10 Reasons Why People Hate Non Stimulant ADHD Medication

ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?

For a lot of people stimulant medication is the first choice to treat ADHD. However, for some people, they cause side effects or don't help.

Some doctors prescribe stimulants along with non-stimulant ADHD medications. These include medications to treat high blood-pressure like clonidine or guanfacine (Tenex). They also include others which help in promoting wakefulness.

Benefits

Stimulants are among the first drugs doctors usually prescribe to treat ADHD. They work by boosting communication between nerves in the brain. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) dopamine and norepinephrine which improve concentration and reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity. These drugs are available in various forms and belong to two categories of drugs amphetamines and methylphenidates. Due to their potential for abuse, they are classified as controlled substances. The dosage, distribution and usage of these drugs are tightly regulated.

Doctors may prescribe a mix medication which includes stimulants and nonstimulants.  over the counter adhd medication  may do this because a stimulant doesn't work well enough or because of intolerable adverse effects, or because a person has an underlying mental health condition that needs to be treated. Combination treatments are commonplace in both adults and children.

Nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine, viloxazine, and guanfacine. These drugs are well-tolerated and don't pose the same dangers of abuse or addiction as stimulants. They might take longer to work and last less than stimulants, but they can be effective in treating ADHD symptoms.

The majority of people who use non-stimulant ADHD medication report that they experience mild to moderate side effects, such as headaches, stomach upsets dry mouth and sleepiness. Some people may have difficulty staying awake when taking these drugs. However this is not as much of a problem for children than adults.

Consult your physician if you or your child are considering taking medication for ADHD. They'll explain what medication is available, the benefits and risks of each, and the best way to start. They will also help you select the best dosage and medication for your needs.

It may take a few times to determine the correct dosage and medication. The goal is to control your ADHD symptoms with the lowest amount of side negative effects. Once you find the right medication, it's important to adhere to it as when you stop taking it, your symptoms will return. Most people suffering from ADHD need to take these medications for the rest of their lives.

Dosage

Stimulant medications like Adderall (methylphenidate/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) increase levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which boosts communication between nerves. This increases concentration and focus and decreases hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. It is the first type that doctors prescribe for ADHD. However, it's not suitable for everyone and may cause side effects that are intolerable.

Non-stimulant medications that have been approved by FDA like Strattera (atomoxetine), and Intuniv(guanfacine) can be used to treat ADHD among adults. They are able to reduce symptoms directly on the prefrontal cortex of the brain, and creating an calming effect. They are frequently used as an adjunct to stimulant medication or if you aren't able to respond well to stimulants.

Both atomoxetine (also called Guanfacine) and guanfacine belong the alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists category of drugs. This means that they function by blocking receptors that send dopamine from one cell to the next. This allows other chemicals to enter the brain, such as norepinephrine. It can be calming and improves attention, as well as reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity.

The methylphenidate and amphetamine and other classes of ADHD drugs are effective in decreasing or eliminating symptoms of ADHD. However, they can be misused and addictive, leading to overdose. They're classified as controlled substances and have "boxed warnings" which warn users of these risks. They are also susceptible to shortages.

Short-acting stimulants begin to work within 30 to 45 minutes of taking them, and last for 3-4 hours. They can be taken at least three times a day. Long-acting and intermediate stimulants are more difficult to activate but can relieve symptoms for up to 8-16 hours. They can be taken just once a day, and are a great option when you are struggling to remember to take your medication at the same time every day.

As the medication wears off certain people suffer from a rebound effect. This means that their symptoms will return to their previous levels. This can cause short-lived fatigue, mood swings and an intense hunger. Altering the dosage, time you take it, or the type of medication you use can help prevent this from occurring. If you're experiencing this issue discuss with your doctor about how you can make changes to your medication.

Side effects

Stimulant ADHD medication boosts the levels of dopamine in brain cells, which improves focus and reduces impulsive behavior. They may also improve memory and decrease aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These are usually given in capsule form, but certain children can take them in drops or chewable tablets. The stimulants can cause side effects, including dry mouth, reduced appetite, and trouble sleeping. In some cases, these effects are minor and disappear as the medication wears off. In other cases, they can be serious and require medical attention.

Non-stimulant medication can help treat ADHD symptoms by targeting neurotransmitters inside the brain. They also have a lower risk for addiction or dependence than stimulants. Common adverse reactions of these medications include drowsiness and loss of appetite, and dizziness. The risk of drowsiness is reduced by taking the medication earlier in the morning, eating meals before the medication starts to work and avoiding beverages with caffeine.

Many people respond better to extended release medications. These formulations are slowly absorbed within the body and decrease the possibility of running out too fast and causing symptoms to get worse. They help you remember to take your medication, especially if either you or your child has difficulty keeping track of several pill bottles.

Most adults and children who take medication to treat ADHD will experience some side effects. These side effects can be controlled by monitoring your or your child's reactions and making adjustments to the dosage and taking the medication as prescribed. If you or your child suffers unpleasant or potentially dangerous side effects, consult with an expert in mental health regarding the possibility of switching to a different type of medication.

Sometimes, it takes time to find the right medication for someone with ADHD. In addition, it's not uncommon for a doctor to switch you or your child between the two categories of medications--stimulant and non-stimulant--because one isn't effective or causes intolerable side effects.

Monitoring

It's important to remember that ADHD medication can help control symptoms, but isn't an effective cure. Your doctor may have to keep an eye on you or your child and adjust the dosage until it is effective at controlling your symptoms, with no side effects. The medication is typically only one aspect of the treatment plan for ADHD, along with therapy as well as support from family and teachers.

Stimulant medicines are the most common ADHD drugs. They are effective in increasing levels of brain chemicals that increase focus and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Side effects can include weight loss and sleeplessness or sleeping, stomachaches and headaches, jitteriness and increased heart rate.

It can take a while to determine the best dosage and medication for you or your child's specific requirements. It could take a few weeks or months for the benefits of a drug to be apparent. During this time it is crucial to follow the instructions of your doctor carefully and report any adverse effects.

Although stimulants are quick-acting and offer a benefit however, they also carry a higher chance of abuse and dependence. This is why many people avoid taking them, especially children and young adults. Non-stimulant medicines can be equally effective and are a better choice for people who cannot endure the negative side effects of stimulants.

Non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine, dextroamphetamine, and guanfacine. These drugs are endorsed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for other conditions, but can also be used to treat ADHD "off-label".

Recent research has shown that long-term ADHD medication usage is associated with an increase in CVD risk. The risk was higher as the dose of the medication was increased and was greater for girls and boys. Researchers recommend that patients be closely monitored and undergo regular health screenings. This is especially true for high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. This is particularly true if there is a family history of cardiovascular disease.