ADHD Medications Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters
ADHD Medications For Adults
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, the first treatment will probably be medication. Stimulants improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Long-acting formulations should be chosen, as they provide continuous relief and avoid adverse effects (such hearing ringing or changes in vision).
Psychotherapy can also aid in managing symptoms. Therapy can help you develop new skills to cope with ADHD, improve your relationships, and achieve stability at workplace or in your private life.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
The medications in this class increase attention, focus and reduce impulsivity via an increase in the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the two most important chemicals that control the pre-frontal cortex part of the brain which is often known as the "secretary" or "executive functioning" area. This is because this region controls how you plan, organize and perform. This is how you stay on task to prioritize your tasks and keep your emotions in control.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD and come in a variety and forms. The medication your doctor prescribes is based on your symptoms, health background and other factors. Some of the more common long-acting stimulant formulations include methylphenidate/amphetamine (Concerta), methylphenidate/amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Metabolite CD), methylphenidate/amphetamine/dextroamphetamine/dextromethorphan (Ritalin-LA) and methylphenidate/amphetamine/dextroamphetamine/dextroamphetamine/amiloride extended-release (Adderall XR).
These stimulants with long-acting properties have various time-action profiles, allowing doctors to select the drug that is best for each patient. For example, if a patient struggles in the morning, a long-acting methylphenidate/amphetamine/dextroamphetamine formulation may be beneficial because it provides an effect for up to 8 hours.
In addition to that, these formulations have a lower risk of adverse effects such as sleepiness or stomach upsets compared to shorter-acting drugs. They do not increase blood pressure or heart rate in the same way as stimulants that act quickly, which is good for those with heart issues.
One exception to the above are the AMP salts in Adderall which can raise blood pressure and heart rate somewhat. However, your physician can monitor your medication to ensure that these levels are not harmful.
There are some other medications that treat ADHD without stimulating the nervous system, like guanfacine and clonidine. They are more difficult to use than stimulants, however they are less likely to be misused. They are not as effective in improving attention and focus but can decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. They come in a variety dosages and forms, including extended-release tablets and capsules. Intuniv is a clonidine that acts long-lastingly medicine that is used by adults. It can also be used in conjunction with other treatments, including behavioral therapy. It's important to keep in mind that any medication you take is just a part of the process. Behavioral therapy is also crucial to help you manage your ADHD.
Guanfacine or Clonidine
Guanfacine and clonidine as well as other central alpha-2 receptor antagonists are FDA-approved medicines for the treatment of high blood pressure. They are also used "off-label" to treat ADHD. They are effective in stimulating both alpha-2 receptors that are preand postsynaptically. The medication blocks sympathetic nerve impulses from the vasomotor centre to the heart and blood vessels which results in the heart to slow down and peripheral resistance. It can alleviate the main symptoms of ADHD including hyperactivity and impulsivity. It can also reduce the tics associated with Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders. It can be used as a stand-alone drug or in combination with stimulants. In a study on preschool-aged ADHD children, 78% of those taking stimulants along with Guanfacine experienced improvement in their symptoms.
These medications have a longer half-life when compared to stimulants. This means that they can be in the body up to 24 hours. They are less likely to cause sedation or insomnia. They are available as tablets, or as an application on the skin. The patch is a great option for people who fail to take their pills or don't like taking them by mouth. It is essential to take these medications exactly as directed. If the dosage is too low the medication will not be efficient. If the dosage is too high, you may notice a significant decrease in blood pressure. This could be risky for people with low blood pressure or heart disease.
Clonidine and Guanfacine were developed in the past to treat hypertension. Both are approved for adult use and can be used as a stand-alone or in combination with stimulants. They are also used to reduce anxiety symptoms in patients with ADHD that may interfere with concentration. Clonidine is also used to treat sleep disorders that are a result of ADHD. It doesn't affect appetite, which is an advantage for those who struggle with weight issues.
Clonidine and Guanfacine are both effective in treating the primary symptoms associated with ADHD, according to studies. They can be taken either as a pair or in combination with an stimulant. Both are less likely than other medications to cause side effects. Clonidine is particularly effective in reducing tics caused by Tourette syndrome and other disorders of the tic. Clonidine isn't as effective in reducing inattentive ADHD symptoms.
Ritalin
Methylphenidate, known generically as Ritalin, is a stimulant for the central nervous system that has the potential to reduce the most frequent symptoms of ADHD. It can help improve concentration, stop fidgeting and reduce impulsive behaviour, while also boosting the ability of an inattention person to concentrate. It is usually prescribed alongside other treatments like behavioral therapy. Ritalin can have a range of adverse effects, however they tend to be minor and go away when your body is used to the medication.
It is available as tablets that are immediate-release (small doses taken twice to three times a day) or extended-release capsules known as Focalin XR, which are taken every day in the morning with the dose released throughout the day. The extended-release capsules called Focalin XR, are made up of only right-handed methylphenidate molecules, which minimizes the risk of side effects in comparison to other formulations.
Other methylphenidate medications include chewable or short-acting tablets, which are typically taken twice daily and last for approximately four hours, as well as the long-acting tablets or solution (Lisdexamfetamine). These are usually given to adolescents and children over the age 5 and adults who haven't responded to methylphenidate treatment after six weeks.
adhd medication of methylphenidate have been linked to serious heart problems for some people. Anyone with a history cardiovascular disease should not use methylphenidate. It may also affect the flow blood through your toes and fingers, and lead to a faster heart rate in some people. It can interact with other medications, such as blood thinners or anticholinergics. It is crucial to provide a complete list of all prescription and non-prescription medicines you're taking with your physician. They will then be able to check for any possible interactions. A non-stimulant medicine called Strattera is available, which can be prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD. It regulates dopamine levels and does not cause the same side-effects as stimulant medications. It might take longer to work, but it is considered an alternative that is safe for patients who don't wish to use stimulant drugs.
Adderall
Adderall is a stimulant medication which increases the activity in certain brain regions. It helps people control their behavior, focus and manage hyperactivity. It can also improve mood by altering the way that the brain releases chemicals such as dopamine and sérotonin. People with ADHD typically have lower levels of these chemicals which can cause excessive activity and inability to manage their emotions. This is one reason some adults with ADHD aren't able to respond to medication by themselves.
Adderall when taken as directed, is not addictive and doesn't cause habituation. Adderall is not completely safe, and any side effects may require medical attention. If you have any questions or concerns discuss them with your doctor.
Signs of Adderall overdose include restlessness, muscle twitching, increased heart rate, confusion, hallucinations and anxiety. If you experience these signs and symptoms, seek medical attention in an emergency.
It is not recommended to take Adderall together with other medications that alter your mood, like antidepressants or depression medications. These drugs can increase the risk for serious side effects like seizures or death. This medication is not recommended for children under the age of 12.
Stimulant medications can cause problems in sleeping. You can try to reduce the effects of this by limiting caffeine and screen time (e.g. TV, tv or video games) close to the time you go to bed. You could also consider a sleep aid such as melatonin.
You can also switch to a longer acting formulation of the drug like Adderall extended-release. This will help prevent "rebound" effects in the evening or late afternoon as the medication wears down. Many adults suffering from ADHD take a long-acting dose of the medication with an immediate-release pill that is taken in the morning.
Some people without ADHD use stimulants such as Adderall to experience a surge of mental alertness or energy. This can lead people to believe that the drug is a magic drug. Some of these beliefs could even lead to addiction. In addition the use of Adderall for non-medical reasons can increase the likelihood of a positive drug test for amphetamines.