ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
Stimulant drugs are the most popular ADHD medication, as they're the most researched and have a rapid-acting effect. However, they're not for everyone.
These drugs increase the communication between nerves and areas in the brain to lessen symptoms of ADHD. These medications can also trigger adverse effects such as a change in heart rate or blood pressure, as well as an increase in appetite.
Stimulants
The most common medication used to treat ADHD is stimulants. They are known for improving attention span, reducing impulsivity and hyperactivity and enhancing concentration and self-discipline. They are also known for raising blood pressure and heart rate and can cause harm in some people. They have a long history of usage for both medical and non-medical reasons such as recreational drugs, performance enhancers and weight loss aids and illicit drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine (meth) or other synthetic cathinones ("bath salts") and MDMA/ecstasy.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are two main stimulant medications prescribed to treat ADHD. They are both available in various forms including pills, liquids and skin patches. Amphetamines, the oldest and most common of these medications, are now less prescribed. The medicines that contain these ingredients work by changing the way certain neurotransmitters and receptors function in the brain to lessen symptoms of ADHD.
Most stimulant medications are considered first-line treatments, though some doctors may choose to prescribe them as second-line treatments or as a combination therapy. They are a great option for offering quick relief from symptoms, which can be felt within a matter of hours after taking them. However, it may require several weeks of regular usage for these medicines to reach full effectiveness.
They are available in immediate-release and extended-release forms. how to treat adhd without medication in adults allows you to adjust your medication intake to fit your needs. Medicines that are taken immediately begin to work immediately after they're taken in and are beneficial in situations that require immediate control of symptoms for instance, prior to an important test or during sporting events or at work.
Extended-release stimulant medication is formulated to release active ingredients over a longer period of time, typically throughout the day. This allows you to maintain the same amount of medication in your system, which can help increase your adherence and overall compliance.
If you follow the prescriptions of your doctor and avoid taking other medications or substances which interact with these medications they are generally safe. They're primarily controlled substances because of their potential for abuse, which is why you will have to get a prescription from your doctor prior to starting the treatment.
The newer atomoxetine, sold under the brand names Clonidine XR XR and Qelbree, as well as guanfacine, are not stimulants. Both these medications affect the brain chemical norepinephrine by inhibiting its reabsorption. They can be effective in cutting down on hyperactivity and impulsivity but don't improve concentration as well as stimulants do.
Always discuss your options with a physician. Every medication has its own set of side effects and can affect people differently. It is important to remain honest and open with your doctor about how you feel about the medication, so that you can adjust your dosage if necessary. Also, talk to your doctor before you become pregnant or start breastfeeding, since certain drugs may pass through breast milk. Consult your doctor if any other health issues like heart disease could affect the effectiveness of these medications.