Non Stimulant and Stimulant ADHD Medications
Medications are a valuable component of the treatment plan for ADHD. Finding the right medication could be a long process according to your medical history, genetics and the side effects.
Stimulant medications like methylphenidate or amphetamine increase certain chemicals in the brain that aid in focusing and control their impulses. They also reduce hyperactivity. Many people suffering from ADHD take these drugs as their first choice.
Strattera
Strattera is a prescription medication that has been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD in children and adults. It performs differently than stimulant drugs to treat ADHD symptoms, however it is still an effective treatment for your condition.
Doctors prescribe it to improve concentration and reducing impulsive behavior. It also can help with depression and anxiety in some people suffering from ADHD. Researchers believe that the drug can affect norepinephrine, which is a neurotransmitter that is found in the brain. The drug may boost the levels of norepinephrine within the brain, which can increase focus and concentration.
Like other non-stimulant medications that are available, it may take up to a month before you see improvements with your ADHD symptoms. Your doctor can help weigh the benefits of this medication versus other ADHD treatments, to ensure that it is the right choice for you.
The drug is well absorbed after oral administration. Maximum plasma levels are seen between one and two hours after the administration of a dose. It is important to inform your physician about any liver problems as this can reduce the absorption.
This medication should not be used in the event that you are susceptible to heart disease or have other heart issues. You should not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects your body. It can also lead to increased suicidal thoughts, particularly in children and teens. If you have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication, talk to your doctor right away.
Strattera can cause jitteriness and headaches, as well as stomach pain and trouble sleeping. Less common side effects include shakiness stomach pain, trouble breathing and loss of appetite. It is important to let your doctor know immediately if you experience any serious side effects including a sudden change in mood or vision.
Discuss with your doctor in case you are breastfeeding or pregnant before taking atomoxetine. The drug likely gets into your breast milk, and it can cause dangerous side effects for babies. Avoid taking this medication if you have liver is not functioning properly or when certain medications are taken, such as MAO-inhibitors (isocarboxazid linezolid methylene blue injection phenelzine rasagiline selegiline tranylcypromine). These drugs can interfere with atomoxetine's metabolism.
Intuniv
Intuniv is a long-acting variant of guanfacine, which was previously used for high blood pressure treatment, is available in a tablet form. It was approved by the FDA in September 2009 as a daily treatment for ADHD in adolescents and children 6 to 17 years old. The medication can be used alone or in conjunction with stimulant ADHD medications.
Contrary to stimulant drugs Intuniv does not increase blood pressure or heart rate. Instead, it affects the prefrontal cortex of the brain and reduces the impulsiveness. It also helps reduce symptoms such as social aggression, emotional sensitivity and hyperarousal that are not easily treated with stimulants. It does this by reducing adrenaline levels to normal.
Intuniv improved ADHD scores in a short-term study compared to atomoxetine and placebo (a fake medication). The reduction was 24 points in one study and 19 points in a different. The medication can help ADHD sufferers pay attention more at school and at work. It also improves their mood, and in certain cases it may aid in lowering blood pressure.
Patients should only take INTUNIV as prescribed by their doctor. Patients should not stop taking the medication without speaking to their doctor. It is essential to inform doctors know if patients are taking any other medications, including herbal and non-prescription medications. INTUNIV may interact with other medications and cause serious health issues.
Side effects include sleepiness, headache and sedation. Also, they can cause stomach upset, dry mouth and problems with coordination and balance. If the adverse effects are severe, patients should contact their doctor.
INTUNIV may help to prevent stomach upsets if taken with food and/or water. The medication should be kept in a secure location, out of reach of children. It is not recommended to share it with others, even those who have the same condition.
Intuniv could interact with other drugs, including anticholinergics. Alpha antagonists, SSRIs, and other anticholinergics. It can also enhance the drowsiness caused by depressants like barbiturates, alcohol, antihistamines and some other sedatives.
Qelbree
Qelbree, 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 affect the brain's chemical pathways involved in mood regulation.
In clinical trials, Qelbree was shown to aid people suffering from ADHD focus, reduce their impulsive behavior, and enhance their ability to get along with other people. It also helped them perform better academically, both in school and at home. The drug was well tolerated by the patients and did not cause sedation, which is a problem that is typical of stimulant drugs.
It is available in capsules and can be swallowed whole or crushed and sprinkled over food, such as applesauce or pudding. Adults can start with 200 mg per day and increase the dosage by 100 mg each week until they reach a maximum of 600 mg each day. Children's versions are also available. It starts at 100mg and grows by 100mg every week, until the child reaches 400mg per day.
If the patient experiences a severe adverse reaction while taking Qelbree they should contact their doctor immediately. They should also let the doctor know if they suffer from any other health issues like an underlying bipolar disorder or depression. It is not recommended to take the medication if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. It may also cause an interaction with certain other drugs like the alosetron duloxetine ramelteon or tizanidine.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts or actions especially in the first few weeks of treatment, or if the dose is altered. It is essential to keep track of both the moods of adults and children when taking this drug. It is also important to make sure to report any sudden or unusual changes to their doctor.
Some people can also have an extreme reaction to this medication. The swelling under the skin could be an indication of a serious allergic reaction. It can be a problem for the lips, the hands, the feet, and the eyes. If you have these symptoms you should contact your doctor immediately or visit the emergency room if necessary.
Other Non-FDA Approved Medications
The majority of stimulant ADHD medications are classified as either amphetamines, or methylphenidates. These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improve focus, concentration and impulsivity. More suggestions are available in immediate-release intermediate-release, long-acting (extended-release) forms and are available once or several times a day.
Stimulants are usually considered to be the first-choice treatment for adolescents and children with ADHD. They have been used to treat the disorder for a long time and are known to be effective, safe and well-tolerated. However they can become an addictive drug and could cause adverse effects that are unpalatable in certain people. There are a variety of options to help people with ADHD.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication works differently than stimulants. They may take longer to begin working and are more slowly absorbed into the body through the digestive tract. FDA-approved medications for ADHD include norepinephrine modulators such as Strattera, Qelbree, and Intuniv, as well as centrally acting alpha 2-adrenergic antagonists like clonidine, Kapvay and Tenex.
These medications work by changing how chemical messengers in the brain affect behavior, attention and impulsivity. These drugs aren't usually classified as controlled substances.
There are a number of other medications that have not yet been approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD however, doctors are able to prescribe if they believe it might be helpful. Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant approved by the FDA to treat depression and other mental health issues, but has also been proven to reduce symptoms of ADHD in a few people.
It's illegal for pharmaceutical companies to market and sell a prescription-only medication without FDA approval, however, some medications that haven't been approved by the FDA for use are sold through illegal sources. These aren't normally available through pharmacies and can be harmful to your health. Discuss with your doctor the most appropriate ADHD medication for you. They can provide you with a list of approved by the FDA for medications that are suitable for your needs and can discuss any adverse effects or dangers.