Non Stimulant and Stimulant ADHD Medications
The medications are an important part of the ADHD treatment strategy. However, choosing the right one can be an extended process, and it is dependent on the medical history as well as genetics and side effects.
Stimulant medications such as amphetamine and methylphenidate increase certain brain chemicals which help people focus and control their impulses and reduce hyperactivity. Many people with ADHD take these medications as their first option.
Strattera
Strattera is a prescription medication, has been FDA approved to treat ADHD symptoms for both children and adults. It works differently from stimulant drugs to treat ADHD symptoms. However, it can still be a viable treatment for your specific condition.
Doctors prescribe it for improving attention and reducing impulse-driven behavior. Some people suffering from ADHD might also benefit from its ability to reduce depression and anxiety. Researchers believe that the drug affects norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter found in the brain. The drug may help increase the amount of norepinephrine in your brain, which can improve focus and concentration.
It can take as long as a month before you start to see improvement in your ADHD symptoms. Your doctor can help you evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of this medication against other ADHD treatments to ensure that it is the right choice for your needs.
The drug is well absorbed after oral administration, and maximal plasma levels are seen one to two hours after an administration. It is essential to inform your doctor if you have liver impairment, as it can lower the absorption of this medication.
This medication should not be used in the event that you are susceptible to heart disease or suffer from other heart problems. It can also raise your heart rate and blood pressure and you should avoid operating machinery or driving until you understand how it affects your health. It can also increase suicidal thoughts, especially among teens and children. If you are thinking about suicide while taking this medication, speak to your doctor right away.
The most frequent adverse reactions from Strattera are headaches, jitteriness stomach pain, difficulty sleeping. Other less common side effects are shakiness and abdominal pain. It can also cause breathing difficulties or loss of appetite. It is important to let your doctor know immediately if you experience any serious side effects, such as sudden changes in mood or vision.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or pregnant prior to taking atomoxetine. The drug could enter your breastmilk and can cause side negative effects that could be dangerous for infants. It is also recommended to avoid taking this medication if you have liver problems or you are taking certain medications that are known to cause liver damage, like MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid linezolid, linezolid, methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine, selegiline and tranylcypromine). These medications can affect the metabolism of atomoxetine.
Intuniv
Intuniv is a form of long-acting of guanfacine that was previously used to treat high blood pressure. It was approved by the FDA in September 2009 for use as a once-a-day treatment for ADHD in adolescents and children aged 6-17 years old. The medication is available as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with stimulant ADHD drugs.
Contrary to stimulant drugs Intuniv does not increase blood pressure or heart rate. It affects the prefrontal cortex part of the brain which reduces the tendency to be impulsive. It also helps reduce symptoms such as emotional sensitivity, aggression to social situations and hyperarousal, which are not well treated with stimulants. It does this by reducing adrenaline levels to normal.
Intuniv improved ADHD scores in a short-term research study when compared to atomoxetine or placebo (a dummy medication). In one study, the decrease was 19 points while in another it was 24 points. The medication can help those who suffer from ADHD have less difficulty paying attention at the classroom and at work. It also helps improve their mood and in certain cases lower their blood pressure.
Patients must take INTUNIV as prescribed by their doctor. Patients should not stop taking INTUNIV without consulting with their doctor. It is crucial to inform doctors know that patients are taking other medications, including herbal remedies and prescription drugs. This is because INTUNIV may interact with certain medications and cause serious health problems.
Sleepiness, sedation, and headache are all possible side effects. They can also trigger dry mouth, stomach upset, and problems with coordination and balance. If the side effects are severe, patients should inform their physician.
INTUNIV should be taken with food and water to help prevent stomach upset. The medication should be kept in a safe place, out of reach of children. It is not recommended to share it with others, even those who have the same condition.
Intuniv can interact with certain medications, such as anticholinergics. Alpha agonists, SSRIs, and other anticholinergics. It can also increase the drowsiness caused by depressants like barbiturates, alcohol, and antihistamines.
Qelbree
Qelbree which is manufactured by Supernus Pharmaceuticals, was approved by the FDA in the year 2018. This medication reduces symptoms of ADHD and depression. It is not a stimulant, and is believed to work by altering the brain's chemical pathways involved in mood regulation.
In clinical studies, Qelbree was shown to aid people suffering from ADHD focus, decrease impulsive behaviors, and improve their ability to interact with others. It also helped them perform better academically, both at school as well as at home. The drug was a good tolerated by patients and did not cause sedation – which is a common side effect of stimulant medications.
It is available in capsule form and can be taken whole or crushed and sprinkled over foods like applesauce or pudding. Adults can start with 200 mg per dose, and increase to 100 mg every week until they reach a maximum dosage of 600 mg per day. Children's version is also available. It starts at 100mg and increases by 100 mg each week, until the child reaches 400mg per day.
If a patient experiences a serious adverse reaction during the course of taking Qelbree they should notify their doctor immediately. They should also tell them if they suffer from any other health problems like bipolar disorder or depression. People should not use the drug in the case of pregnancy or breastfeeding. It can also interact with other drugs, including duloxetine, alosetron, ramelteon, and tizanidine.
Suicidal thoughts and actions are a possibility with this drug, especially during the first few months of treatment or after the dose is changed. It is crucial to observe the moods of both children and adults while taking the medication. They should also be able to report any sudden or unexpected changes to their physician.
Certain people may also experience an extreme reaction to this medication. Skin swelling can be an indication of a severe allergic reaction. It can affect the lips, the hands, the feet, and the eyes. If you experience these symptoms seek out your doctor or go to an emergency room if needed.
Other Medications that are not FDA Approved
The majority of stimulant ADHD medications are classified as either methylphenidates, or amphetamines. These medications increase the levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain, which improve concentration, focus and impulsivity. These medications are available in immediate-release (immediate-release) and intermediate-release (intermediate-release) and long-acting forms (extended-release). They can be taken one or more times per day.
Stimulants are generally considered the first-choice treatment for adolescents and children with ADHD. They have been used for decades to treat the disorder and are proven to be effective, safe and tolerable. They can become habit-forming and may cause adverse effects that some find difficult to bear. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to assist people suffering from ADHD.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication functions differently than stimulants. They might take longer to take effect and are absorbed more slowly into the body. The medications that are FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD include norepinephrine modulators such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv) and centrally acting alpha 2-adrenergic receptor agonists, like Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and guanfacine XR (Tenex).
These medications alter the way that chemical brain messengers influence your behavior, attention, and your impulsivity. These medications are not usually classified as controlled substances.
There are other medications which haven't yet been approved by FDA to treat ADHD however doctors can prescribe in the event that they believe it will be helpful. Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant that is FDA-approved to treat depression and other mental health issues and has been proven to reduce the symptoms of ADHD in some people.
Illegal sources are a great source for medications that haven't been approved by the FDA approval. I Am Psychiatry from pharmacies and could be dangerous to your health. Talk to your doctor about the ADHD medication is right for you. They will be able to provide you with a list of FDA-approved medications that are suitable for your particular condition. They will also discuss any possible side effects or risks that may be associated with each.