ADHD Medication - The Difference Between Stimulant and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can enhance your child's concentration as well as their ability to complete tasks. However, it's not a cure-all.
Stimulants enhance the communication between nerves in the brain, reducing impulsivity and excessive activity. Medications include short-acting stimulants that require multiple times throughout the day, and long-acting stimulants that can be used for up to 12 hours per day.
Stimulants
Many people with ADHD are treated first by stimulant drugs. They increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, improving concentration and reduce the impulsive behavior. They're most effective when used regularly, but they can be associated with adverse effects, such as difficulty sleeping, agitation and a rapid heart rate. In addition, they may be addictive. This is why it is crucial to consult with your physician when you start or stopping medication, and always adhere to their recommendations regarding dosage, frequency and usage.
Stimulant medications are available in both short-acting and long-acting forms. The short-acting stimulants are peaking in a short time and should be taken at least twice daily. In contrast, the long-acting pills like Ritalin (methylphenidate), Concerta(methylphenidate), Adderall(amphetamine), and Vyvanse(lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) - last up to eight hours. Long-acting drugs may lessen the requirement for supplemental doses throughout the day, but may be more difficult to remember to take.
Because stimulants are considered controlled substances in many jurisdictions that require prescriptions to obtain them and will be subject to strict rules when it comes to refilling or switching doctors. The good news is that there are nonstimulant alternatives that provide the same advantages without the risk of addiction or abuse. These include:
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes longer to kick in. It is possible that you won't feel their full benefits until after three to four weeks of continuous usage. But if you're struggling to keep yourself motivated, are sensitive to side effects or can't take stimulants because of a family history of heart problems or addiction, these drugs could be the right choice for you.
Strattera, Kapvay and Qelbree all increase the levels of norepinephrine in your brain. This helps improve concentration and control hyperactivity and impulsivity. They're usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD which means they're not approved by the FDA for this purpose, but have been used for years to treat various health conditions and have been found to affect ADHD symptoms.
Vyvamind, a natural alternative for prescription ADHD medication that blends cognitive support ingredients, is an excellent alternative. It delivers real-world improvements in mental endurance and mental agility. It's designed to combat the mental fatigue which can be a hindrance for people suffering from ADHD and boost the resilience of people to stress, which are crucial aspects of managing ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants
While stimulants are among the top ADHD treatment for adults, they're not effective or safe for everyone. Other adverse effects include headaches, decreased appetite and sleeplessness. This is why some doctors opt for non-stimulant ADHD medications. These medications function differently than 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). They increase the levels of chemical messengers, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, just as stimulants. They only affect a portion of the brain associated with attention. These antidepressants are prescribed to treat anxiety, depression and ADHD.
The FDA hasn't yet officially approved the use of these drugs, but some doctors prescribe them as an off-label treatment option for ADHD. They are usually prescribed after other treatments such as diet and exercise have failed. Some experts believe that antidepressants can help with ADHD by boosting mood and reducing anxiety and irritability. This could affect how a person concentrates.
They are also less likely to be misused and do not affect weight growth or gain. They also reduce tics, including eye blinking or clearing the throat, but may make them more noticeable. They could increase heart rate, which can be dangerous for those with heart problems or those who have a history of heart issues.
Research suggests that mixing stimulants and these drugs can make them more effective than they would be by themselves. It's important to talk to a doctor before trying this combination.
Children under 12 years of age should not take stimulants. They might cause long-term changes in the brains of teenagers and young children which can be detrimental for their mental health later on in life. add adhd medications may also decrease 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 medication
Stimulants are among the most popular medication for ADHD, and they're typically the first medication a doctor will prescribe. These medications can help a person focus and improve their memory, however they can also cause negative side effects such as insomnia, headaches, stomachaches, and heart palpitations. Many people with ADHD are seeking stimulants to manage their symptoms. Some of these options include natural supplements, diet modifications, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Some holistic approaches can aid in the treatment of ADHD symptoms. However, they may not be appropriate for all patients. These treatments are most successful when paired with conventional treatment methods, such as psychiatric therapy. For instance, a therapist can instruct patients on how to manage their symptoms and formulate an action plan for success.
Nonstimulant ADHD medications, like atomoxetine (brand name Strattera (which will be discontinued in 2022) Guanfacine, atomoxetine, and viloxazine, are available to treat children suffering from ADHD. Going Here reduces symptoms by blocking the reuptake process of norepinephrine which is a neurotransmitter responsible for controlling behavior1. In the same way, long-acting Guanfacine and viloxazine are both alpha agonists, which were originally designed to treat high blood pressure. These drugs can help to calm anxiety and improve sleep, as well as reduce aggression. However, they are not as effective in improving concentration.
They're less potent than stimulants but can still be helpful for people who can't tolerate stimulants or don't see their benefits. They are also less likely than stimulants to trigger heart problems. This can be a major issue for children suffering from ADHD.
Another 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, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. The supplement is available at health food stores but it's essential to consult a doctor before taking it. Melatonin can also be effective in treating sleep disorders and insomnia associated with ADHD. It is available in the form of a sleep aid that is available over-the-counter and has been proven effective in treating certain people with ADHD. These natural ADHD treatment alternatives are worth a look for those who are struggling with symptoms but aren't able or do not want to take prescription medication.
Other treatment options
If your stimulant medication is not effective or the side effects of your stimulant medication are too severe, your doctor could recommend a different drug. Non-stimulant medications have less potential for abuse or addiction but also may not be as effective at reducing ADHD symptoms, especially for children who are young.
Going Here (Strattera) was the first nonstimulant medication to be approved for use in treating ADHD, and is commonly prescribed as the first-line treatment. It is a stimulant that increases the amount of norepinephrine present in your brain, which assists nerve cells transmit messages more efficiently between brain cells. It also helps reduce anxiety and sleep issues however it can cause certain negative effects such as a decrease in appetite, stomachaches, tiredness and trouble sleeping. In rare instances atomoxetine could trigger suicidal thoughts. Long-acting Guanfacine (Intuniv) is another option that increases the amount of norepinephrine present in your body by blocking a mechanism to eliminate it. It is used to treat ADHD symptoms but it has also been shown to aid in anxiety. Therefore, it could be prescribed to kids who have both disorders. It can increase blood pressure and heart rate, so you should take your child's blood pressure into consideration.
Parents may choose to take non-stimulant medication to lessen the negative effects of stimulant drugs like sleep issues, tics, and issues with appetite. Several antidepressants are prescribed for ADHD, and they're generally referred to as alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, also known as SNRIs. They can boost your concentration and mood as well as aid in controlling your impulses. These drugs can be used as a single dose or together with stimulants.
Behavioral therapy can assist you and your child to learn coping skills that will reduce the effects of ADHD symptoms. Certain natural substances and herbs, including ginkgo biloba, ginseng and passionflower, have been found to be effective in calming hyperactivity, however it is important to consult your doctor before starting 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 treatments include techniques for mind and body like meditation, body-based practices such as massage and natural products like nutritional supplements. Alternative therapies are being examined to determine their effectiveness in helping manage ADHD, but more research is needed before they are suggested as a main treatment option.