ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants assist people with ADHD control their focus and impulsive behavior. They can be short- or long-acting and are prescribed by psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists (and GPs in some circumstances).
Stimulants affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are tightly regulated and only approved by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a substance that is part of the family of stimulants and stimulates the activity of certain regions of the brain. It increases the levels of certain chemicals, such as dopamine and noradrenaline, which aids in controlling the attention span and behavior. Methylphenidate can be used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. click through the up coming webpage is also prescribed to treat depression in adults, but it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate gets into the bloodstream fast from the gut, and starts working within hours. It is available as a chewable or immediate-release tablet. The doctor will prescribe the most suitable dosage based on the patient's symptoms and the possibility of side effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate tend to be minimal and fade over time as the body becomes accustomed to the medicine. Consult your physician should you experience any issues. You can reduce the dosage or even try a different medication. It's important to take this medication exactly as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dose. This helps reduce the potential for addiction or abuse. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified the drug methylphenidate as a Schedule II substance, which means it is extremely susceptible to abuse. These stimulants can trigger dependence and withdrawal if not taken as prescribed.
It's important to tell the doctor that your child is suffering from heart problems, such as irregular heartbeats or a history of a heart attack. Methylphenidate can increase heart rate and that's why the doctor will examine their heart rate and blood pressure before they start treatment. It is also essential to inform the doctor that your child is taking other medicines, such as supplements, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
The doctor will advise you how much medication to take and how often, in addition to any other precautions. Methylphenidate should be taken twice a day, with meals. Certain brands of the chewable tablets that methylphenidate is long-acting (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame which is a major source of phenylalanine, and should not be consumed by people with phenylketonuria (an inheritable condition that requires a low protein diet to prevent the development of severe intellectual disabilities.).
It is important to stay clear of the use of alcohol and other substances when taking this medication. Some sufferers may experience a decrease in appetite when taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to eat regular snacks and meals when they are losing weight. You may need to encourage them to drink plenty of squash or water in order to stay hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nerve system stimulant that is sold under the brand name Vyvanse. It acts on chemicals in the brain as well as the nerves. It improves concentration and control of impulses in children, adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. It also treats BED, also known as binge eating disorder (BED) by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, and reducing instances of eating disorder that is uncontrolled.
Lisdexamfetamine is a member of the prodrug class of medications that are modified to make them inactive until they are metabolized the body.27 It has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in a variety of placebo-controlled trials and has shown efficacy for both stimulant-naive and stimulant-exposed patients with ADHD. It is also believed to have a longer lasting effect than other stimulants, and may have fewer rebound symptoms.
In a 12-week study that was placebo-controlled, Adler et al27 found significant improvements in the ADHD-RS-IV scores. They also reported that most of patients who switched to placebo relapsed after 2 weeks.28 Additionally, Brams et al29 used a novel design for a randomized withdrawal study in which they followed 116 adults for 12 weeks after stopping the lisdexamfetamine treatment. They discovered that the majority of patients who relapsed were not exposed to any other stimulants during the previous two-week period.
It is essential to inform your doctor if there are any allergies to this medication or any other medication. Inform your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart issues or other heart-related conditions. The use of stimulants can increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks, or sudden deaths among people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breast milk and could harm a nursing infant. It is advised not to breastfeed while taking this medication. types of adhd medication may cause dizziness, shakiness, or stomach upset in some people. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved for children younger than six years of age. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for women who are nursing or pregnant. Even if you are feeling better, you should not stop taking the medication unless your physician advises you to. Your doctor will probably want to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate while you're taking this medication.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera is a non-stimulant that works by blocking the presynaptic receptors of norepinephrine. It is highly specific for this transporter and minimal affinity for other neurotransmitter transporters or receptors [115,136]. In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it helped improve inhibitory control in ADHD patients by reducing the overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain et al., 2009). It also was shown to improve attention span and working memory in children suffering from ADHD. It can take up to 12 weeks before you can see the full effects. The dosage is based on weight and should be gradually increased. A daily dose of one hour is common. Poor metabolizers of the drug the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) are more exposed and slower elimination of atomoxetine. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct a pharmacogenetic test prior to prescribing atomoxetine for these people.
In a number of controlled studies it has been proven that it can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It is frequently used as the first-line treatment. It is generally well-tolerated and is safe, and does not increase the risk for suicidal behavior. It isn't as efficient as stimulants in reducing anxiety and tics and does not appear to help with sleep issues, but it has been shown to help with aggression in children. Atomoxetine interacts more with the antidepressant, the fluoxetine. Therefore concerta adhd medication is recommended that they not be taken in conjunction.
Two other drugs that are frequently prescribed as a first-line treatment for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). These drugs were originally developed to lower blood pressure in adults. They are called alpha agonists. They function by stimulating specific receptors within the brain to release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which can reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications take time to show results and can take up to four weeks for many children before they experience any benefit. In addition they are not suggested for use with MAOIs (e.g. phenelzine) because of the risk of fatal and grave adverse reactions like severe hypothermia, rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instability, extreme agitation and confusion, and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that boost activity in the central nervous system. They are a range of substances - some legal, and others illicit. They can be used for a number of reasons, such as performance enhancement, to stay alert and awake and to treat specific medical conditions like ADHD, depression, and narcolepsy. Examples of prescribed stimulants include amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term"stimulant" can also be used to describe nonprescription drugs like diet pills and caffeine. They are used for many reasons, but they can also be dangerous when taken in conjunction with certain food items or medications.
They don't create a habit in the doses prescribed for patients with ADHD However, they may have adverse effects. They can make people feel anxious or nervous. They can raise the heart rate and blood pressure and cause stomach upset, and can lead to difficulty sleeping.
Children and teens who are taking stimulants may be prone to tics, repetitive noises or movements like eye blinking or throat clearing. They could also experience a minor delay in growth.
A doctor will determine which stimulant is best for your child or you. They will also take into account factors like weight, age, and allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow the instructions of your doctor. Always review the Medication Guide that is included with your medication.
The use of medication isn't the only option to reduce symptoms of ADHD, but they're usually the first treatment option. People of all ages are able to benefit from psychosocial interventions, like family therapy and behavior modification.
People who are prescribed ADHD medication should be screened for the possibility of misuse and abuse evaluated, and be counseled not to give their medication to others. They should also be urged to keep any medication they no longer use away and properly destroyed. Health professionals should also regularly check patients and monitor them for indications of misuse, abuse or addiction. The FDA has mandated that more consistent information is included on the labeling of drugs in order to inform patients and their families about these serious dangers.