Non Stimulant ADHD Medication
Stimulants increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels, neurotransmitters that aid with alertness, thought and effort, as well as motivation. They can also improve concentration and focus.
Non stimulant ADHD medication is usually prescribed when stimulants aren't working or cause unacceptable negative side effects or when a patient is unable to use them due to medical reasons. Examples of these include clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv).
Stimulants
Stimulants are a type of non-stimulant ADHD medication that works by altering the way brain nerves communicate. They boost the levels of chemical messengers that improve impulsiveness, behaviour and attention. These medications are used to treat a variety of medical conditions including ADHD and obesity as well as Narcolepsy. They can also be used to assist people with an history of alcohol or drug abuse. These drugs are misused by a lot of people who don't have a medical problem and can trigger serious side-effects if taken incorrectly.
Methylphenidate is one of the most commonly prescribed ADHD stimulant. It is available under Ritalin or Adderall and can be purchased legally with a prescription from your doctor or health clinic. The medications can take as long as four weeks to work and can last for as longer as 24 hours. The majority of patients have to keep taking the medication even after symptoms go away, as they may develop a tolerance and need more to get the same effect.
These drugs can cause several side effects including stomachaches, headaches and trouble sleeping. They can also cause loss of appetite and raise blood pressure or heart rate. These effects are usually mild and disappear when the medication is ceased. In addition, stimulants can lead to addiction if they are taken for reasons that are not medical for instance, like taking them for pleasure or as an booster.
ADHD is sometimes treated with stimulants such as guanfacine and atomoxetine. adhd and anxiety medication alter the way that nerves in the mind work, but they do not increase levels of dopamine or norepinephrine. These medications are suitable for both children and adults and are generally more effective in treating ADHD than stimulants, however they don't have the same immediate effect. These medicines are beneficial for those who are allergic or sensitive to stimulant-related side-effects.
Medicines such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) aren't approved by the FDA for treating ADHD, but they are available off-label for the treatment of the condition. These drugs work by altering the release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. They have been shown to improve mood, concentration and the ability to focus.
Other non-stimulant drugs that are used to treat ADHD include guanfacine and clonidine. These are often combined with stimulant medicines to increase their effectiveness and they can be used by both children and adults. These medicines do not affect norepinephrine or dopamine in the same way as other medications, therefore they are safer for those who have an history of depression or anxiety.
Your doctor will try different medications until he or she discovers the right one for you or your child. They'll have to track the response of your child or you and watch for any changes that may indicate the wrong dose or adverse effects. Once they have found the medication that works, your healthcare provider can recommend alternative treatment options, such as the use of behavioral therapy.