ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
Stimulant medications are the first choice of ADHD drugs, with the most research-based evidence behind them, and are fast-acting. But they aren't right for everyone.
These medications boost the communication between nerves and brain regions to lessen ADHD symptoms. These medications can also cause side-effects like a change in heart rate or blood pressure, as well as the loss of appetite.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common medications used to treat ADHD. They are known for improving the quality of attention span as well as reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity and enhancing self-control and focus. They are also known for increasing heart rate and blood pressure and can cause harm for some people. The use of stimulants is for medical and non-medical reasons, including recreational drugs, weight loss aids and illicit drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine or other synthetic cathinones (bath salts) and MDMA/ecstasy.
Amphétamines as well as methylphenidates are the two main stimulant medications prescribed to treat ADHD. They are both available in various forms, including liquids, pills and patches on the skin. Amphetamines, the oldest and most well-known of these medications, are now less prescribed. The medications that contain these ingredients function by changing the way certain neurotransmitters and receptors work within the brain, thereby reducing symptoms of ADHD.
best adhd medication of stimulant medicines fall under the category of first-line treatment, although some doctors may prescribe them as a second-line therapy or in conjunction with other treatments. Stimulants offer quick relief from symptoms that can be felt just hours after having taken them. However, it could take several weeks of continuous use for these medications to achieve their full effectiveness.
These drugs are available in immediate-release and prolonged-release formulations. This flexibility allows you to alter the dosage of your medication to suit your needs. The immediate-release medications begin to work immediately after you swallow them. This is a great option in situations where you need to treat symptoms quickly, like during a test or if you're taking part in a sporting event or at work.
Extended-release stimulant medicines are designed to release their active ingredients over a longer duration, typically throughout the day. This helps you maintain a constant level of medication in your system, which can help improve your compliance and overall adherence.
If you follow the doctor's recommendations and avoid taking other medications or substances which interact with these medications, they are generally safe. They are primarily controlled substances due to their potential for abuse, therefore you will have to get a prescription from your doctor before starting them.
The newer atomoxetine, sold under the brand names Clonidine XR XR and Qelbree, and guanfacine are not stimulants. Both of these drugs are effective in preventing the reabsorption process of norepinephrine a chemical in the brain. They are effective in cutting down on hyperactivity and impulsivity but they don't help improve concentration as well as stimulants do.
Be aware that not all patients respond to non-stimulant adhd medication Always discuss your options with your doctor. Every medication comes with its own side effects that affect people differently. It is essential to be honest and honest about your feelings regarding the medication you are taking with your doctor, so that you can alter the dosage as needed. Also talk to your doctor before you become pregnant or start breastfeeding, since certain drugs may pass through breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you have other health issues like heart disease that could impact the effectiveness of these drugs.