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ADHD Stimulant Medication Stimulant medications are the first-line treatment for ADHD. They have a long history of robust response, good tolerance, and safety over the lifespan. It is important to determine the appropriate medication and dosage that relieves your child's or your own symptoms without causing any adverse side negative effects. It usually takes a lot of trial and trial and regular communication with your doctor. Stimulants Stimulants are drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. Students athletes, artists, workers and other people use them to boost their cognitive and performance. They are also used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as narcolepsy, binge eating disorder, as well as other anxiety disorders. The most common stimulant medications are amphetamines and methylphenidates. FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in both immediate-release and prolonged-release formulations. The immediate-release medications are typically taken every 4 hours. If they are not taken as often they can cause sudden and temporary decrease in energy. The crash can trigger extreme craving, mood swings and fatigue. Instant-release medication can also increase blood pressure and heartbeats in certain people. This is especially the case when they do not eat enough. Extended-release drugs are designed to release their active ingredients over a period of 8-16 hours. This type of medication may be prescribed by your physician when you're looking for long-lasting control of symptoms without having to take tablets several times per day. Methylphenidate medications in the extended-release category include Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. Another alternative is the long-acting methylphenidate patch called Daytrana, which sticks to the skin like a bandage and lasts for the entire day. This type of medication is usually prescribed to adults with ADHD who require daily doses that last longer than the immediate-release alternatives. Stimulant medication does not cure ADHD but it can help manage the symptoms by improving how neurons in the brain communicate. By blocking or binding their receptors they can alter the level of neurotransmitters, like norepinephrine and dopamine, in the brain. This permits the release of more neurotransmitters which aids in the transmission and reception of messages between neurons. Doctors may prescribe antidepressants in addition to stimulants to treat ADHD. The majority of antidepressants that doctors prescribe for ADHD alter the levels of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine in your brain. One class, referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is a good choice for people suffering from depression or anxiety. These medications are usually combined with stimulants to enhance their effectiveness. Another reason your doctor might switch you between stimulant and non-stimulant medication is if the previous medication isn't working, or produces unacceptably adverse side effects. Long-acting Stimulants help about 70% to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. They can reduce symptoms like fidgeting, over-talking and losing focus in conversations or on tasks. medication for adhd adults enhance the quality of work and social abilities. The stimulant drugs begin to work when they cross the blood-brain barrier, which can take between 45 and 60 minutes. They boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in brain cells, which decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. FDA-approved stimulant medications use two molecules that are the methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). Stimulants can cause side effects including upset stomach, weight loss, an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, headaches, and nervousness or anxiety. They can also make tics worse and cause sleep problems in certain people. Long-acting stimulants, like Strattera or Wellbutrin, can be used day and night. Short-acting medicines are only effective for a few hours. They can be used to treat other conditions like anxiety or depression. The medications affect how your body regulates monoamine oxidases. Monoamine oxidases, or enzymes, break down dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. If these chemicals aren't broken down and remain in your body longer and can affect your behavior and mental state. Long-acting medications can have fewer negative effects. Your doctor will prescribe smaller doses that you can take throughout the day. Some stimulants are available in extended-release forms that you take daily. This can be more convenient for some adults, however it's important to remember that you take them each day. SSRIs and other medicines have been proven to be effective in treating ADHD in many adults. SSRIs are typically prescribed to treat anxiety or depression but they can also be prescribed for ADHD. About 70% of patients respond to these medications. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is a different SSRI that has been approved for ADHD and has been shown to be more effective than placebos in a controlled study. These medications can trigger serious side effects, like the ringing of ears, anxiety and changes in vision, heart and lung function. Short-acting The stimulant medication helps reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. These two chemicals assist people to manage their behavior and stay focused. They are available in a variety of forms, and each comes with their own brand name such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are two main types of stimulant medicines amphetamines, methylphenidates, and methylphenidates. All have similar effects, however they differ in the length of their action. The methylphenidates may have a shorter-lasting effect, lasting as long as three hours. Amphetamines on the other hand have a longer-lasting effect. Some people are better able to tolerate long-acting stimulant medication than those with short-acting stimulants and therefore, your doctor might prescribe this type. It is important to learn everything you can about the drug, including potential side effects, how often it should be taken and any warnings specific to the medication that should be observed. This will make it easier to collaborate with your doctor to determine the best medication and dose for you. It is important to understand that these medications can have some negative side effects, including problems sleeping or loss of appetite. If these occur you should talk to your doctor about altering the dosage or using other medications. Adults with ADHD, who do not respond to stimulants well, may be treated with non-stimulant drugs. These medicines take longer to effect but they improve the capacity to pay attention and control impulses. These medications can be prescribed on their own or in combination with stimulants. Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera or Qelbree is the first. It works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the prefrontal cortex which controls the behavior. Another is guanfacine (brand name Intuniv) that belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha agonists. These work by blocking the absorption of brain chemicals and increasing their concentration in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was originally designed to treat high blood pressure, has now been shown to be effective in treating ADHD. Combinations People with ADHD utilize a variety of drug combinations. These include stimulants combined with depressants like Guanfacine or Clonidine. These drugs are calming for the brain, and can decrease symptoms like sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. They also help to prevent withdrawal symptoms caused by stimulants. This combination could be risky however, should it not be used correctly. Serotonin Syndrome is a medical emergency which occurs when there is an excess of serotonin in the body. This combination may also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. Heart disease sufferers or those with high blood pressure are at higher risk of developing adverse effects from this medication. Teenagers and young adults are increasingly taking stimulant-based combinations. These drugs are often called “legal highs” and are readily available in pharmacies. They are also available on the black market. These substances are dangerous, especially if they are combined with alcohol or other substances. This is known as polydrug use and is extremely risky. Mixing drugs can trigger unpredictable and harmful effects, including increased heart rate, slower breathing, paranoia, hallucinations seizures, addiction and hallucinations. A study concluded that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy when treating ADHD. Combining medications improved the adherence of patients and helped them achieve more symptom relief than monotherapy. However there were medication for add adults who stopped their treatment due to side effects. In some cases, the medication has been discontinued due to sleep problems or worsening of tics. This could be a result of poor diagnosis or a inaccessibility to medications. Nonstimulants are a different treatment option for ADHD. They are effective in improving the quality of attention and impulse control, but not as well as stimulants. They are also less likely to block growth and affect appetite. Certain antidepressants may also be prescribed for ADHD. However they have a less chance of improving concentration and focus. In a number of studies, the atomoxetine (Concerta), when combined with methylphenidate, produced better results than any drug on its on its own. Combining the two drugs was shown to improve adherence and reduce side effects in most people. The combination was beneficial for young adults and adolescents. This combination may be a viable solution for children suffering from severe ADHD.