ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?
Stimulant medications are the first-choice ADHD treatment, since they're the most researched and have the fastest-acting effects. But they aren't right for everyone.
These medications enhance the signaling between brain regions and nerves to decrease ADHD symptoms. They can also cause negative side effects, such as the loss of appetite or changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
Stimulants
The most frequently used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. They are known for enhancing attention span, decreasing impulsivity and hyperactivity and improving focus and discipline. They also have a reputation for raising blood pressure and heart rate and can cause harm in certain people. The use of stimulants is for medical and non-medical purposes, including recreational drugs, weight loss aids and illicit drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine or other synthetic cathinones (bath salts) and MDMA/ecstasy.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are two main stimulant medications prescribed to treat ADHD. Both are available in a variety of forms including pills, liquids and skin patches. Amphetamines are the earliest and most well-known drugs, and methylphenidates are being prescribed more frequently as the years go by. The medications that contain these ingredients function by altering the way that certain neurotransmitters and receptors function within the brain, thereby reducing symptoms of ADHD.
The majority of stimulant medications are considered first-line treatments, although some doctors might choose to prescribe them as second-line treatments or as a combination therapy. Stimulants offer quick relief from symptoms that can be felt just hours after taking them. However, it may take several weeks of continuous use for these medications to achieve their full effectiveness.
They come in immediate-release and extended-release formulations. This flexibility lets you adjust the dosage of your medication according to your requirements. The immediate-release medications begin to work as soon as you swallow them. This is an ideal option for situations where you want to control symptoms quickly, for instance during a test, or if you're participating in a sporting event or at work.
Extended-release stimulant medicine is designed to release active ingredients over a long period of time, usually throughout the day. This allows you to maintain a steady level of the medication in your body, which could increase compliance and overall adhesion to your treatment plan.
They are generally safe to take if you follow the instructions from your doctor and stay clear of other drugs or substances that interact with them. These are generally controlled substances due to their potential for abuse. You'll need a prescription before you begin taking these drugs.
Medications that aren't considered stimulants include the more recent atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and Guanfacine (brand names Clonidine XR, XR and Qelbree). Both these medications affect the brain chemical norepinephrine by inhibiting its absorption. adhd medication for adults uk can be effective in reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity, but they don't improve your concentration as effectively as stimulants.
Keep in mind that not all patients react to non-stimulant medication for adhd Always discuss your options with your physician. Every medication comes with its own adverse effects that can affect individuals differently. It's essential to remain honest and open with your doctor about how you feel about the medication, so that you can adjust the dosage if needed. Talk to your doctor before you start to have babies or become pregnant because some of these drugs can pass through breast milk. Ask your doctor about other health issues like heart issues could affect the effectiveness of these drugs.