Neurotransmitters

Norepinephrine: One of the most important functions of norepinephrine is its role as the [|neurotransmitter] released from the [|sympathetic neurons] affecting the heart. An increase in norepinephrine from the sympathetic nervous system increases the rate of contractions.[|[][|5][|]]

As a [|stress hormone], norepinephrine affects parts of the brain, such as the [|amygdala], where [|attention] and responses are controlled.[|[][|6][|]] Along with [|epinephrine], norepinephrine also underlies the [|fight-or-flight response], directly increasing [|heart rate], triggering the release of [|glucose] from energy stores, and increasing blood flow to [|skeletal muscle]. It increases the brain's oxygen supply.[|[][|7][|]] Norepinephrine can also suppress [|neuroinflammation] when released diffusely in the brain from the [|locus coeruleus].[|[][|8][|]]

When norepinephrine acts as a [|drug], it increases [|blood pressure] by increasing [|vascular tone] (tension of [|vascular smooth muscle]) through [|α-adrenergic receptor] activation; a [|reflex bradycardia] [|homeostatic] [|baroreflex] is overcome by a compensatory [|reflex] preventing an otherwise inevitable drop in heart rate to maintain blood pressure.

How Do Nonstimulants for ADHD Work?
Strattera seems to increase the amount of norepinephrine, an important [|brain] chemical. This appears to help ADHD by increasing attention span and reducing impulsive behavior and hyperactivity.

Intuniv and Kapvay have an effect on certain receptors in the brain. Studies show that they reduce distractibility and improve attention, working memory, and impulse control. Intuniv is an extended release medicine that contains the same active ingredient as [|Tenex], a [|blood pressure] drug that’s been used as an off-label ADHD treatment for years. Kapvay contains the same active ingredients seen in some types of blood pressure medications known as clonidine. These medications work on the brain to help control heart rate and blood pressure.

Nonstimulants have some advantages over many stimulants used for ADHD. For instance, nonstimulants:


 * Don’t cause agitation or sleeplessness
 * Are not controlled substances and don’t pose the same risk of abuse or addiction
 * Have a longer-lasting and smoother effect than many stimulants, which can take effect and wear off abruptly

What Are the Side Effects of Nonstimulants?
Of course, nonstimulants do have some potential side effects of their own.


 * Strattera Side Effects.** The most common side effects of Strattera are:


 * Upset stomach
 * Decreased appetite, which may cause [|weight] loss
 * Nausea
 * Dizziness
 * Fatigue
 * Mood swings

Other, less common risks from Strattera include:


 * [|Jaundice] and [|liver] problems. If you develop yellowing of the [|skin] or whites of the [|eyes], contact your doctor right away.
 * [|Suicidal] thinking. There’s a possibility that Strattera - like many [|antidepressant][|drugs] - may slightly increase the risk of suicidal thinking in teenagers.
 * Slowed growth in children. Your doctor will probably keep a close eye on your child’s [|height and weight].
 * [|Priapism], or erections that last more than four hours.
 * Serious allergic reactions. While rare, some people develop [|rashes], [|hives], or swelling.

=The Pros and Cons of Strattera for ADHD: A Nonstimulant Medication Option= Serious side effects are less likely with Strattera than with stimulants, although the drug is not without safety concerns of its own. It works in similar ways to some [|antidepressants], and, like those antidepressants, has been issued a warning about increased suicide risk in children. In rare cases, it has also been shown to cause sexual and urinary problems.

Antidepressants change dendrites: There is a very large body of evidence which, when put together, suggests that antidepressant treatments act by inducing neuroplastic changes in the brain. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3025168/

Why Do You Prescribe Exercise For Treating ADHD In Children and Adults? What Are The Benefits?

 * Dr. Ratey**: There are many reasons for exercise in ADHD. Exercise almost immediately elevates dopamine and norepinephrine and keeps them up for a period of time so that it acts like a little bit of Ritalin or Adderall. It also helps to still the impulsivity and still the cravings for immediate gratification as it works to wake up the executive function of the frontal cortex, which in turn allows for delay, better choices, a bit more time to evaluate consequences.

Diet, the Brain and Behavior: http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/news/20110203/study-adhd-diet-helps-reduce-symptoms http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2810%2962227-1/abstract

Dopamine and Longevity: http://healthland.time.com/2013/01/11/could-a-dopamine-gene-be-the-answer-to-a-longer-life/ Not only did the researchers find that the variant was more common among the oldest participants, they also learned that these people were also more physically active than their counterparts who lacked this particular version of the receptor. Having a less effective pleasure-generating dopamine system, the researchers speculate, may cause people to seek greater stimulation, making them more vigorous in the search for greater arousal. Perhaps as a result, these participants were twice as likely to exercise when first surveyed in 1981— and they remained considerably more active than those without the variant when data was collected again in 2003. That, say the researchers, may be the key to their longevity.