ADHD Medication - The Difference Between Stimulant and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can help improve your child's attention span as well as their ability to complete tasks. But it's not a magic bullet.
Stimulants enhance the communication between nerves inside the brain, which reduces impulsiveness and excessive activity. Medications include short-acting stimulants that need to be taken multiple times throughout the day, and long-acting stimulants that work for up to 12 hours per day.
Stimulants
Many people suffering from ADHD are treated first by stimulant medications. They increase levels of dopamine, which improves concentration and reduces impulsive behavior. They're most effective if taken regularly, but may also have adverse effects, such as difficulty sleeping, agitation or an increased heart rate. They can also be habit-forming. It's important that you consult with your doctor when starting or stopping any medication and follow their directions regarding dosage frequency, frequency, and usage.
Stimulant drugs are available in short-acting as well as long-acting forms. The short-acting medications peak within several hours and are taken every day for a minimum of three times, while the long-acting pills--Ritalin (methylphenidate), Concerta (methylphenidate), Adderall (amphetamine) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)--last up to eight hours and are taken twice every day. Long-acting medications may reduce the requirement for supplemental doses throughout the day, but can be difficult to remember to take.
You'll need to get a prescription for stimulants, and you will be subjected to strict guidelines in the event that you wish to change doctors or refill your prescription. There are other options that can offer similar benefits, but without the risk of addiction or abuse. These medications include:
Nonstimulant ADHD medication takes longer to begin working. It is possible that you won't feel their full effects until three to four weeks of consistent use. These medications may be the best option for you if you're struggling to stay motivated, are sensitive to adverse effects, or are unable to take stimulants due an addiction history in your family or a family history.
Strattera, Kapvay and Qelbree all boost the levels of norepinephrine in your brain. This can help improve concentration and control hyperactivity and impulsivity. These drugs are prescribed "off-label", meaning that they aren't FDA approved for ADHD. However they have been used to treat other disorders for many years and have been proven to be effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
If you're seeking a natural alternative to prescription ADHD medication Vyvamind is a great choice that combines cognitive-support ingredients that deliver real-world improvements in mental endurance and mental agility. It's designed to combat mental fatigue, which can be a hindrance to those with ADHD. It also boosts the mood and resilience to stressful situations. These are important aspects of managing ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants
While stimulants are among the most popular ADHD medication for adults, they're not suitable or safe for everyone. Other adverse effects include headaches, less appetite and insomnia. For these reasons, some doctors opt for non-stimulant ADHD medications. These medications work differently than stimulants and do not cause the same adverse effects.
Medications in this category include atomoxetine (Strattera) and bupropion (Wellbutrin) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They increase the levels chemical messengers like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, much as stimulants. The distinction is that they do this in a certain part of the brain, that is involved in the process of focusing. These antidepressants are prescribed to treat depression, anxiety and ADHD.
non stimulant adhd medication hasn't yet officially approved them for this purpose However, some doctors prescribe them as an off-label treatment for ADHD. They are usually prescribed after other treatments such as exercise and diet have failed. Some experts believe that antidepressants may aid with ADHD by improving mood and reducing anxiety and irritability, which can affect how well someone concentrates.
These medications also have a lower risk of abuse and don't affect growth or weight growth. They also can reduce tics such as eye blinking and throat clearing, but they may make them more visible. They may also increase heart rate, which can be dangerous for those with heart issues or those who have a history of heart issues.
Some research shows that combining stimulants with these medications can enhance their effectiveness more than or in isolation. It's essential to consult your doctor prior to attempting this combination.
Children who are younger than 12 years of age are not advised to take stimulants. They could cause long-term changes in the brains of teenagers and young children which can be detrimental for their mental health later in life. They might also reduce appetite and cause weight loss and can raise the risk of seizures in some children.
It's rare but some children with severe ADHD do not respond well to stimulant drugs. They may require another type of treatment for example, atomoxetine or guanfacine AXR.
Other medications
Stimulants are the most common medication for ADHD, and they're often the first prescription that a doctor prescribes. They can improve focus and memory, but they come with side-effects like headaches, heart palpitations and stomachaches. Many people suffering from ADHD are seeking stimulants as an alternative to manage their symptoms. These alternatives include natural supplements, diet changes, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Some holistic methods can help treat ADHD symptoms. However, they may not be appropriate for all patients. They are most effective when they are used in conjunction with traditional treatments such as psychiatric therapy. For instance, a therapist can instruct patients on how to manage their symptoms and create an action plan for their success.
Children suffering from ADHD can be treated using non-stimulant ADHD medication, including atomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine (brand name Strattera which will be which will be discontinued in 2022). Atomoxetine works to reduce symptoms by inhibiting the reuptake process of norepinephrine which is a neurotransmitter that regulates behavior1. In the same way, long-acting Guanfacine and viloxazine both are alpha agonists, which were originally created to treat high blood pressure. These drugs can help to calm tics and improve sleep as well as decrease aggression. However they aren't as effective in boosting concentration.
They're less potent than stimulants, but can still be helpful for people who can't take stimulants or don't believe in their benefits. They are less likely to cause heart problems. This can be a serious problem for some children with ADHD.
Another alternative to stimulants is L tyrosine, which is an amino acid naturally found in nature that improves the health of the brain by increasing levels of dopamine norepinephrine and epinephrine. The supplement is available in health food stores, however it is crucial to discuss the use of it with a physician prior to taking it. Melatonin can also be effective in treating sleep disorders and insomnia that are associated with ADHD. It is available as a sleep aid over-the-counter and has been proven to be effective in treating some people with ADHD. These natural ADHD treatments are worth a try for those who have symptoms but cannot or aren't interested in taking prescription medications.
Other treatment options
If your stimulant medication isn't working or the side effects of your stimulant medication are too extreme, your doctor may recommend a different drug. Non-stimulant medication has less abuse or addiction potential, but may not be as efficient in decreasing ADHD symptoms.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) was the first non-stimulant medication to be approved in treating ADHD, and is commonly prescribed as the first-line treatment. It works by boosting the level of a neurotransmitter inside your brain called norepinephrine, which aids nerves in passing messages between brain cells. It also reduces insomnia and agitation however it can cause some side effects like decreased appetite, stomachaches, fatigue and sleep problems. Atomoxetine can trigger suicidal thoughts in rare cases. Intuniv, a long-acting guanfacine, is another option. It increases the level of norepinephrine through blocking a mechanism which removes it. It's used to treat ADHD symptoms, but it has also been found to reduce anxiety, so it can be prescribed for children who suffer from both disorders. It can increase heart rate and blood pressure, however, so it's essential to have your child's blood pressure measured.
The use of stimulants can cause problems with sleep, appetite, and tics Some parents choose nonstimulant treatment to reduce these side effects. A variety of antidepressants are prescribed to treat ADHD, and they're generally known as SNRIs or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. They affect dopamine and norepinephrine levels in your brain, which can improve your focus and mood and aid in controlling your impulses. These medications are often administered in isolation, and can also be combined with stimulants to enhance their effectiveness.
Behavioral therapy can assist you and your child to develop coping skills that can reduce the effects of ADHD symptoms. Certain natural remedies and herbs, such as Ginseng, ginkgo biloba and passionflower, have been proven to be helpful for calming hyperactivity, but it's crucial to consult with your doctor before starting any supplementation.
Complementary and alternative medicine is broad term used to describe treatments that are not part of the normal scope of Western medical practice. These treatments include practices that focus on the mind and body like meditation, body-based techniques like massage and natural products such as nutritional supplements. Alternative treatments are being tested to determine their effectiveness in helping manage ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research before they are recommended as the main treatment method.