ADHD Medication - The Difference Between Stimulant and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can enhance your child's concentration, impulse control and ability to complete tasks. However, it's not a panacea.
Stimulants help boost communication between brain nerves to reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Short-acting drugs that have to be taken multiple times per week and long-acting medicines that can last up to 12 hours per day are available.
Stimulants
Many people suffering from ADHD are treated first with stimulant medications. They increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, which improve focus and reduce the impulsive behavior. The most effective effects of the drugs occur when they are taken regularly. However, they may cause adverse effects such as difficulty sleeping, agitation and a rapid heart rate. They may also turn into a habit. Because of this, it is crucial to consult with your doctor before starting or stopping medication, and to follow their instructions on dosage, frequency, and use.
Stimulant drugs are available in both short-acting and long-acting versions. The stimulants that short-acting are most effective have a peak effect within a few hours and should be taken at least twice daily. The long-acting pills - Ritalin (methylphenidate), Concerta(methylphenidate), Adderall(amphetamine), and Vyvanse(lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) can last for up to eight hours. Long-acting medicines may decrease the need for supplemental doses throughout the day, but they can be harder to remember to take.
Because stimulants are considered controlled substances in most jurisdictions that require prescriptions to get them. You'll also be subject to strict regulations when refilling or switching doctors. There are alternatives that provide similar benefits, without the danger of abuse or addiction. These medications include:
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes longer to take effect. You may not feel their full benefits until after three to four weeks of regular usage. These medications may be the right choice for you if you are struggling to get motivated, you are sensitive to adverse effects, or are unable to take stimulants due an addiction or family history.
The medications Strattera (atomoxetine), Kapvay (clonidine hydrochloride) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are designed to increase the amount of norepinephrine in your brain, which can increase concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. They're typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD that is, they're not approved by the FDA for this purpose, but they have been used for decades to treat various health conditions and have been proven to affect ADHD symptoms.
If you're looking for an alternative to prescription ADHD medication Vyvamind is a great choice that blends cognitive support ingredients with real-world enhancements in endurance and mental agility. It's designed to combat mental fatigue, which can be a hindrance to those with ADHD. It also improves the mood and resilience to stressful situations, which are crucial in managing ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants
Although stimulants are often the first choice of ADHD medication for adults, they're not efficient or safe for everyone. They also come with a number of adverse effects, including a decreased appetite, headaches, and insomnia. Some doctors prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medications to treat these issues. These drugs work differently than stimulants, and do not have the same side-effects.
The medications that fall into this category are atomoxetine bupropion and venlafaxine. Like stimulants, they increase levels of the chemical messengers norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. The difference is that they do this in a certain area of the brain which is involved in attention. These antidepressants can be prescribed to treat anxiety, depression and ADHD.
Info hasn't officially approved them for this purpose however, some doctors do prescribe them as an off-label treatment for ADHD. They're usually prescribed after other treatments, such as diet and exercise, don't seem to be helping. Certain experts believe that antidepressants can help ADHD by improving mood, reducing anxiety and anger. This could affect the ability to concentrate.
These medicines also have a lower likelihood of abuse and don't impact growth or weight increase. They can also decrease the frequency of tics, like eye blinking and throat clearing however they may make them more apparent. They can also increase heart rate, which is risky for those with heart problems.
Some research shows that combining stimulants with these medications could make them more effective than or in isolation. Before trying this combination, it's important to talk with your doctor.
Children under 12 years of age are not recommended to consume stimulants. They can cause long-term changes in the brains of teenagers and young kids that could be harmful for their mental health later on in life. They may also decrease appetite and cause weight loss, and could increase the risk of seizures in a few children.
It's not common but certain children with severe ADHD don't respond well to stimulant medications. They might require another treatment, such as Guanfacine or atomoxetine.
Other medications
Stimulants, the most commonly used medication prescribed by doctors for ADHD are often the first medications prescribed. These drugs can help enhance focus and memory, but they come with negative effects such as heart palpitations, headaches and stomachaches. Because of this, many people suffering from ADHD are seeking alternatives to stimulants for treatment of their symptoms. Some of these alternatives include natural supplements, diet modifications and cognitive behavior therapy.
While some holistic methods can help treat ADHD symptoms, they may not be effective for all people. These methods are most effective when combined with more traditional methods of treatment, such as psychotherapy. For instance therapy can teach patients techniques to manage their symptoms and develop an action plan for success.
Nonstimulant ADHD medications, such as Atomoxetine (brand name Strattera *discontinued in 2022), guanfacine, and viloxazine are all available to treat children suffering from ADHD. Atomoxetine helps to decrease symptoms by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine, which is a neurotransmitter that regulates behavior1. In the same way, long-acting Guanfacine and viloxazine are both alpha agonists, and were initially created to treat high blood pressure. These drugs can be used to help reduce the tics and improve sleep, as well as reduce aggression. However, they are not as effective in boosting concentration.
They're less effective than stimulants, but can still be helpful for those who cannot take stimulants, or do not see their benefits. They're also less likely to cause heart problems, which could be a serious issue for children with ADHD.
L-tyrosine can be a good alternative to stimulants. This naturally occurring amino acid may improve brain health through increased levels of dopamine and epinephrine. This supplement is available in health food shops, but it's important to consult a doctor prior to taking it. Melatonin is also effective for treating insomnia and sleep disorders that are associated with ADHD. medication for adhd is available as a sleep aid on the market and has been proven effective in treating some people with ADHD. These natural ADHD treatments are worth trying for those suffering from symptoms but cannot or aren't interested in taking prescription drugs.
Other treatment options
If your stimulant medication isn't working or the side effects of your stimulant medication are too extreme, your doctor may prescribe a different drug. Non-stimulant medications have less potential for abuse or addiction however they may not be as effective at reducing ADHD symptoms, particularly for children in the early years of their development.
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera, was the first non-stimulant drug approved to treat ADHD. It is usually prescribed as a primary treatment. It is a stimulant that increases the amount of norepinephrine in your brain, which helps nerve cells transmit messages more efficiently between brain cells. It also reduces agitation fatigue and sleep problems but it also has some negative consequences, including a decreased appetite, stomachaches and sleeping issues. Atomoxetine may cause suicidal feelings in rare cases. Intuniv is a guanfacine that acts long-term is a second alternative. It increases the level of norepinephrine through blocking a mechanism that eliminates it. It is used to treat ADHD symptoms but it has also been proven to reduce anxiety. Therefore, it could be prescribed to kids who have both disorders. It can increase the heart rate and blood pressure However, it's important to have your child's blood pressure checked.
Certain parents opt for nonstimulant medicines to reduce the side effects of stimulant medications like sleep issues, tics and issues with appetite. Antidepressants can be prescribed for ADHD. They are commonly referred to as SNRIs or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. They can help improve your mood and focus as well as assist in controlling impulses. These drugs can be used alone or together with stimulants.
Behavioral therapy is regarded as an essential aspect of treatment for people suffering from ADHD, and it can help your child or you learn strategies to manage stress and reduce the effects of ADHD symptoms. Some natural products and herbs, like ginkgo biloba, ginseng and passionflower, have been found to be effective in calming hyperactivity, but it's important to consult your doctor before starting any supplementation.
Complementary and alternative medicine is an expression used to describe treatments that fall outside the norm of Western medicine. These treatments include practices that focus on the mind such as meditation, body-based approaches such as massage and natural products such as nutritional supplements. Alternative treatments are being tested to determine their effectiveness in helping manage ADHD. However, more research is required before they are recommended as the primary treatment option.