The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About ADHD Medications
ADHD Medications For Adults
If you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, the first treatment will likely be medication. Stimulants help improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Long-acting formulations are preferred because they allow patients to take advantage of the medication throughout the day without negative side effects (such as hearing ringing or changes in vision).
Psychotherapy can also help manage symptoms. Therapy can help you gain new skills to cope with ADHD and improve your relationships, and achieve stability at workplace or in your private life.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
The drugs in this class can improve focus and attention and reduce impulsivity by boosting the levels of two neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the primary chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex which is also called the "secretary's" or "executive function" area of the brain. This is significant, since this region controls your ability to plan, organize and execute. It's what helps you prioritize tasks, stay on task and keep your emotions in check.
Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD are available in a variety of dosages and forms. Your doctor will prescribe an appropriate medication based upon your health history and symptoms. 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 long-acting stimulants come with different time-action profiles, which allow doctors to select the drug that is most suitable 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.
These formulations also have a lower risk of adverse reactions like sleepiness and stomach upset, than drugs with a shorter duration of action. They also don't increase blood pressure or heart rate as much as short-acting stimulants which is vital for people suffering from heart disease.
adhd and medication in Adderall can cause a slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Your doctor can monitor the levels to ensure they remain safe.
There are some other medications that help treat ADHD without stimulating the nervous system, such as the guanfacine drug and clonidine. They require longer time to work than stimulants, however they are less likely to be misused. They are not as good at improving focus and attention, but they can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. They are available in a variety of doses and forms, including extended-release tablets and capsules. Intuniv is a long-acting clonidine medicine that is used by adults. It can also be used in conjunction with other treatments, including behavioral therapy. It's important to remember that any medication you use is a tool that's only part of the process. Behavioral therapy is also essential to helping you manage your ADHD.
Guanfacine (clonidine) or Clonidine
Guanfacine and clonidine as well as other central alpha-2 receptor agonists are FDA-approved medications to treat high blood pressure. They are also employed "off-label" to treat ADHD. They are effective in stimulating both alpha-2 receptors that are preand postsynaptically. The medication decreases sympathetic nerve impulses that travel from the vasomotor area to the heart and blood vessels and causes the heart to slow down and peripheral resistance. It can improve the core symptoms associated with ADHD including hyperactivity and impulsivity. It can also reduce the tics that are associated with Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders. It can be used as a standalone drug or in conjunction with stimulants. In a study on preschool-aged ADHD children 78% of the children who took stimulants and Guanfacine experienced improvements in their symptoms.
These medications have a longer half-life than stimulants. This means they can be in the body for up to 24 hours. They are also less likely to cause sedation or insomnia. They can be taken as a tablet or as patches. Patches are a great option for those who do not take their pills or are uncomfortable taking them. It is very important to take these pills exactly as prescribed. If the dosage is not sufficient the medication will not be effective. If the dose is too high, it can reduce your blood pressure too significantly. Heart disease sufferers or those with low blood pressure could be at risk if the dose is too high.
Clonidine and Guanfacine were developed in the past to treat hypertension. Both are approved for use by adults and can be used as a standalone or in combination with a stimulant. They are also sometimes employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms in patients with ADHD and can cause problems with the ability to focus. Clonidine is also used to treat sleep problems that are a result of ADHD. It doesn't affect appetite, which is an advantage for those who are struggling with weight issues.
Studies on guanfacine and clonidine have proven that they are both effective in treating the main symptoms of ADHD. They can be taken either by themselves or in conjunction with a stimulant. Both are less likely than other drugs to cause adverse effects. Clonidine is particularly effective in reducing severity of tics that are associated with Tourette syndrome and other disorders causing tics. It isn't as effective in reducing the symptoms of inattention ADHD, however.
Ritalin
Methylphenidate is commonly referred to as Ritalin, is a central nervous system stimulant that has the potential to reduce the symptoms that are common to ADHD. It can improve concentration, decrease fidgeting and help reduce impulsive behavior. It also aids an inattentive individual's ability of focus. It is often prescribed in conjunction with other treatments, including behavioral therapy. The side effects of Ritalin aren't severe and typically disappear once your body becomes accustomed to the medication.
Focalin XR capsules can be found in two types: immediate-release tablets which contain small doses that can be taken two or three times a day. Or, you can take the extended-release capsules one time a day in the morning. the dose will release throughout the entire day. Focalin XR has the advantage of containing only the right-handed version of the methylphenidate molecule. This reduces side effects, in comparison to other formulations that contain both the right and left-handed versions of the molecule.
Other methylphenidate medicines include short-acting or chewable tablets which are taken twice a day and last about four hours. Additionally the long-acting tablet (Lisdexamfetamine) or solution is available. These are usually given to children and teens who are older than 5 and may be offered to adults after at least six weeks of treatment with methylphenidate not been able to resolve symptoms.
All types of methylphenidate have been associated with heart problems that are serious in certain people, and should not be used by anyone with an history of cardiovascular disease. It may also trigger an increase in heart rate in some individuals and can affect blood flow through your feet and fingers. It can interact with other medications like blood thinners or anticholinergics. It is essential to provide your doctor with an exhaustive list of all prescription and non-prescription medicines you take. They can then evaluate potential interactions. A non-stimulant medicine called Strattera is available and can be prescribed to adults with ADHD. It regulates dopamine levels, and does not cause same side-effects as stimulant medications. It could take longer to effect the desired effects, but it is considered an option that is safe for adult patients who do not want to use stimulant drugs.
Adderall
Adderall is a stimulant drug that boosts activity in specific areas of the brain. It assists people to focus, control their behavior and manage hyperactivity. It may also improve mood by altering the way that the brain releases chemicals such as dopamine and sérotonin. People with ADHD tend to have lower levels of these substances which can cause hyperactivity and inability to control their emotions. This is the reason why certain adults suffering from ADHD are not responsive to medication.
Adderall, when taken according to the prescription is not addictive and does not trigger the development of habit. However, there are risks associated with taking Adderall, and it can cause adverse effects that require medical attention. If you have any questions or concerns consult your physician.
Symptoms of Adderall overdose include restlessness muscles twitching, a rapid heart rate, hallucinations, confusion and anxiety. If you experience these signs, seek emergency medical attention.
You should not take Adderall with other medications that affect your mood, for example, antidepressants or depression medicines. Taking these drugs together can increase the risk of serious side effects, including seizures or even death. This medication is not recommended for children under 12 years old.
The effects of stimulants can cause difficulty in sleeping. You can reduce this side-effect by restricting your screen time and caffeine (e.g. TV or video games). You could also consider a sleep aid like melatonin.
You can also change to a more powerful dosage of the drug, such as Adderall extended-release. This will prevent the "rebound" effects that can occur in the evening or late afternoon when the medication wears off. Many people with ADHD use tablets that release immediately in the morning to supplement the long-acting medication.
Some people without ADHD take stimulants like Adderall to feel a boost of psychological energy or alertness. This can lead to magical beliefs about the medication and its power. Some of these beliefs may cause people to develop an addiction. Adderall used for non-medical reasons can also increase the risk of having a positive test for amphetamine.