ADHD Medication - The Difference Between Stimulant and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can improve your child's focus, impulse control and ability to complete tasks. But it's not a cure-all.
Stimulants enhance the communication between nerves within the brain, reducing impulsiveness and excessive activity. Short-acting medications that must be taken multiple times per week and long-acting medicines that last for up to 12 hours each day are available.
Stimulants
Many people suffering from ADHD are treated first by stimulant drugs. These medications increase dopamine levels in the brain, improving concentration and decreasing impulsive behavior. They're most effective when taken regularly, but can also cause adverse effects, such as difficulty sleeping, agitation or an increased heart rate. They can also be habit-forming. It is essential to collaborate with your physician when starting or stopping medications and follow their recommendations regarding dosage as well as frequency and use.
Stimulant medicines are available in short-acting and long-acting versions. The short-acting medications peak within several hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day and the long-acting ones -Ritalin (methylphenidate), Concerta (methylphenidate), Adderall (amphetamine) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)--last up to eight hours and are taken once each day. Long-acting drugs may lessen the need for supplemental doses throughout the day, but they can be harder to remember to take.
Since stimulants are categorized as controlled substances in many jurisdictions, you'll need a prescription to get them. You'll also be subject to strict regulations when refilling or switching doctors. There are medication for inattentive adhd that could offer similar benefits, but without the risk of addiction or abuse. These medications include:
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to kick in. You may not feel their full benefits until after three to four weeks of consistent usage. These medications could be the right choice for you if you're struggling to stay motivated, are prone to adverse effects, or are unable to take stimulants due an addiction history in your family or a family history.
The medications Strattera (atomoxetine), Kapvay (clonidine hydrochloride) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are designed to increase the amount of norepinephrine in your brain, which helps improve concentration and control impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications are prescribed "off-label", meaning that they are not FDA approved for ADHD. However, they have been used to treat other conditions for a long time and have proven to be effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
If you're seeking a natural alternative to prescription ADHD medication Vyvamind is a great choice that blends cognitive support ingredients and delivers real-world improvements in mental agility and endurance. It's designed to fight mental fatigue which can be a challenge for people suffering from ADHD. It also improves mood and resiliency to stressful situations, which are crucial in managing ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants
Although stimulants are often the first choice of ADHD treatment for adults, they aren't effective or safe for everyone. They also come with a number of adverse effects, including a decreased appetite, headaches, and sleeplessness. Some doctors prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medications for these reasons. These drugs, which can help improve focus and concentration are different from stimulants and don't have the same side effects.
The medications that fall into this category are atomoxetine bupropion and venlafaxine. Similar to stimulants, they raise levels of the chemical messengers norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They only affect a part of the brain that is associated with attention. The antidepressants are typically prescribed to treat depression as well as anxiety however they can also be used to treat ADHD.
Although the FDA has not granted them this approval, some doctors prescribe them off-label as a treatment for ADHD. They are usually prescribed after other treatments like exercise and diet have failed. Certain experts believe that antidepressants can help ADHD by improving mood, reducing anxiety and anger. This could affect the ability to concentrate.
These medications are also less likely to be misused and do not impact weight growth or weight gain. They can also help reduce tics, including eye blinking or throat clearing but they can make them more noticeable. They may also increase heart rate, which can be dangerous for people who have heart issues or an history of heart problems.
Research shows that combining stimulants and these medications can make them both more efficient than on their own. It's important to talk to a doctor before trying this combination.
Children younger than 12 years old age are not recommended to take stimulants. They can trigger permanent brain changes in teens and young children that could be detrimental to their mental health later on in life. They may also decrease appetite and cause weight loss and could increase the risk of seizures in some children.
It's not common but certain children with severe ADHD aren't able to respond well stimulant medications. They might need a different type of treatment like atomoxetine, or Guanfacine AXR.
Other medications
Stimulants are among the most popular medication for ADHD and are often the first prescription prescribed by a doctor. These drugs can aid in focusing and improve their memory, but they also come with side effects like trouble sleeping, headaches, stomachaches, and heart palpitations. Many people with ADHD are seeking stimulants to treat their symptoms. Some of these alternatives include natural supplements, diet changes and cognitive behavioral therapy.
While some holistic methods may aid in treating ADHD symptoms, they may not be suitable for everyone. These treatments are most successful when they are combined with traditional treatments, like psychotherapy. A therapist, for instance can help patients learn how to manage their symptoms. They can also formulate an action plan.
Nonstimulant ADHD medications, like atomoxetine (brand name Strattera discontinued in 2022) Guanfacine, atomoxetine, as well as viloxazine, are available to treat children with ADHD. Atomoxetine reduces symptoms by reducing norepinephrine reuptake, a neurotransmitter that regulates behavior1. Viloxazine and Guanfacine, which are long-acting, are also alpha agonists, which were developed to treat high blood pressure. These drugs can help calm tics and improve sleep, as well as reduce aggression. However, they are not as effective in improving concentration.
These drugs have a slower start than stimulants, however they may be beneficial to people who are unable to see the benefit of stimulants. They're also less likely to cause heart problems, which could 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 improve brain health through increased levels of epinephrine and dopamine. The supplement is available in health food stores, but it is essential to discuss the use of it with a physician prior to taking it. Melatonin is also effective for treating sleep disorders and insomnia related to ADHD. It's available as an over the counter sleep aid, and has been found to be effective for certain people suffering from ADHD. These natural ADHD treatment options are worth considering for those who struggle with symptoms but aren't able or do not want to take prescription medication.
Other treatment options
If you or your child's stimulant medication fails to work or the adverse effects are too severe, your doctor may prescribe a different medication. The non-stimulant medication is less likely to be abused or addiction potential, however it might not be as efficient in decreasing ADHD symptoms.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) was the first non-stimulant medication to be approved for use in treating ADHD and is typically prescribed as an initial treatment. It helps by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your brain, which assists nerve cells transmit messages more effectively between brain cells. It also reduces insomnia and agitation however, it can cause certain side effects, such as decreased appetite, stomachaches, tiredness and problems sleeping. Atomoxetine may cause suicidal feelings in rare instances. Long-acting guanfacine (Intuniv) is a different option, and it increases the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your body by blocking a mechanism that removes it. It is used to treat ADHD symptoms, but it has also been found to reduce anxiety. Therefore, it can be prescribed to children with both disorders. It can increase heart rate and blood pressure and therefore it is recommended that you take your child's blood pressure into consideration.
Parents may choose to take non-stimulant medication to lessen the negative effects of stimulant medications, such as sleep issues, tics and issues with appetite. Antidepressants are often prescribed for ADHD. They're referred to as SNRIs or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. They alter dopamine and norepinephrine levels in your brain, which can improve your mood and focus, and aid in controlling your impulses. These drugs can be given alone or together with stimulants.
Behavioral therapy can assist you and your child to learn coping skills that will reduce the effects of ADHD symptoms. Ginkgo biloba and passionflower are two natural products that have been proven to reduce hyperactivity. However, it is important to consult with your doctor prior to taking any supplements.
Complementary and alternative medicine is a broad term that describes therapies that aren't part of the norms of Western medical practice. These treatments include practices that focus on the mind and body such as meditation, body-based methods like massage and other natural products such as nutritional supplements. Alternative treatments are being tested for their effectiveness to help manage ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research before they can be recommended as the main treatment method.