ADHD Medication - The Difference Between Stimulant and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can aid in improving your or your child's ability to concentrate, manage impulses, and complete tasks. But it is not a panacea.
Stimulants improve the communication between nerves in the brain, reducing impulsiveness and excessive activity. Short-acting drugs that have to be taken multiple times per week and long-acting medicines that last for up to 12 hours per day are available.
Stimulants
Many people suffering from ADHD are treated first with stimulant medications. These medications increase dopamine levels in the brain, improving focus and reducing the impulsive behavior. They're most effective if used regularly, but they can be associated with side effects such as trouble sleeping, agitation and rapid heart rate. They can also become habit-forming. For these reasons, it's important to work closely with your doctor before starting or stopping medication, and to follow their instructions on dosage, frequency and usage.
Stimulant medications are available in both short-acting and long-acting versions. The stimulants that short-acting are most effective are peaking in a short time and must be taken two times a day. In contrast, the long-acting drugs - Ritalin (methylphenidate), Concerta(methylphenidate), Adderall(amphetamine), and Vyvanse(lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) - last up to eight hours. Long-acting medicines may decrease the need for additional doses throughout the day, but may be difficult to remember to take.
You'll need to get a prescription for stimulants, and you'll be subject to strict regulations when you decide to change doctors or refill your prescription. The good news is that there are alternative alternatives that offer similar advantages without the risk of dependence or abuse. These medications include:
Nonstimulant ADHD medications take longer to begin working, and you might not be able to feel the full benefit until you've been taking them regularly for three to four weeks. However, if you're struggling keep yourself motivated, are sensitive to side effects or can't take stimulants due to an ancestry of heart problems or addiction, these medicines could be the right choice for you.
Learn Additional , Kapvay and Qelbree all increase the norepinephrine levels in your brain. This helps increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They're usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD that is, they're not approved by the FDA for this reason, but have been used for years to treat various health conditions and found to have an effect on ADHD symptoms.
If you're looking for an alternative to prescription ADHD medication Vyvamind is a great choice that blends cognitive support ingredients with real-world enhancements in mental agility and endurance. Learn Additional is designed to combat mental fatigue, which can be a barrier to those with ADHD. It also boosts 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 aren't appropriate or safe for everyone. They also come with a number of side effects, including decreased appetite, headaches and sleeplessness. Because of this, some doctors use non-stimulant ADHD medications. These drugs, which improve concentration and focus differ from stimulants and don't suffer the same adverse effects.
The 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 and dopamine in the brain. The distinction is that they perform this in a particular part of the brain, that is involved in the process of focusing. The antidepressants can be prescribed to treat depression, anxiety and ADHD.
Although the FDA hasn't granted them this approval, some doctors prescribe them off-label as a treatment for ADHD. They're usually prescribed after other treatments, such as diet and exercise do not seem to be helping. Some experts believe that antidepressants could aid in treating ADHD by improving mood, decreasing anxiety and irritation. This could affect the ability to concentrate.
These medications also have a lower likelihood of abuse and do not affect growth or weight growth. They also can reduce tics such as eye blinking and throat clearing, but they can make them more visible. They might increase heart rate, which can be dangerous for people with heart issues or a history of heart trouble.
Research shows that mixing stimulants and these drugs can make them more efficient than on their own. Before attempting this combination, it's important to talk with your doctor.
Stimulants aren't recommended for children who aren't yet 12 years old. They might cause long-term changes in the brains of teens and young kids which can be detrimental for their mental health in later life. They can also cause weight loss and reduce appetite, and they may increase the risk of having seizures for certain children.
It's not common, but some children with severe ADHD do not respond well to stimulant medication. They may require another type of treatment, such as atomoxetine or Guanfacine XR.
Other medicines
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD and are often the first medicine that a doctor prescribes. These drugs can help a person focus and improve their memory, but they can also cause negative side effects such as insomnia and stomachaches, headaches, and heart palpitations. Many people with ADHD look for stimulants to treat their symptoms. These alternatives include natural supplements and changes in diet and cognitive behavioral therapy.
While some holistic methods may help treat ADHD symptoms, they might not be effective for everyone. They are most effective when used in conjunction with more traditional treatments such as psychiatric therapy. For example therapy can teach patients techniques to manage their symptoms and develop an action plan to achieve their goals.
Nonstimulant ADHD medications, such as Atomoxetine (brand name Strattera *discontinued in 2022) Guanfacine, atomoxetine, as well as viloxazine, can be prescribed to treat children with ADHD. Atomoxetine works to reduce symptoms by preventing the reuptake process of norepinephrine which is a neurotransmitter that regulates behavior1. Viloxazine as well as Guanfacine with a long-acting also alpha agonists, which were developed to treat high pressure. These drugs can help calm tics and improve sleep as well as decrease aggression. However they aren't as effective in improving concentration.
They're less effective than stimulants, but can be beneficial for people who can't take stimulants, or do not see their benefits. They are also less likely to cause heart problems, which can be a serious issue for children with ADHD.
L-tyrosine is another alternative to stimulants. This naturally occurring amino acid may improve brain health through increased levels of epinephrine and dopamine. This supplement is available at health food stores, but it's important to consult with a physician prior to taking it. Melatonin can also be effective in treating sleep disorders and insomnia related to ADHD. It is available as an over-the-counter sleep aid and has been shown to be effective for certain people with ADHD. These natural ADHD treatments are worth a try for those suffering from symptoms but cannot or prefer not to take prescription medications.
Other treatment options
If you or your child's stimulant medication does not work, or the side effects are too great, your doctor may prescribe another medication. Non-stimulant medication has less abuse or addiction risk, but might not be as efficient in reducing ADHD symptoms.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera was the first nonstimulant medication approved to treat ADHD. It is often used as a primary treatment. It works by boosting the levels of a neurotransmitter in the brain called norepinephrine which assists nerves in better transmitting messages between brain cells. It also helps reduce agitation, fatigue and sleep issues however it can cause some adverse effects, such as a decrease in appetite, stomachaches and sleep issues. In rare instances, atomoxetine can cause suicidal thoughts. Intuniv Guanfacine, a long-acting drug is a different option. It boosts the amount of norepinephrine, by blocking a mechanism that removes it. It is used to treat ADHD symptoms however, it has also been proven to reduce anxiety. Therefore, it can be prescribed to kids who suffer from both disorders. It can raise blood pressure and heart rate which is why you should consider having your child's blood tested.
Some parents choose nonstimulant medications to minimize the adverse effects of stimulant drugs, such as tics, sleep problems, and issues with appetite. Antidepressants can be prescribed for ADHD. They're referred to as SNRIs, also known as alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. They affect dopamine and norepinephrine levels in your brain, which may improve your mood and focus, and aid in controlling impulses. These drugs can be used alone or together with stimulants.
Behavioral therapy can aid you and your child learn coping skills that will help reduce the impact of ADHD symptoms. Certain natural remedies and herbs, including Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and passionflower, have been proven to help calm hyperactivity, however it is important to consult with your doctor before starting any supplementation.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine is an expression used to describe treatments that are outside the norm of Western medicine. These treatments include practices that focus on the mind like meditation, body-based methods like massage, as well as natural products like nutritional supplements. Some alternative treatments are being studied for their effectiveness in helping to manage ADHD, but more research is required before they can be suggested as a main treatment option.