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What Is ADHD Stimulant Medication? History Of ADHD Stimulant Medication
ADHD Stimulant Medication

Stimulant medications are the first line treatment for ADHD. They have a long record of a robust response, high tolerability and safety across the entire lifespan.

It is important to find the right dosage and medication that eases your child's or your own symptoms without causing side negative effects. It usually takes lots of trial and error, as well as regular dialog with your doctor.

Stimulants

Stimulants are drugs which increase the activity of the central nervous system. They are frequently used for performance enhancement and cognitive enhancers by students, athletes artists, workers, and students. They are also used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as narcolepsy, binge eating disorder, as well as other anxiety disorders. Amphetamines and methylphenidates as well as other stimulant drugs are the most commonly used.

FDA-approved prescription stimulants are available in immediate-release and extended-release formulas. The immediate-release medication is usually taken every 4 hours as needed. When they stop working, they can cause an abrupt and brief drop in energy. The crash can cause extreme hunger, mood swings, and fatigue. Immediate-release medications also can increase blood pressure and heart rate for some people, particularly when they don't eat enough.

Extended-release medication is formulated to release its active ingredients over a period of 8 to 16 hours. Your doctor might suggest this kind of medication if your goal is long-lasting symptom control without having to take a pill multiple times a day. Methylphenidate products that fall into the extended-release category include Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. Another alternative is the long-acting methylphenidate patch known as Daytrana that adheres to the skin like a band-aid and lasts all day. This kind of medication is usually prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD who need a daily dose that lasts longer than the immediate-release alternatives.

The use of stimulants does not cure ADHD but it can help manage the symptoms by enhancing how neurons in the brain communicate. By blocking or binding their receptors, they can alter the levels of neurotransmitters, like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This allows more neurotransmitters to be released, and it helps messages between neurons be more efficiently transferred and received.

Doctors sometimes prescribe antidepressants in addition to stimulants to treat ADHD. The majority of antidepressants that doctors prescribe for ADHD alter the levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors are a good option for those suffering from depression or anxiety. These medications are usually paired with stimulants to enhance their effectiveness. Other reasons why your doctor may switch between non-stimulant and stimulant medication is if the previous medication isn't working or it causes intolerable side effects.

Long-acting

Around 70% to 80% children and adults with ADHD benefit from stimulants. They reduce symptoms like fidgeting and talking over others. They can also improve job performance and social skills.

The stimulant drugs begin to work when they cross the blood-brain barrier, which can take between 45 and 60 minutes. They increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels between brain cells, which reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. The FDA-approved stimulant drugs contain two molecules that are Methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) and amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderall XR, Vyvanse XR). These stimulants can cause adverse effects including upset stomach and decreased appetite, elevated blood pressure and heart rate as well as headaches, nervousness or anxiety. They can also make tics worse and cause sleep problems in some people.

Long-acting stimulants (such as Strattera and Wellbutrin) work all day and night, unlike short-acting medications which last only for a couple of hours. They can also aid with other conditions like anxiety or depression.

These medicines work by altering the way your body regulates chemicals known as monoamine oxides. Monoamine oxidases are enzymes which break down dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These chemicals stay in your body longer if they are not broken down. This can impact your behavior and your thinking. Long-acting medication can have fewer negative effects. Your doctor may prescribe it in smaller doses that you take throughout the day.

Certain stimulants are available in extended-release form that you can take once every day. Adults may prefer this option however, it is important to remember to take your stimulants each day.

SSRIs and other medicines have been proven to be effective in treating ADHD in a variety of adults. SSRIs are generally prescribed to treat anxiety or depression but they can also be prescribed for ADHD. Around 70% of people react to these drugs. Bupropion, also called Wellbutrin is an SSRI approved for ADHD. IamPsychiatry was shown to be more effective in a controlled study than placebos. These medications can have severe side effects like hearing ringing anxiety, changes to vision and lung and heart function in certain people.

Short-acting

Stimulant medications reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These are the two chemical compounds that aid people in focusing and control their behavior. They are available in numerous forms, and each comes with its own brand name, such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. There are two primary types of stimulant medications, methylphenidates and amphetamines. They all have similar effects, but differ in the length of their action. The methylphenidates have shorter-lasting effects; they can last for up to three hours, whereas the amphetamines are more long-lasting.

Certain people are more at absorbing long-acting stimulant medications than those that use short-acting drugs, so your doctor may prescribe this type of medication. It is important to learn all you can about the drug, including possible side effects, the best dosage, how often it should be taken, and any special warnings that should be observed. This will help to work with your doctor in figuring out the right medication and dose for you.

These medications may also cause some negative side effects such as difficulty sleeping or a loss of appetite. Talk to your doctor if you experience these adverse effects. You may have to alter the dosage or try a different drug.

Adults with ADHD, who do not respond to stimulants well are treated with nonstimulant medication. These medicines require longer time to work, but they improve the capacity to pay attention and control impulses. These medications are available either in combination or on their own.

The first of these is atomoxetine (brand names Strattera and Qelbree) It works by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex, which controls the way we behave. Another is the guanfacine (brand name Intuniv) is a member to a group of medications known as alpha agonists. These drugs work by blocking reuptake and increasing the level of brain chemicals in the bloodstream. Guanfacine was initially developed to treat high blood pressure, has now been proven to be effective in treating ADHD.

Combinations

People with ADHD utilize a variety of drug combinations. These include stimulants combined with depressants such as Guanfacine or Clonidine. These drugs can have a calming effect on the brain, and can decrease symptoms like sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. They can also reduce withdrawal symptoms caused by stimulants. However, this combination could be dangerous if it is not used correctly. Combining two stimulants at the same time increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, which is an emergency drug that occurs when the body is flooded with too excessive serotonin. This combination may also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. Heart disease sufferers or those with high blood pressure are at higher chance of experiencing adverse reactions from this medication.

Combinations of stimulants are increasingly being used by teens and young adults. These substances are often described as "legal highs" and are sold in pharmacies. They are also sold on the black market. These substances are extremely dangerous particularly when combined with alcohol or other drugs. The use of polydrugs can be hazardous. Mixing drugs can trigger unpredictable and harmful effects, such as increased heart rate, slow breathing, hallucinations, paranoia, seizures and addiction.

A study found that combination therapy was more effective than monopharmacotherapy when treating ADHD. Combining medication increased adherence and allowed patients to get better relief from symptoms than monotherapy. A majority of patients, however, stopped their treatment due to side effects. In some instances, the medication has been discontinued due to sleep problems or worsening of tics. This could be due to a wrong diagnosis or the absence of medication.

Nonstimulants can also be used to treat ADHD. These drugs enhance attention span and impulse control however they don't work like stimulants do. They are less likely to suppress appetite and increase. Some antidepressants are also prescribed for ADHD, but they are less likely of enhancing focus and concentration.


In a number of studies, atomoxetine (Concerta), when combined with methylphenidate, produced better results than any drug on its alone. Combining the two drugs was shown to improve adherence and reduce the risk of adverse reactions in a majority of people. The combination was also successful in adolescents and young adults. This combination may be an option for children suffering from severe ADHD.

Website: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-medication/