ADHD Medication - The Difference Between Stimulant and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can improve your child's or your own ability to concentrate, manage impulses and stick to tasks. But it's not a magic bullet.
Stimulants improve the communication between nerves within the brain, which reduces impulsiveness and excessive activity. Short-acting medications that must be taken multiple times per week, and long-acting medications that last for up to 12 hours a day are available.
Stimulants
For many people suffering from ADHD stimulant medications are the first choice for treatment. They increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, improving concentration and reduce the impulsive behavior. They're most effective if taken regularly, but can also cause side effects such as trouble sleeping, agitation and an increased heart rate. They can also be habit-forming. For these reasons, it is crucial to consult with your doctor before starting or stopping medication. Always follow their instructions on dosage, frequency, and use.
Long-acting stimulant medications as well as short-acting stimulant medications are both available. The stimulants with short-acting effects have a peak effect within a few hours and need to be taken two times a day. Meanwhile, the long-acting medications such as Ritalin (methylphenidate), Concerta(methylphenidate), Adderall(amphetamine), and Vyvanse(lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) can last for up to eight hours. Long-acting medications can decrease the need for additional doses throughout the day. However it can be a challenge to remember.
You'll need to obtain prescriptions for stimulants, and you will be subjected to strict rules if you want to switch doctors or refill your prescription. There are other options that can provide similar benefits, without the risk of abuse or addiction. These medications include:
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to kick in and you may not be able to feel the full benefit until you've been taking them consistently for three to four weeks. These medications could be the right choice for you if you're struggling to stay motivated, are sensitive to side-effects, or you cannot take stimulants due to an addiction history in your family or a family history.
Strattera, Kapvay and Qelbree all increase the levels of norepinephrine in your brain. This helps improve concentration and manage impulse control and hyperactivity. They're typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD, meaning they're not approved by the FDA for this purpose, but have been used for decades to treat other health conditions and have been found to affect ADHD symptoms.
Vyvamind, a natural substitute for prescription ADHD medication that incorporates cognitive support ingredients, is a great option. It provides real-world improvements to mental endurance and mental agility. It is designed to combat mental fatigue, which can be a challenge for those suffering from ADHD. It also enhances mood and resilience to stressful situations, which are crucial in managing ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants
While stimulants are the first-choice ADHD medications for adults, they're not efficient or safe for everyone. Other negative effects include headaches less appetite and insomnia. This is why certain doctors prescribe non-stimulant ADHD drugs. These drugs, which enhance focus and concentration, work differently from stimulants and don't have the same negative side effects.
The medications that fall into this category are atomoxetine, bupropion, and venlafaxine. They boost the levels of chemical messengers, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, just as stimulants. They only affect a part of the brain that is associated with attention. These antidepressants are prescribed to treat depression, anxiety and ADHD.
Although the FDA hasn't given them approval for this use Some doctors prescribe them off-label to treat for ADHD. They're typically tried after other treatments, like diet and exercise, don't seem to be aiding. Some experts believe that antidepressants can aid in the treatment of ADHD by improving mood and decreasing anxiety and irritability. These can affect the way someone concentrates.
They also have a lower chance of abuse and don't affect growth or weight gain. They also reduce tics, including eye blinking or throat clearing however they may make them more apparent. They can also raise heart rate, which is risky for those who have heart problems.
A few studies have shown that mixing stimulants with these medications could make them more effective than either alone. It is important to consult an experienced doctor before attempting this combination.
Stimulants aren't recommended for children under age 12. They can trigger permanent brain changes in teens and young children, which could affect their mental health later on in their lives. They may also cause weight loss and reduce appetite, and they may increase the risk of having seizures for certain children.
It's not common but certain children with severe ADHD don't respond well to stimulant medication. They may need another treatment, such as Guanfacine or atomoxetine.
Other medication
Stimulants are among the most popular treatment for ADHD, and they're often the first prescription that a doctor prescribes. They can improve memory and focus but they also have adverse effects like headaches, heart palpitations, and stomachaches. Many people with ADHD seek stimulants as an alternative to manage their symptoms. These alternatives include natural supplements, diet changes, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Some holistic approaches can be helpful in treating ADHD symptoms. However, they may not work for all patients. These treatments are most successful when paired with conventional methods of treatment, such as psychiatric therapy. For example the therapist can instruct patients on how to manage their symptoms and formulate an action plan for success.
Nonstimulant ADHD medication, such as atomoxetine (brand name Strattera discontinued in 2022) Guanfacine, atomoxetine, and viloxazine, are available to treat children suffering from ADHD. Atomoxetine reduces symptoms by preventing the reuptake of norepinephrine, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for controlling behavior1. Viloxazine as well as Guanfacine with a long-acting also alpha agonists, which were created to treat high blood pressure. These drugs can help calm tics and help with aggression and sleep, but they're not as effective at improving concentration.
These drugs have a slower start than stimulants, however they may be beneficial to those who don't perceive the benefits of stimulants. They are also less likely to cause heart problems, which can be a serious concern for some kids with ADHD.
Another option to supplement stimulants is L-tyrosine. It is a naturally occurring amino acid that can improve brain health by increasing levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. This supplement is available in health food stores but it's essential to consult a doctor prior to taking it. Additionally, melatonin can help with insomnia and sleep disorders that are associated with ADHD. It is available in the form of a sleep aid that is available over-the-counter and has been proven to be effective in treating some people with ADHD. These natural ADHD treatment options are worth considering for those who are struggling with symptoms but aren't able or don't want to use prescription medications.
Other treatment options
If your stimulant medication isn't working or the side effects of your stimulant medication are too severe, your doctor might prescribe a different drug. Non-stimulant medicines are less prone for addiction or abuse, but they aren't as effective at reducing ADHD symptoms, particularly for children in the early years of their development.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) was the first non-stimulant medication to be approved in treating ADHD, and is commonly prescribed as a first-line treatment. It works by raising the level of a neurotransmitter inside your brain called norepinephrine, which helps nerves better pass messages between brain cells. It also helps reduce anxiety and sleep issues however, it can cause certain side effects, such as decreased appetite, stomachaches, tiredness and problems sleeping. Atomoxetine could trigger suicidal feeling in rare cases. Long-acting guanfacine (Intuniv) is another option that increases the amount of norepinephrine in your body, by blocking a mechanism to eliminate it. It is used to treat ADHD symptoms but it has also been found to help with anxiety. This is why it can be prescribed to kids who suffer from both disorders. It may increase heart rate and blood pressure and therefore you should take your child's blood pressure into consideration.
The use of stimulants can cause problems with sleep, tics, and appetite, so some parents opt for nonstimulant treatments to reduce these side effects. Antidepressants are prescribed for ADHD. They're commonly known as SNRIs or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. They alter norepinephrine and dopamine levels in your brain, which can enhance your mood and focus, and help with impulse control. These drugs can be given as a single dose or in combination with stimulants.
Behavioral therapy can help you and your child develop coping skills that can help reduce the impact of ADHD symptoms. Certain natural remedies and herbs, such as ginkgo biloba, ginseng and passionflower, have been shown to help calm hyperactivity, but it's crucial to talk to your doctor before taking any supplementation.
Complementary and alternative medicine is broad term that refers to treatments that fall outside of the norms of Western medical practice. These therapies include mind-body practices such as meditation, body-based therapies such as massage and natural products like nutritional supplements. Alternative treatments are being tested for their efficacy in helping manage ADHD. However, adhd medication pregnancy is required before they can be recommended as the main treatment method.