Did you know that 11.4% of children have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2022, which is an estimate of 7 million children?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder that is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. If you are someone with ADHD or know someone with ADHD, you may notice an interference with focusing on tasks, issues with impulse control and carrying out daily tasks and orders effectively. And, about 7 million children are suffering from this condition. For children, ADHD can make it difficult to carry out daily tasks, focus, and lead to impulsivity and academic issues. For adults, ADHD, can make it difficult to focus on tasks in the workplace, completing an activity, manage time effectively and lead to issues in daily life, relationships and workplace.
Did you know that early exposure to BPA can cause ADHD? Read more.
ADHD treatment options
ADHD can be treated with behavioral therapy or ADHD medication, or a combination of both. Approximately 69.3% of children diagnosed with ADHD in US were reported to be taking medication.
The medication for ADHD can be of two types, stimulant or non-stimulant medication, with a variety of options, making it difficult for an informed decision for choosing the right ADHD medication.
Below we explore the differences between different ADHD medications to help you understand the best medication as per individual needs.
How ADHD medications work
Do you know the two neurotransmitters that are responsible for attention, mood regulation and focus? They are dopamine and norepinephrine.
ADHD medications work in the way of balancing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. Each medication targets brain functioning differently, a psychiatrist can recommend the right one depending on age, case history, severity of the symptoms, as well as individual response to the treatment, such as any specific side effect to a particular medication.
Why do ADHD students need extra time? Read here!
ADHD medication comparison : Stimulant vs non-stimulant ADHD treatments
There are two main categories of ADHD medications i.e., stimulants and non-stimulants.
The most prescribed medication includes stimulants, and in case they are ineffective or cause severe side effects, non-stimulants are prescribed.
Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are most common ADHD medications and are generally found to be effective which have been in use for a long time. Stimulants increase the level of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This reduces hyperactive and impulsive behaviors and increases focus and attention. Stimulants can be short, intermediate or long-acting formulations.
Some common stimulants are:
- Amphetamine-based drugs i.e., Adderall, Vyvanse, Dexedrine.
- Methylphenidate-based drugs i.e., Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana, Focalin.
Benefits of stimulant ADHD medications : Stimulants are a more preferred course of action as they have a rapid onset of action (30-60 minutes). The stimulant ADHD medication effectiveness level is high, effective for 70-80% of patients. It is also available in various forms i.e., short-acting, intermediate and long-acting.
Non-Stimulant Medication
Non-stimulants are usually less common, and would be prescribed for those who don’t respond well to stimulant medication or experience intolerable side effects. Non-stimulant ADHD medication rather than increasing dopamine levels directly, it targets the brain functions more gradually, offering symptom relief without the highs and crashes which are associated with the stimulants. They generally take a longer duration to work.
Some common non-stimulants are:
- Atomoxetine (Strattera)
- Guanfacine (Intuniv XR)
- Clonidine ER (Kapvay) and
- Viloxazine (Qelbree)
Benefits of non-stimulant ADHD medications : With non-stimulant medication, there is a lower risk of abuse or dependency. It is also more suitable for people who co-morbid mental health conditions, issues with sleeping or heart conditions. It is also observed that there is a longer-lasting symptom control with non-stimulant ADHD medication. The non-stimulant ADHD medication effectiveness level is moderate, effective for 50-60% of patients.
ADHD medication side effects
ADHD medications, depending on the type, form, dosage and individual response to medication can cause the following side effects:
- Decreased appetite and sleep disturbance or insomnia
- Increased heart rate or blood pressure
- Mood swings and irritability
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Nausea or gastrointestinal issues
- In some cases, it can cause tics
Differences between stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications
The main difference between stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medication is the speed of action, with the former being fast and taking action within 30-60 minutes of administration, and the latter being slower, taking hours or days to take action; secondly, the former has a higher general effectiveness but also there is a higher risk for abuse, dependency, whereas, the former has a moderate general effectiveness but there is low to no risk of abuse or dependency with the latter. Lastly, stimulant medication is available in short to long-acting formulations whereas, non-stimulant medication is mostly long-acting formulations only.
Choosing the right ADHD medication
Now that you know the different types of ADHD medication available, choosing the right ADHD medication is not easily applicable to the whole population. An appropriate medical professional i.e., a psychiatrist usually prescribes a medication after consideration of the thepatient’s personal, family, medical history, severity and frequency of symptoms, age, lifestyle needs and any other concerns and considerations. Often, this process requires trial and error, as some medications might not be effective for an individual or induce a lot of side effects, in which case the psychiatrist changes the medication as per the symptoms and issues.
Understanding the ADHD treatment options, ADHD medication comparison between stimulant and non-stimulant treatments helps professionals, caregivers as well as people make informed decisions. Remember that ADHD medication should only be taken if prescribed by your medical professional, and whether you’re looking for diagnosis or re-evaluation of your current treatment plan, knowing ADHD medication, its benefits and side effects can help you along your journey along with reaching out to an appropriate psychiatrist near me to receive consultation on choosing the right ADHD medication for you that appropriately helps you in your treatment journey. And at NABHS, we help you know the different treatment options for ADHD and how you can make the right choice for your mental health.
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