengers norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They only affect the part of the brain that is involved with the process of focusing. The antidepressants can be prescribed to treat anxiety, depression and ADHD.
The FDA hasn't officially endorsed for this purpose However, some doctors prescribe them as an off-label treatment for ADHD. They're usually prescribed after other treatments, like exercise and diet aren't aiding. Some experts believe that antidepressants could help ADHD by improving mood, reducing anxiety and irritation. This can affect the ability to concentrate.
These medicines are also less likely to be misused and do not affect weight growth or gain. They also can reduce tics such as eye blinking and throat clearing but they could make them more visible. They may also increase heart rate, which can be dangerous for those with heart problems or an history of heart problems.
A few studies have shown that mixing stimulants with these medications can enhance their effectiveness more than or in isolation. It's essential to consult a doctor before trying this combination.
Children under 12 years of age are not recommended to take stimulants. They can cause long-term changes in the brains of teens and young kids, which could be bad for their mental health later in life. They might also reduce appetite and lead to weight loss, and they could increase the risk of having seizures in children.
It's not common, but certain children with severe ADHD aren't able to respond well stimulant medications. They may need a different treatment, like atomoxetine XR or guanfacine.
Other medications
Stimulants, which are the most popular medication prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD are often the first drugs prescribed. These medications can aid in focusing and improve their memory, but they also come with negative side effects such as insomnia and stomachaches, headaches, and heart palpitations. Many people with ADHD are seeking stimulants to treat 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 may not be appropriate for everyone. They are most effective when paired with conventional treatments, like psychiatric therapy. Therapists, for instance can help patients learn how to manage their symptoms. They can also develop a plan of action.
Children with ADHD can be treated using nonstimulant ADHD medication, such as viloxazine, guanfacine, atomoxetine and (brand name Strattera which will be discontinued in 2022). Atomoxetine works to reduce symptoms by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine which is a neurotransmitter that controls behavior1. Viloxazine as well as Guanfacine with a long-acting also alpha agonists, which were developed to treat high blood pressure. These drugs can help to calm anxiety, improve sleep and reduce aggression. However, they are not as effective in boosting concentration.
These drugs are less potent than stimulants, but are still beneficial to people who can't take stimulants, or do not see their advantages. They are less likely to cause heart problems. This could be a major issue for some children with ADHD.
Another option to supplement stimulants is L-tyrosine, an amino acid naturally found in nature that can improve brain health by increasing levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. This supplement is available in health food shops, but it's important to consult with a physician prior to taking it. Additionally, melatonin can help with sleep problems and insomnia related to ADHD. managing adhd without medication is available as a sleep aid over-the-counter and has shown to be effective in treating certain people with ADHD. These natural ADHD treatment options are worth considering for those who have trouble with symptoms but aren't able or don't want to take 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 may prescribe an alternative medication. Non-stimulant medicines are less prone for addiction or abuse, but they aren't as effective in reducing ADHD symptoms, particularly in young children.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) was the first non-stimulant medication to be approved in treating ADHD and is typically prescribed as the first-line treatment. It helps by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your brain, which aids in ensuring that nerve cells transmit messages more effectively between brain cells. It also reduces agitation fatigue and sleep issues but it also has some negative effects, such as a decrease in appetite, stomachaches, and sleep issues. In dealing with adhd without medication , atomoxetine may trigger suicidal thoughts. Intuniv is a guanfacine that acts long-term is a different alternative. It increases the level of norepinephrine through blocking a mechanism that removes it. It is used to treat ADHD symptoms but it has also been proven to help with anxiety. Therefore, it can be prescribed to children who have both disorders. It can raise heart rate and blood pressure which is why it is recommended that you have your child's blood analyzed.
Stimulant medicines can cause issues with sleep, tics, and appetite, so some parents opt for nonstimulant treatments to reduce these side effects. Antidepressants can be prescribed for ADHD. They're commonly known as SNRIs or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. They can help improve your mood and focus and can assist in controlling impulses. These drugs can be given as a single dose or together with stimulants.
Behavioral therapy can help you and your child develop coping strategies that can lessen the effects of ADHD symptoms. Ginkgo biloba and passionflower are two natural products that have been proven to reduce hyperactivity. However it is crucial to consult with your physician prior to taking any supplements.
Complementary and alternative medicine is broad term used to describe therapies that aren't part 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 such as nutritional supplements. Certain alternative treatments are being investigated to determine their effectiveness in helping manage ADHD however more research is required before they are suggested as a main treatment method.