ADHD Medication - The Difference Between Stimulant and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can help improve your child's attention span as well as their ability to complete tasks. However, it's not a panacea.
Stimulants can improve communication between brain nerves to reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Short-acting medications that must be taken several times per week, and long-acting medications that last for up to 12 hours each day are available.
Stimulants
For many people with ADHD, stimulant medications are the first choice for treatment. They boost dopamine levels, which improves focus and reduces impulsive behaviors. The most effective effects of the drugs occur when they are used regularly. However, they can also trigger side effects, such as difficulty sleeping, agitation, and rapid heart rate. They may also turn into a habit. It's important that you consult with your doctor before deciding to stop or begin a medication and follow their directions regarding dosage as well as frequency and use.
Long-acting stimulant medications as well as short-acting stimulant drugs are both available. The short-acting medications peak within several hours and should be taken every day for a minimum of three times and the long-acting ones -Ritalin (methylphenidate), Concerta (methylphenidate), Adderall (amphetamine) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)--last up to eight hours and are taken once every day. Long-acting medications can decrease the need for more doses throughout the day. However it can be a challenge to remember.
You'll need prescriptions for stimulants, and you will be subjected to strict rules if you want to switch doctors or refill your prescription. There are alternatives that provide similar benefits, without the risk of addiction or abuse. These medications include:
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to kick in. It is possible that you won't feel their full effects until three to four weeks of regular usage. These medications may be the right choice for you if having trouble getting motivated, are prone to side-effects, or you are unable to take stimulants due an addiction history in your family or a family history.
Medications like Strattera (atomoxetine), Kapvay (clonidine hydrochloride) and Qelbree (viloxazine) help to increase the amount of norepinephrine in your brain, which can help increase concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. They're usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD which means they're not approved by the FDA for this purpose, but have been used for decades to treat other health issues and found to affect ADHD symptoms.
Vyvamind, a natural alternative for prescription ADHD medication that incorporates cognitive support ingredients, is a fantastic choice. It offers real-world improvement in mental endurance and agility. It's designed to help combat mental fatigue that can be a barrier for those with ADHD, and improve mood and resilience to stress--important aspects of managing ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants
While stimulants are among the top ADHD treatment for adults, they aren't effective or safe for everyone. Other adverse effects include headaches, less appetite and insomnia. For these reasons, certain doctors prescribe non-stimulant ADHD drugs. These medications work differently than stimulants and don't have the same negative side effects.
The medications that fall into this category are atomoxetine bupropion and venlafaxine. They increase the levels of chemical messengers dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, much as stimulants. The distinction is that they do this in a specific brain region, that is involved in the process of focusing. These antidepressants can be prescribed to treat depression, anxiety and ADHD.
Although the FDA hasn't approved them for this use Some doctors prescribe them off-label as a treatment for ADHD. They are usually prescribed after other treatments such as diet and exercise have failed. Some experts believe antidepressants may help ADHD by improving mood, decreasing anxiety and irritation. This can impact the ability to concentrate.
These medications also have a lower likelihood of abuse and don't affect growth or weight growth. They also reduce tics, including eye blinking or throat clearing but they can make them more obvious. They could increase heart rate, which could be dangerous for those with heart problems or a history of heart trouble.
A few studies have shown that mixing stimulants with these medications could make them more effective than either alone. It's essential to consult an experienced doctor before attempting this combination.
Children who are younger than 12 years of age are not recommended to consume stimulants. They might cause long-term changes to the brains of teens and young kids which can be detrimental for their mental health later on in life. They may also decrease appetite and lead to weight loss, and can raise the risk of seizures in children.
It's rare but some children with severe ADHD do not respond well to stimulant medications. They may require an alternative treatment for example, atomoxetine or Guanfacine AXR.
Other medications
Stimulants, which are the most popular medication prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD are usually the first drugs prescribed. These medications can aid in focusing and improve their memory, however they also have side effects like trouble sleeping and stomachaches, headaches, and heart palpitations. This is why many people with ADHD are seeking alternatives to stimulants for treatment of their symptoms. adhd otc medication of these options include natural supplements, diet modifications, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Some holistic approaches can be helpful in treating ADHD symptoms. However, they may not be suitable for all patients. These methods are most effective when used in conjunction with more traditional forms of treatment such as psychiatric therapy. A therapist, for instance can instruct patients on how to manage their symptoms. They can also create a plan of action.
Nonstimulant ADHD medication, such as Atomoxetine (brand name Strattera discontinued in 2022), guanfacine, and viloxazine, are available to treat children suffering from ADHD. Atomoxetine reduces symptoms by inhibiting the reuptake process of norepinephrine which is a neurotransmitter responsible for controlling behavior1. Viloxazine and long-acting Guanfacine are also alpha agonists, which were created to treat high pressure. These drugs can help to calm anxiety and improve sleep as well as decrease aggression. However they aren't as effective in boosting concentration.
These drugs have a slower onset than stimulants, but they are beneficial for those who can't tolerate or see the benefit of stimulants. They are also less likely to cause heart problems, which can be a serious issue for some children suffering from ADHD.
L-tyrosine can be a good alternative to stimulants. This naturally occurring amino acid can enhance brain health through higher levels of epinephrine and dopamine. This supplement is available at health food stores but it's essential to consult with a physician prior to taking it. Lastly, adhd no medication can help with sleep problems and insomnia associated with ADHD. It's available as an over-the-counter sleep aid and has been shown to be effective for certain people with ADHD. These natural ADHD treatment alternatives are worth a look for those who struggle with symptoms but aren't able or don't want to use prescription medications.
Other treatment options
If you or your child's stimulant medication does not work, or the side effects are too extreme your doctor might recommend a different medication. Non-stimulant medications have less potential for abuse or addiction but also may not be as effective in decreasing ADHD symptoms, especially in young children.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) was the first non-stimulant medication to be approved for use in treating ADHD, and is commonly prescribed as an initial treatment. It works by increasing the level of a neurotransmitter inside your brain called norepinephrine, which aids nerves in passing messages between brain cells. It also reduces agitation sleep problems and fatigue, but has some side consequences, including a decreased appetite, stomachaches and sleep issues. In rare instances, atomoxetine can cause suicidal thoughts. Long-acting Guanfacine (Intuniv) is a different option, and it increases the amount of norepinephrine present in your body, by blocking a mechanism that eliminates it. It is used to treat ADHD symptoms but it has also been proven to aid in anxiety. This is why it can be prescribed to kids with both disorders. It can raise heart rate and blood pressure which is why it is recommended that you consider having your child's blood tested.
Some parents choose nonstimulant medications to reduce the side effects of stimulant medications like tics, sleep problems, and issues with appetite. A variety of antidepressants are prescribed to treat ADHD, and they're generally known as alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists or SNRIs. They alter dopamine and norepinephrine levels in your brain, which can enhance your mood and focus, and aid in controlling your impulses. These drugs are sometimes given as a single dose, but they can also be combined with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.
Behavioral therapy can assist you and your child to develop coping skills that can reduce the effects of ADHD symptoms. Certain natural substances and herbs, such as Ginseng, ginkgo biloba and passionflower, have been found to help calm hyperactivity, but it's important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
Complementary and alternative medicine is broad term that refers to treatments that are not part of the normal scope of Western medical practice. These treatments include practices that focus on the mind like meditation, body-based therapies like massage, as well as natural products such as nutritional supplements. Alternative treatments are being tested for their efficacy in helping manage ADHD. However further research is needed before they can be suggested as the primary treatment method.