ADHD Medication - The Difference Between Stimulant and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can help improve your child's attention span, impulse control and ability to complete tasks. However, it's not a panacea.
Stimulants can improve communication between nerves in the brain to decrease hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Short-acting medicines that need to be taken multiple times per week and longer-acting medications that can last up to 12 hours a day are available.
Stimulants
For many people suffering from ADHD stimulant medications are the first choice for treatment. They increase levels of dopamine which improve concentration and decreases impulsive behavior. They're most effective if taken regularly, but can also cause side effects such as trouble sleeping, agitation or rapid heart rate. In addition, they may be addictive. It's important that you collaborate with your physician before deciding to stop or begin any medication and follow their recommendations regarding dosage, frequency, and use.
Stimulant medicines are available in short-acting and long-acting versions. The short-acting medications peak within several hours and are taken every day for a minimum of three times The long-acting medications -Ritalin (methylphenidate), Concerta (methylphenidate), Adderall (amphetamine) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)--last up to eight hours and are taken once a day. Long-acting medication can reduce the need for more doses throughout the day. However it can be a challenge to remember.
You'll need to obtain a prescription for stimulants, and you'll be subject to strict rules in the event that you wish to change doctors or refill your prescription. There are other options that could provide similar benefits, without the danger of abuse or addiction. These medications include:
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes longer to kick in. You may not feel their full benefits until after three to four weeks of regular use. These medications could be the best option for you if struggling to get motivated, are sensitive to side-effects, or you cannot take stimulants due to an addiction history in your family or a family history.
Strattera, Kapvay and Qelbree all increase the levels of norepinephrine in your brain. This helps improve concentration and manage impulse control and hyperactivity. They're typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD, meaning they're not approved by the FDA for this purpose, but they have been used for decades to treat other health issues and have been proven to affect ADHD symptoms.
Vyvamind, a natural substitute for prescription ADHD medication that combines cognitive support ingredients, is a great option. It offers real-world improvements in mental agility and endurance. It's designed to help combat mental fatigue which can be a hindrance for people suffering from ADHD and boost mood and resilience to stress, two crucial aspects of managing ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants
While stimulants are the first-choice ADHD medication for adults, they aren't effective or safe for everyone. Other negative effects include headaches decreased appetite and sleeplessness. Some doctors prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication for these reasons. These drugs, which enhance focus and concentration are different from stimulants, and don't have the same negative side effects.
Medications in this category include atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Like stimulants, they increase levels of the chemical messengers norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain. The difference is that they only do this in a certain brain region, which is involved in attention. These antidepressants can be prescribed to treat depression, anxiety and ADHD.
The FDA hasn't officially endorsed them for this purpose However, some doctors prescribe them as an off-label treatment for ADHD. They are typically prescribed after other treatments like exercise and diet have failed. Some experts believe that antidepressants may aid in the treatment of ADHD by boosting mood and decreasing anxiety and irritability, which could affect how a person concentrates.
They are also less likely to be abused and don't affect weight growth or gain. They can also help reduce tics, including eye blinking or clearing the throat, but may make them more noticeable. They can increase heart rate, which can be dangerous for people with heart issues.
Some research shows that combining stimulants and these medications can increase their effectiveness over or in isolation. It's essential to consult your doctor prior to attempting this combination.
These medications are not recommended for children who aren't yet 12. They can cause long-term changes to the brains of teens and young kids that could be harmful for their mental health in later life. They can also lead to weight loss and decrease appetite, and may increase the risk of seizure for certain children.
Although it's not common however, some children suffer from severe ADHD that does not respond to stimulant medication. They might require a different treatment, like atomoxetine XR or guanfacine.
Other medicines
Stimulants are among the most popular treatment for ADHD and are typically the first medication prescribed by a doctor. These medications can help a person focus and improve their memory, however they also have negative side effects such as insomnia as well as stomachaches, headaches and heart palpitations. Many people with ADHD look for stimulants to treat their symptoms. Some of these options include natural supplements, diet changes, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
While some holistic methods may aid in treating ADHD symptoms, they may not work as well for all people. They are most effective when they are used in conjunction with traditional methods of treatment like psychiatric treatment. For instance therapy can teach patients techniques to manage their symptoms and develop an action plan to achieve their goals.
Nonstimulant ADHD medications, like Atomoxetine (brand name Strattera (which will be discontinued in 2022), guanfacine, and viloxazine are all available to treat children suffering from ADHD. Atomoxetine reduces symptoms by preventing the reuptake process of norepinephrine which is a neurotransmitter responsible for controlling behavior1. Viloxazine as well as Guanfacine with a long-acting also alpha agonists created to treat high pressure. These drugs can help calm the tics and aid in sleep and aggression, but they're not as effective for improving concentration.
These drugs have a slower start than stimulants, however they can be beneficial for those who don't see the benefit of stimulants. non stimulant adhd medication to cause heart problems, which could be a major concern for some kids with ADHD.
Another option to supplement stimulants is L-tyrosine, an amino acid naturally found in nature which can boost the health of the brain by increasing levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. This supplement is available at health food stores, but it's important to consult a doctor prior to taking it. In addition, melatonin can help with insomnia and sleep issues that are that are associated with ADHD. It is available as a sleep aid on the market and has shown to be effective in treating some individuals with ADHD. These natural ADHD treatment options are worth considering for those who are struggling with symptoms but can't or don't want to use prescription medication.
Other treatment options
If your stimulant medication is not working or the adverse effects of your stimulant medication are too severe, your doctor might prescribe a different drug. Non-stimulant medication has less abuse or addiction potential, but might not be as effective in decreasing ADHD symptoms.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) was the first nonstimulant drug to be approved for use in treating ADHD and is typically prescribed as the first-line treatment. It works by increasing the amount of a neurotransmitter within the brain called norepinephrine which assists nerves in better transmitting messages between brain cells. It also helps reduce agitation, fatigue and sleep problems but it also has some negative effects, such as a decrease in appetite, stomachaches and sleeping problems. Atomoxetine could trigger suicidal feeling in rare instances. Long-acting guanfacine (Intuniv) is another option, and it increases the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your body by 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 could be prescribed to kids who suffer from both disorders. It can increase heart rate and blood pressure, so you should consider having your child's blood tested.
Certain parents opt for nonstimulant medicines to reduce the side effects of stimulant drugs including sleep issues, tics, and issues with appetite. Several antidepressants are prescribed for ADHD and are generally called alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, also known as SNRIs. They alter dopamine and norepinephrine levels in your brain, which can enhance your mood and focus, and aid in controlling your impulses. These medications are often administered alone, and they can also be combined with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Behavioral therapy is regarded as an essential component of treatment for people suffering from ADHD, and it can help your child or you learn strategies to manage stress and reduce the effects of ADHD symptoms. Certain natural substances and herbs, like Ginseng, ginkgo biloba and passionflower, have been found to be helpful for calming hyperactivity, but it's important to consult with your doctor before taking any supplementation.
Complementary and alternative medicine is broad term used to describe treatments that fall outside of the norms of Western medical practice. These treatments include practices that focus on the mind and body like meditation, body-based practices such as massage and natural products like nutritional supplements. Certain alternative treatments are being investigated to determine their effectiveness in helping to manage ADHD, but more research is required before they're considered a primary treatment method.