A Peek Inside The Secrets Of Non Stimulant ADHD Medication

Author : Zimmermann Pennington | Published On : 16 Nov 2024

ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?

Stimulant medications are the first choice of ADHD medications, they with the most research behind them, and are quick-acting. But they're not for everyone.

These medications boost the communication between brain regions and nerves to decrease ADHD symptoms. They can also have negative side effects, such as a loss of appetite and changes in blood pressure or heart rate.

Stimulants

The most common medication used to treat ADHD is stimulants. They are known for increasing attention span, decreasing hyperactivity and impulsivity and also increasing focus and discipline. They are also known for increasing heart rate and blood pressure and can cause harm in certain people. Stimulants are used for both medical and non-medical reasons, including recreational drugs as well as weight loss aids. They also include illegal drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine or other synthetic cathinones (bath salts) and MDMA/ecstasy.

Amphétamines as well as methylphenidates are the two most commonly prescribed stimulants to treat ADHD. They're both available in various forms, such as pills, liquids, skin patches and chewable tablets. Amphetamines, which are the oldest and most well-known of these drugs, are becoming less prescribed. The medicines that contain these ingredients work by altering the way that certain neurotransmitters and receptors function within the brain to reduce symptoms of ADHD.

The majority of stimulant medicines fall under the first-line treatment category however, some doctors may prescribe them as a second-line treatment in conjunction with other treatments. Stimulants provide rapid symptom relief that can be felt within a few hours after taking them. However, it may take several weeks of continuous usage for these medicines to achieve their full effectiveness.

They are available in immediate release and extended-release versions. This flexibility allows you to alter the dosage of your medication according to your requirements. The immediate-release medications begin to work immediately after you swallow them. This is an ideal option for situations where you want to treat symptoms quickly, like when you're taking a test or you're taking part in a sporting event or at work.

Extended-release stimulant medication is formulated to release the active ingredients over a prolonged period of time, typically throughout the day. This helps maintain a constant level of the medication in your body, which could increase compliance and overall adhesion to your treatment program.

If you follow your doctor's instructions and do not take any other drugs or substances that interact with these medications, they are generally safe. They're primarily controlled substances because of their potential for abuse, so you will have to get a prescription from your physician prior to starting them.

Some medications that aren't considered stimulants include the atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and Guanfacine (brand names Clonidine XR, XR and Qelbree). Both of these drugs are effective in preventing the reabsorption of norepinephrine an essential brain chemical. They can be effective in cutting down on hyperactivity and impulsivity but they don't help improve concentration as well as stimulants do.


Always discuss your options with a doctor. Every medication has its own set of side effects and can affect people differently. It is important to remain open and honest with your doctor about your feelings about the medication so that you can adjust your dosage if necessary. Talk to medication for adhd when you plan to become pregnant or want to breastfeed in the future, as certain medications can be absorbed through breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you have other health conditions like heart issues that could impact the effectiveness of these drugs.