How To Explain Non Stimulant ADHD Medication To Your Boss
ADHD Medications – Stimulant Or Non Stimulant? For a lot of people stimulant medication is the first choice to treat ADHD. Certain people experience side effects or they don't work. Doctors may prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medications instead, or in conjunction with stimulants. These medications include those that treat high blood pressure, like Clonidine and Guanfacine hcl (Tenex). These are in addition to other medicines that help to increase awakening. Benefits Stimulants are the first medications doctors typically prescribe to treat ADHD. They help improve communication between nerves within the brain. These medications boost levels of neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers like dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps improve concentration and decrease excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs come in various forms and belong to two categories of drugs amphetamines or methylphenidates. They are controlled substances due to the possibility of the potential for abuse. The dosage, distribution, and use of these medications are tightly controlled. Doctors can prescribe a combination medication that includes nonstimulants and stimulants. They might do this because a stimulant doesn't work well enough, or because of insufferable adverse effects, or because a person is suffering from an underlying mental health issue that requires to be treated. Children and adults often receive combination treatments. Viloxazine and Guanfacine as well as Atomoxetine are all non-stimulant drugs. They are generally well-tolerated and don't carry the same danger of addiction or abuse as stimulants do. They can take longer to begin working and do not last as long as stimulants do, however they are often effective in treating symptoms of ADHD. Most people who take nonstimulant ADHD medication report mild to moderate side effects, including headaches, stomach upsets, dry mouth and insomnia. Some people may have trouble staying awake when they take these medications. However, this is less of an issue for children than for adults. Consult your physician If you or your child is thinking about medication for ADHD. They'll discuss the various medications, their benefits and risks, and how you can start. They'll also help you choose a medication and dose that works best for you. It may take a few tries to land on the right dosage and medication. The goal is to control ADHD symptoms with as few side effects as possible. Once you've found a suitable medication, you must continue to take it. If adhd anxiety medication stop taking it, your symptoms will return. Most people with ADHD require these medications throughout 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 reduces hyperactivity as well as the tendency to be impulsive. It's the first medication that doctors usually prescribe for ADHD. But, it's not a good fit for everyone and may cause undesirable side effects. Non-stimulant drugs that are FDA-approved such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv(guanfacine) can be used to treat ADHD in adults. They alleviate symptoms by directly affecting the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which creates a calming affect. They are often utilized in conjunction with stimulant medications, or if the stimulant medication fails to work for you. Both atomoxetine as well as guanfacine fall part of the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists class of medications which means that they work by blocking receptors that send dopamine to other cells. This allows other chemicals in the brain, like norepinephrine to enter the brain and create an calming effect that improves attention and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. The methylphenidate and amphetamine and various other classes of ADHD drugs are effective in alleviating or eliminating symptoms associated with ADHD. However they are also susceptible to being misused and addictive, leading to overdose. These substances are categorized as controlled substances and come with “boxed” warnings that warn users of the dangers. These drugs are also prone to shortages. Short-acting stimulants begin to work within 30 minutes and last for 3-4 hours. They can be taken as often as three times a day. Long-acting and intermediate stimulants take longer to act, but they can relieve symptoms for 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. When the medication wears off some people suffer from a rebound effect. This means that their symptoms will return to their previous levels. This can result in short-lasting fatigue, mood swings and an intense hunger. This can be prevented by changing the dosage, when it is taken or the kind of medication. If you're experiencing this type of problem consult your physician about the best way to make changes to your medication. Side effects Stimulant ADHD medications increase dopamine levels in the brain, promoting focus and reducing hyperactive and impulsive behavior. They may also improve memory and decrease aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These medications are usually consumed orally in capsules however some children use them as chewable tablets or drops. Stimulants have the potential to cause side effects, such as dry mouth, a decrease in appetite, and trouble sleeping. In some cases, the side effects are minor and disappear as soon as the drug wears off. In other instances, they can be serious and require medical attention. Non-stimulant medication helps manage ADHD symptoms by targeting neurotransmitters in the brain. They may also carry an lower risk of dependence or addiction than stimulants. Common adverse reactions of these medications include drowsiness and loss of appetite and dizziness. Drowsiness can be minimized by taking the medication earlier in the morning, eating meals before the medication begins to work and avoiding beverages with caffeine. Many people respond better to long-acting or extended release drugs. This is due to the fact that these formulations build up gradually in the body, reducing the risk of the drug wearing off too quickly and causing symptoms to return more severe than they were before. They also help make it easier to take the medication on a regular basis, especially if you or your child struggles to keep the track of several pills. The majority of children and adults who take medication to treat ADHD will experience adverse effects. These side effects can be managed by monitoring your the child's reactions and making adjustments to the dosage and using the medication only as directed. Consult an expert in mental health care when you or your child experience uncomfortable or harmful adverse reactions. Sometimes, it can take 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 is important to keep in mind that ADHD medication can be used to manage symptoms, but it is not an effective cure. Your doctor may alter the dosage to control your symptoms while minimizing side effects. Medication is typically just one part of the treatment program for ADHD in addition to therapy and support from family members and teachers. The most common ADHD medications are stimulant medications. They work by increasing brain chemicals that improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Some of the side effects include a loss of appetite and sleeplessness stomachaches and headaches as well as jitteriness and an increased heart rate. It may take a while to determine the appropriate dosage and dosage for your or your child's particular requirements. Sometimes it takes anywhere from between a few weeks and several months before the benefits of the drug become evident. During this period, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions and report any side effects. While stimulants offer the benefit of being fast-acting, they can be more prone to abuse and dependence. This is the reason why many are hesitant to take them, particularly young children and adolescents. Non-stimulant medicines can be just as efficient and are a good alternative for those who cannot tolerate the side effects of stimulants. There are several different types of non-stimulant drugs, including atomoxetine (Strattera), dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) and Guanfacine (Concerta). These drugs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for other conditions, but can also be used to treat ADHD “off-label”. A recent study has found that long-term use of ADHD medications is associated with a higher risk of CVD. The risk was higher as the dose of the medication increased, and was higher for girls and boys. The researchers recommend that patients be closely monitored and receive regular health screenings, especially for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This is especially true when the person has an early family history of cardiovascular disease or heart attack.