ADHD Medication - The Difference Between Stimulant and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can improve your child's concentration, impulse control and ability to complete tasks. However, it's not a panacea.
Stimulants help boost communication between brain nerves to reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Short-acting medications that must be taken several times per week and long-acting medicines that work for up to 12 hours a day are available.
Stimulants
Many people suffering from ADHD are treated first by stimulant medication. They boost dopamine levels, which improves focus and reduces impulsive behaviors. The most effective effects of the drugs occur when they are taken regularly. However, they can also cause side effects like difficulty sleeping, agitation and a rapid heart rate. They can also be habit-forming. Because of this, it's important to consult with your doctor before starting or stopping medication. Always follow their instructions on dosage, frequency and usage.
Stimulant medications are available in both short-acting and long-acting forms. The stimulants with short-acting effects are peaking in a short time and should be taken two times a day. The long-acting medications - Ritalin (methylphenidate), Concerta(methylphenidate), Adderall(amphetamine), and Vyvanse(lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) can last for up to eight hours. Long-acting medications can decrease the need to take additional doses throughout the day. However, it can be difficult to remember.
Because stimulants are considered controlled substances in many jurisdictions and require a prescription to purchase them and be subject to strict rules regarding refills or switching doctors. The good news is that there are alternative alternatives that provide the same advantages without the risk of dependence or abuse. These include:
Nonstimulant ADHD medication takes longer to kick in. You may not experience the full benefit until three to four weeks of consistent use. These medications may be the right choice for you if struggling to get motivated, are prone to side effects, or can't take stimulants due to an addiction history in your family or a family history.
The medications Strattera (atomoxetine), Kapvay (clonidine hydrochloride) and Qelbree (viloxazine) help to increase the amount of norepinephrine that's in your brain, which can increase concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications are prescribed "off-label", meaning that they aren't FDA approved for ADHD. However they have been utilized to treat other disorders for many years and have been proven to be effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
Vyvamind, a natural alternative for prescription ADHD medication that incorporates cognitive support ingredients, is a great alternative. It delivers real-world improvements in mental endurance and agility. It's designed to fight the mental fatigue that can be a problem for people with ADHD and boost mood and resilience to stress, two crucial aspects of managing ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants
While stimulants are the first-choice ADHD treatment for adults, they're not effective or safe for everyone. Other side effects include headaches, reduced appetite, and sleeplessness. This is why certain doctors prescribe non-stimulant ADHD drugs. These drugs, which improve focus and concentration, work differently from stimulants, and don't have the same adverse effects.
Medications in this category include atomoxetine (Strattera) and bupropion (Wellbutrin) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They increase the levels of chemical messengers like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, just as stimulants. They only affect the part of the brain involved with attention. The antidepressants are typically prescribed to treat depression as well as anxiety however they are also used for ADHD.
Although the FDA has not granted them this approval, some doctors prescribe them off-label to treat for ADHD. They're typically tried after other treatments, like exercise and diet aren't aiding. Some experts believe that antidepressants could aid in the treatment of ADHD by improving mood and decreasing anxiety and irritability. These could affect how a person concentrates.
These medicines are also less likely to be misused and do not impact weight growth or gain. They can also decrease the frequency of tics, like eye blinking and throat clearing however they may make them more noticeable. They can also raise heart rate, which can be dangerous for those who have heart problems.
Research shows that mixing stimulants and these medications can make them more effective than they would be alone. Before you try this combination, it's important to speak with your physician.
Children under 12 years of age are not advised to take stimulants. They can cause long-term brain changes in teens and young children that could affect their mental health later in their lives. They might also reduce appetite and lead to weight loss, and could increase the risk of having seizures in children.
While it's rare however, some children suffer from severe ADHD that doesn't respond to stimulant medications. They might need a different type of treatment, such as atomoxetine or Guanfacine XR.
Other medications
Stimulants are the most common treatment for ADHD and are typically the first medication a doctor will prescribe. They can improve memory and focus however they can cause adverse effects like heart palpitations, headaches and stomachaches. For these reasons, many people who struggle with ADHD seek alternatives to stimulants for treatment of their symptoms. Some of these options include natural supplements, dietary changes, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Some holistic methods can help treat ADHD symptoms. However, they might not work for everyone. They are most effective when they are combined with traditional treatment methods, such as psychiatric therapy. A therapist, for instance can instruct patients on how to manage their symptoms. They can also formulate an action plan.
Nonstimulant ADHD medications, such as atomoxetine (brand name Strattera *discontinued in 2022) Guanfacine, atomoxetine, and viloxazine are all available to treat children suffering from ADHD. Atomoxetine works to reduce symptoms by preventing the reuptake process of norepinephrine which is a neurotransmitter that controls behavior1. Viloxazine and long-acting Guanfacine are also alpha agonists that were created to treat high pressure. These drugs can help calm anxiety and improve sleep, as well as reduce aggression. However, they are not as effective in boosting concentration.
They're less potent than stimulants but are still beneficial to people who can't take stimulants, or do not see their benefits. They are also less likely to cause heart issues, which can be a serious concern for some kids with ADHD.
L-tyrosine is a different option to stimulants. This naturally occurring amino acid can improve brain health through increased levels of epinephrine as well as dopamine. This supplement can be found in health food stores, but it is crucial to discuss the use of it with a medical professional before taking it. Additionally, melatonin can help with insomnia and sleep disorders that are that are associated with ADHD. It is available as a sleep aid on the market and has shown to be effective in treating certain people with ADHD. These natural ADHD treatment options are worth considering for those who have trouble with symptoms but can't or do not want to take prescription medication.
Other treatment options
If your child's stimulant medication fails to work or the side effects are too severe, your doctor may prescribe another medication. managing adhd without medication -stimulant medicines are less prone for abuse or addiction however they may not be as effective in decreasing ADHD symptoms, especially for children who are young.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) was the first nonstimulant drug to be approved for use in treating ADHD and is often prescribed as a first-line treatment. It works by raising the level of a neurotransmitter within your brain, called norepinephrine which assists nerves in better transmitting messages between brain cells. It also helps reduce agitation, sleep problems and fatigue, but has some side effects, such as a decrease in appetite, stomachaches and sleep problems. Atomoxetine can trigger suicidal thoughts in rare cases. Intuniv, a long-acting guanfacine is a second option. It increases the level of norepinephrine, by blocking a mechanism that removes it. It is used to treat ADHD symptoms however, it has also been found to aid in anxiety. This is why it can be prescribed to kids who have both disorders. It can increase heart rate and blood pressure However, it is important to keep your child's blood pressure checked.
Some parents choose nonstimulant medications to lessen the negative effects of stimulant medication like sleep issues, tics, and issues with appetite. A variety of antidepressants are prescribed to treat ADHD and are commonly called alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, also known as SNRIs. They can boost your concentration and mood as well as aid in controlling your impulses. These drugs can be administered alone or together with stimulants.
Behavioral therapy can aid you and your child develop coping strategies that can reduce the effects of ADHD symptoms. Ginkgo biloba and passionflower are natural products that have been proven to ease hyperactivity. However, it is important to consult with your doctor prior to taking any supplements.
Complementary and alternative medicine is broad term used to describe treatments that fall outside of the norms of Western medical practice. These treatments include practices that focus on the mind and body like meditation, body-based techniques such as massage and other natural products like nutritional supplements. Alternative treatments are being tested for their efficacy in helping manage ADHD. However, more research is required before they can be suggested as the primary treatment method.