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ADHD Medications – Stimulant Or Non Stimulant? Stimulant drugs are the most popular treatment for ADHD and for many people, they are effective. However, for some patients, they trigger side negative effects or aren't helpful. Doctors often prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication instead, or in combination with stimulants. These include medications to treat high blood-pressure, such as clonidine or Guanfacine (Tenex). adhd sleep medication include others that help to increase awakening. Benefits The first drug doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulants. They work by increasing communication between brain nerves. These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) dopamine and norepinephrine which aid in improving concentration and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs come in different forms and belong to two categories of drugs amphetamines or methylphenidates. They are controlled substances because of the possibility of abuse. The dosage, distribution and usage of these drugs are strictly controlled. Doctors can prescribe a mix of stimulant and nonstimulant medications. They might do this because a stimulant isn't working well enough or because of undesirable side effects or if a person is suffering from an underlying mental health issue that needs to be treated. Combination treatments are common in both adults and children. Viloxazine, guanfacine, and Atomoxetine are all non-stimulant drugs. These medications are generally well-tolerated and don't pose the same risk for abuse or addiction as stimulants do. They may take longer to start working and they don't last as long as stimulants, however they're usually effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD. The majority of people who use non-stimulant ADHD medications experience moderate to mild side-effects. They can experience headaches, stomach upsets, and sleepiness. Some people may be more difficult to stay awake when taking these medications but this can be less of a problem for children than for adults. If you're thinking of taking medication to manage your or your child's ADHD discuss with your doctor about it. They will explain the different medications as well as their advantages and risks and how to start. They'll also help you choose the right dosage and medication for your needs. It could take a few attempts to find the right dosage and medication. The aim is to manage your ADHD symptoms with the least number of side negative effects. Once you've found a suitable medication, you must continue to take it. If you stop taking it, your symptoms will return. The majority of people with ADHD have to take 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 improves focus, concentration and decreases impulsivity and hyperactivity. It is the first form that doctors prescribe for ADHD. But, it's not a good fit for everyone, and it can cause adverse effects that are unpalatable. Non-stimulant drugs, like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv (guanfacine), are FDA-approved for treating ADHD in adults. They are able to reduce symptoms by directly acting on the prefrontal cortex of the brain, and creating a calming effect. They are typically used as an adjunct to stimulant medications or if you aren't able to respond well to stimulants. Both atomoxetine (also called Guanfacine) and guanfacine belong to the alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists class of drugs. This means that they function by blocking receptors that send dopamine from one cell to another. This allows other chemicals to enter the brain such as norepinephrine, which can be calming and improves attention, as well as reducing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. The methylphenidate, amphetamine and various other classes of ADHD drugs are effective in decreasing or eliminating symptoms of ADHD. However, they can be misused as addictive and lead to an overdose. They're classified as controlled substances, and have “boxed warnings” that warn patients of these risks. These drugs are also subject to shortages. Short-acting stimulants begin to work within 30 to 45 minutes of taking them, and last for 3-4 hours. They can be taken as many as three times per day. Long-acting and intermediate stimulants are more difficult to activate, but they can relieve symptoms for between 8 and 16 hours. They can be used just once a day and can be a good choice for those who struggle to remember to take your medication at the same time every day. When the medication wears off, certain patients are affected by a rebound effect. This means that their symptoms return to previous levels. This can result in short-term fatigue, a bad attitude, and a heightened hunger. This can be cured by adjusting the dosage, when it is taken or the type of medication. If you're experiencing this problem consult your physician about how you can make changes to your medication. Side effects Stimulant ADHD medication increases dopamine levels in brain cells, which improves concentration and decreases impulse-driven behavior. They can also help improve memory and reduce aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These drugs are usually taken orally in capsule form but some children take them as chewable tablets or drops. The stimulants can cause side effects like dry mouth, decreased appetite, and difficulty sleeping. In some cases these side effects are mild and fade as the medication wears off. In certain instances these effects may be serious and require medical attention. Non-stimulant medications can help treat ADHD symptoms by targeting various neurotransmitters in the brain. They also have less risk of dependence or addiction than stimulants. These medications can cause drowsiness or dizziness. To avoid drowsiness the medication earlier in the day, eat breakfast before the medication starts to work and avoid drinking caffeinated beverages. Many people discover that they are more responsive to the long-acting or extended release versions of these drugs. This is because these formulations are slowly absorbed by the body, reducing the chance of the drug being worn off too quickly and causing symptoms to return more severe than before. They can also reduce the need to remember to take the medication regularly especially in the case that your child has trouble keeping the count of multiple pills. Most children and adults who are taking medication for ADHD will experience at least some side effects. These adverse effects can be controlled by monitoring your your child's reactions by making adjustments to the dosage, and using the medication only as directed. If you or your child is experiencing bothersome or potentially dangerous side effects, talk to an expert in mental health about the possibility of switching to a different type of medication. Sometimes, it takes a while to determine the appropriate medication for a child 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's important to remember that ADHD medication can be used to manage symptoms, but isn't an effective cure. Your doctor can alter dosage to manage your symptoms while minimizing the side effects. ADHD treatment plans typically consist of therapy, medication and support from family members and teachers. Stimulant drugs are the most common ADHD medications, and they help by increasing levels brain chemicals that increase focus and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. The side effects include loss of appetite and sleeplessness stomachaches and headaches as well as jitteriness and an increased heart rate. It can be challenging to determine the proper dosage and medication for you or your child. It can take a few weeks or months for the benefits of a medication to be evident. During this period, it is important to follow the doctor's prescriptions and report any side effects. While stimulants can be fast-acting and can be beneficial, they also pose a higher risk of dependence and abuse. Many people, especially young children and adolescents are reluctant to take them due to this. Non-stimulant medications can be just as good and are better for people who are not able to handle the side effects of stimulants. There are a variety of non-stimulant medicines, such as the 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”. Recent research has found that long-term ADHD medication use is associated with an increase in CVD risk. The risk increased with dosage of the medication and was more prevalent in both genders. The researchers recommend that individuals be closely monitored and receive regular health screenings, particularly for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This is especially important in the case of a family history or early cardiovascular disease.