ADHD Medication - The Difference Between Stimulant and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can enhance your child's focus and control of impulses, as well as his ability to complete tasks. But it is not a cure-all.
Stimulants improve communication between brain nerves to reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Medications include short-acting stimulants that require multiple times a day. Long-acting stimulants that can be used for up to 12 hours per day.
Stimulants
For many people suffering from ADHD stimulant medications are the first option for treatment. They boost dopamine levels which improve focus and reduces impulsive behaviors. They are most effective when they are taken regularly. However, they can cause adverse effects such as anxiety, insomnia, and rapid heart rate. In addition, they can be addictive. For these reasons, it is essential to work closely with your physician when you start or stopping medication, and to follow their instructions on dosage, frequency, and use.
Short-acting stimulant medications and long-acting stimulant medications are both available. The short-acting medicines peak in several hours and are taken every day for a minimum of three times and the long-acting ones -Ritalin (methylphenidate), Concerta (methylphenidate), Adderall (amphetamine) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)--last up to eight hours and are taken twice every day. Long-acting drugs may lessen the need for supplemental doses throughout the day, but can be harder to remember to take.
You'll need a prescription for stimulants, and you'll be subject to strict guidelines when you decide to change doctors or refill your prescription. The good news is that there are other options that provide similar benefits, but without the risk of dependence or abuse. These include:
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to begin working, and you might not experience the full benefits until you've been taking them regularly for three to four weeks. But if you're struggling to be motivated, are prone to side effects or can't take stimulants due to an ancestry of heart conditions or addiction, these drugs might be right for you.
Strattera, Kapvay and Qelbree all boost the levels of norepinephrine in your brain. This can help improve concentration and control impulse control and hyperactivity. They're usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD which means they're not endorsed by the FDA for this reason, but have been used for years to treat other health issues and have been found to affect ADHD symptoms.
Vyvamind, a natural alternative for prescription ADHD medication that blends cognitive support ingredients, is a fantastic option. It delivers real-world improvements to mental endurance and agility. It's designed to combat the mental fatigue that can be a barrier for people suffering from ADHD and to improve mood and resilience to stress--important aspects of managing ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants
Although stimulants are the most commonly used ADHD treatment for adults, they aren't safe or effective for everyone. Other side effects include headaches, reduced appetite, and sleeplessness. This is why some doctors use non-stimulant ADHD drugs. These medications, which help improve concentration and focus, work differently from stimulants and don't have the same adverse effects.
Medications in this category include atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They boost the levels of chemical messengers, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, much as stimulants. The difference is that they do this in a certain part of the brain, that is involved in the process of focusing. These antidepressants are generally prescribed to treat depression and anxiety but they can also be used to treat ADHD.
The FDA hasn't yet officially approved them for this purpose however, some doctors do 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 aid in the treatment of ADHD by boosting mood and decreasing anxiety and irritability. These could affect how a person concentrates.
They are also less likely to be misused and do not affect weight growth or gain. They can also reduce tics such as eye blinking and throat clearing but they could make them more noticeable. They can also raise heart rate, which can be dangerous for those who have heart problems.
A few studies have shown that mixing stimulants with these medications can make them more effective than or in isolation. Before attempting this combination, it's essential to talk with your physician.
These medications are not advised for children younger than 12 years old. They can trigger permanent brain changes in teens and young children, which could affect their mental health later in life. They can also cause weight loss and decrease appetite, and may increase the risk of seizures for some children.
While it's rare, some children have severe ADHD that does not respond to stimulant medication. They may require an alternative treatment for example, atomoxetine or guanfacine XR.
Other medications
Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD are usually the first medications prescribed. These drugs can help people focus and improve their memory, but they can also cause side effects like trouble sleeping as well as stomachaches, headaches and heart palpitations. Many people with ADHD look for stimulants to alleviate their symptoms. These alternatives include natural supplements, dietary changes as well as cognitive behavioral therapy.
While some holistic methods can aid in treating ADHD symptoms, they might not be effective for everyone. These treatments are most successful when paired with conventional treatments, like psychiatric therapy. A therapist, for instance, can teach patients how to manage their symptoms. They can also formulate an action plan.
Children suffering from ADHD can be treated using non-stimulant ADHD medications, like atomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine (brand name Strattera, which will be discontinued in 2022). Atomoxetine reduces symptoms by reducing norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that controls behavior1. Similar to long-acting guanfacine, long-acting guan viloxazine are both alpha agonists, which were originally designed to treat high blood pressure. These drugs can calm anxiety and assist with aggression and sleep, but they're not as effective at improving concentration.
These medications are less potent than stimulants, but are still beneficial to people who can't tolerate stimulants or don't see their advantages. They're also less likely cause heart problems, which can be a serious issue for some kids with ADHD.
Another alternative to stimulants is L-tyrosine. It is a naturally occurring amino acid which can boost the health of the brain by increasing levels of dopamine norepinephrine and epinephrine. The supplement is readily available in health food stores, but it's important to consult a doctor before taking it. Lastly, melatonin can help with insomnia and sleep issues that are related to ADHD. It's available as an over-the-counter sleep aid, and has been found to be effective for certain people suffering from ADHD. These natural ADHD treatment options are worth considering for those who have trouble with symptoms but aren't able or don't want to take prescription medications.
Other treatment options
If your stimulant medication is not working or the side effects of your stimulant medication are too severe, your doctor might suggest a different medication. The non-stimulant medication is less likely to be abused or addiction risk, but might not be as efficient in reducing ADHD symptoms.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) was the first nonstimulant drug to be approved for use in treating ADHD, and is commonly prescribed as a first-line treatment. It helps by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your brain, which assists nerves send messages more efficiently between brain cells. It also decreases agitation and sleep problems however it can cause some side effects like decreased appetite, stomachaches, tiredness and problems sleeping. In rare instances atomoxetine could trigger suicidal thoughts. Intuniv, a long-acting guanfacine, is another alternative. It raises the levels of norepinephrine, by blocking a mechanism which removes it. It's used to treat ADHD symptoms but is also believed to help with anxiety, and so can be prescribed to children who have both disorders. It can raise blood pressure and heart rate, so it is recommended that you consider having your child's blood tested.
Stimulant medications often cause issues with sleep, appetite, and tics, so some parents opt for nonstimulant treatments to minimize the negative effects. A variety of antidepressants are prescribed to treat ADHD and are commonly referred to 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 impulses. They are often prescribed in isolation, and can be paired with stimulants to enhance their effectiveness.
best adhd medication for adults with anxiety can help you and your child develop coping strategies that can lessen the effects of ADHD symptoms. Certain natural remedies and herbs, like ginkgo biloba, ginseng and passionflower, have been found to be effective in calming hyperactivity, however it is important to talk to 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 like meditation, body-based therapies such as massage and natural products like nutritional supplements. Some alternative treatments are being investigated to determine their effectiveness in helping manage ADHD however more research is needed before they are recommended as a primary treatment option.