Non Stimulant ADHD Medication
Stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels, neurotransmitters that aid in the areas of alertness, thought and motivation. They can also aid in focus and concentration.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are prescribed when stimulants fail to perform, cause severe adverse effects or when a person is unable to take them due to medical reasons. Clonidine (Kapvay), and guanfacine (Intuniv) are examples.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a kind of non stimulant ADHD medication that works by altering the way neurons in the brain communicate. They boost the levels certain chemical messengers that boost the quality of life, impulsivity and attention. These medications are used to treat a range of medical conditions, including ADHD and narcolepsy as well as obesity. They can also assist people with an addiction history to drugs or alcohol abuse. However, these substances are often misused by people who don't have any medical condition. They can cause serious side effects when taken incorrectly.
The most commonly prescribed stimulant for ADHD is methylphenidate. It is available under Ritalin or Adderall and is available legally by obtaining a prescription from your physician or health clinic. medication for adhd can take as long as four weeks to begin working and may last for as long as 24 hours. Most patients need to continue taking the medication even after symptoms disappear, as they can develop a tolerance and need more doses to get the same results.
These medications can trigger various adverse effects, including headaches, stomach aches and difficulty sleeping. They can also cause decrease in appetite and can raise blood pressure or heart rate. These effects are typically not too severe and will disappear once the medication is taken off. The stimulants can also cause addiction if they are used for non-medical reasons for instance, like taking them to relax or as a performance enhancement.
ADHD is often treated with stimulants such as guanfacine and atomoxetine. These drugs alter the way that nerves within the brain function, however they do not increase the levels of dopamine or norepinephrine. These medications can be used by both children and adults. They are usually more effective than stimulants in treating ADHD, although they don't have the same impact immediately. They are also suitable for people who are susceptible to the effects of stimulants.
The medications like Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are not approved by the FDA for treating ADHD however, they are available off-label for the treatment of the disorder. These medications alter the way dopamine and norepinephrine is released in the brain and have been proven to improve concentration, mood, and impulsivity.
Other non-stimulant medications that are often used to treat ADHD include guanfacine and clonidine. These are often combined with stimulant drugs to make them more effective and they can be used by adults and children. These medicines don't affect norepinephrine or dopamine in the same way as the other medications, so they are safer for those with a history of depression and anxiety.
There is no universally-fit-all drug for ADHD Your doctor will have to test different medications until they can find the one that is right for you or your child. They will need to monitor your child's or your own's reaction and be aware of any changes that might suggest a wrong dosage or any adverse side effects. Your doctor may suggest alternative treatment options like the use of behavioral therapy after having discovered a medication that is effective.