15 Reasons You Must Love ADHD Medications
ADHD Medications For Adults
If you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, the first treatment will probably be medication. Stimulants boost concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Long-acting formulas should be considered because they provide continuous relief and prevent negative side effects (such ringing in ears or changes in vision).
Psychotherapy can also help you manage symptoms. Therapy can help you develop new techniques to deal with ADHD improve your relationships, and achieve stability at work or in your home life.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
The medications in this class assist improve attention and focus and reduce impulsivity through increasing the levels of two neurotransmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the two most important chemicals that control the pre-frontal cortex region of the brain, which is commonly known as the "secretary" or "executive functioning" area. This is important because this area determines how you plan, organize and perform. It's how you can prioritize tasks, stay on task and keep your emotions under control.
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD and come in a variety of dosages 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).
The various time-action profiles of these stimulants with long-acting properties permit doctors to choose the most effective drug for the individual 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.
They also have a lower risk of adverse reactions, such as sleepiness and stomach upset than medications with a shorter time of action. They do not increase blood pressure or heart rate more than stimulants that are fast acting which is beneficial for those with heart issues.
One other exception to the above is the AMP salts in Adderall which can raise blood pressure and heart rate a bit. However, your physician can monitor your medication to ensure that these levels are safe.
There are other drugs that help treat ADHD without stimulating the nervous system, such as guanfacine and clonidine. They take longer to work than stimulants, however they are less likely to be misused. They are not as good at improving focus and attention however, they can help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They come in a variety dosages and forms including extended-release capsules and tablets. Intuniv is a long-acting clonidine medicine that can be used by adults. It can also be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as behavioral therapy. It's important to remember that any medication you use is only a part of the process. adhd medication list can assist you in managing your ADHD.
Guanfacine (clonidine) or clonidine
Guanfacine and Clonidine are central alpha-2 agonists that are FDA-approved for treating high blood pressure, however they are they are also used "off label" to treat ADHD. They work by stimulating both alpha-2 receptors pre- and postsynaptically. The medication decreases sympathetic nerve impulses from the heart and blood vessel to the vasomotor area that result in a decrease in heart rate and peripheral resistance. It can help improve the primary symptoms of ADHD, such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. It can also reduce the tics associated with Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders. It can be used as a single drug or in combination with stimulants. In a study of preschool-aged children with ADHD, 78% of those who took stimulants in conjunction with guanfacine experienced improvements in their symptoms.
These drugs have a longer half-life than stimulants, meaning they remain in the body for a period of up to 24 hours. They are less likely to cause sedation and insomnia. They can be taken as tablets or as patches. The patch is a great option for people who forget to take their pills or who don't enjoy taking them in a pill. It is very important to take these medicines exactly as prescribed. If the dosage is not sufficient, the medication won't be effective. If the dosage is too high, you may experience a significant drop in blood pressure. This can be dangerous for people who have low blood pressure or heart disease.
Clonidine and Guanfacine were both developed in the past to treat hypertension. Both are deemed safe for adults and can be taken as a stand-alone medication or in conjunction with a stimulant. They can also be used to treat anxiety-related issues that can hinder the ability to focus in patients suffering from ADHD. Clonidine can be used to help improve sleep issues that are associated with ADHD. It doesn't affect appetite, which can be beneficial for those who struggle with weight issues.
Clonidine and Guanfacine work well in treating the main symptoms of ADHD according to research. They can be used as a stand-alone medication or together with stimulants, and both are less likely to cause adverse effects than other drugs. Clonidine is particularly effective in reducing tics caused by Tourette syndrome and other disorders that cause tics. Clonidine is not as effective at reducing the inattentive ADHD symptoms.
Ritalin
Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is a central nerve system stimulant. It can reduce many of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD. It can help improve concentration, stop fidgeting, and reduce impulsive behavior, while also boosting the ability of those who are not able to concentrate. It is frequently prescribed in conjunction with other treatments such as behavioral therapy. The effects of Ritalin aren't severe and usually disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
Focalin XR capsules can be found in two types: immediate-release tablets which contain small doses that can be taken twice or three times daily. You can also take the extended-release capsules one time each day in the morning and the dose will release throughout the entire day. The latter has the advantage of having only the right-handed version the methylphenidate chemical, which minimizes the risk of adverse reactions, in comparison to other formulations that contain both right and left-handed versions of the molecule.
Other methylphenidate medications include chewable tablets or tablets that are taken twice daily and last approximately four hours. Additionally, the long-acting tablet (Lisdexamfetamine) or solution is available. These are usually prescribed to children and teenagers over the age of 5 and adults who haven't responded to methylphenidate treatment after six weeks.
All forms of methylphenidate are linked to serious heart problems for certain people. Anyone with a history heart disease should stay clear of methylphenidate. It can also affect the flow of blood through your toes and fingers and can cause higher heart rate in certain people. It can also interact with other medications like anticholinergics or blood thinners. It is important that you give your doctor a complete list of all prescription and non-prescription medications you take. They can then look for any possible interactions. A non-stimulant medicine known as Strattera is available, which can be prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD. It regulates dopamine levels, and doesn't cause the same adverse effects as stimulant medications. It could take longer to get the job done, 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 that stimulates certain areas of the brain. It helps people control their behavior, focus and manage hyperactivity. It can enhance mood by altering the way the brain releases chemicals such as dopamine and sérotonin. People with ADHD often have lower levels of these chemicals which can cause hyperactivity and inability to control their emotions. This is the reason why certain adults with ADHD are not responsive to medication.
Adderall when taken as directed is not addictive and doesn't cause the development of habit. Adderall is not without risk, and its side effects may require medical attention. If you have any concerns or questions discuss them with your doctor.
Adderall overdose symptoms include muscle twitching, restlessness and an increase in heart rate. They can also cause hallucinations, confusion and an increase in agitation. Get emergency medical help when you experience these symptoms:
It is not recommended to take Adderall together with other medications that affect your mood, such as antidepressants and depression medications. Combining these drugs can increase the chance of serious adverse side effects, such as seizures or death. This medication is not recommended for children under 12 years old.
Stimulant medication can cause difficulty in sleeping. Try to minimize the effects of this by limiting caffeine intake and screen time (e.g. TV, tv or video games) close to the time you go to bed. You can also use an aid to sleep such as melatonin.
You can also switch to a longer acting dosage of the drug, such as Adderall extended-release. This will prevent a "rebound" effect in the late afternoon or evening, when the medication wears off. Many adults with ADHD supplement a dose of long-acting of the medication by taking an immediate-release pill that is taken in the morning.
Some people with ADHD take stimulants like Adderall to experience a surge of mental alertness or energy. This can lead to magical beliefs about the drug and its powers. Some of these beliefs may even cause people to develop an addiction. In addition the use of Adderall for reasons that are not medical can raise the risk of a positive drug screening test for amphetamines.