ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are drugs that help those suffering from ADHD focus and control their impulsive behaviour. They can be either long- or short-acting and are prescribed by psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists (and doctors in certain situations).
Stimulants alter the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are tightly regulated and only approved by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate belongs to the stimulant family and increases brain activity. It increases levels of certain chemicals, such as dopamine and noradrenaline, which help to regulate attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate can be used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy and other disorders. It may also be prescribed to treat depression in adults, but this is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate is absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream swiftly and can be used within a few hours. It is available as a tablet that releases immediately or an extended-release chewable tablet or capsule. The doctor will determine the most appropriate formulation based on the person's symptoms and the possibility of side effects.
medication for adhd of methylphenidate tend to be minor and go away over time as the body becomes accustomed to the drug. If they are persistent, talk to your doctor who will lower the dosage or recommend a different medicine. It is essential to take the medication exactly according to the prescription. Don't exceed the recommended dosage. This reduces the risk for abuse or addiction. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified methylphenidate as a Schedule II substance, which means it is extremely susceptible to abuse. The stimulants can create dependence and withdrawal if not taken as prescribed.
It's important to tell the doctor if your child has any heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate can increase heart rate and that's why the doctor will examine their heart rhythm and blood pressure before starting treatment. It's also important to tell the doctor whether your child is taking other medications, including herbal remedies or vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will provide you with instructions on how much and how often you should take the medication, as well as any other special precautions. Methylphenidate should be taken twice daily in conjunction with meals. Certain brands of methylphenidate with long-acting tablets (Quillichew ER; Cotempla XR ODT; and Adhansia XR), contain aspartame. Aspartame is an ingredient that contains Phenylalanine and should not be taken by people suffering from phenylketonuria.
It is important to stay clear of drinking alcohol or other substances while taking this medication. Some people may experience a decrease in appetite when taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to take regular meals and snacks in case they are losing weight. You may have to encourage them to drink plenty of squash or water in order to stay hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nerve system stimulant sold under the name Vyvanse. It works by stimulating chemicals found in the brain and nerves. It improves impulse control and concentration in adolescents, children and adults with ADHD. It treats the disorder of binge eating (BED) as well as increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This reduces uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine is a member of the prodrug class of medications that are modified to render them inactive until they are metabolized the body.27 It has been found to be safe and well-tolerated in a number of placebo-controlled studies and has shown efficacy for both stimulant-naive as well as stimulant-exposed patients with ADHD. It is also believed to have a longer lasting effect than other stimulants and may have less rebound symptoms.
In a 12-week placebo-controlled trial, Adler et al27 found significant improvements in the ADHD-RS-IV scores. They also found that the majority of patients who changed to placebo had a relapse within two weeks.28 Additionally, Brams et al29 used an innovative method for an uncontrolled withdrawal study which they followed 116 adults for 12 weeks after stopping lisdexamfetamine treatment. They found that the majority of patients who relapsed were not exposed to any other stimulants over the two weeks preceding.
It is important to tell your doctor if you suffer from any allergies to this medication or any other medication. Inform your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems or any other heart issues. These stimulants increase the chance of having a stroke, heart attacks, or sudden deaths in people with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breastmilk and cause harm to a nursing infant. You should not breast-feed while taking this medication. This medication can cause dizziness, shakiness, or stomach upset in certain individuals. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for use by children younger than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not a prescription drug for use by women who are breastfeeding or pregnant. It is not recommended to stop taking this medication unless your doctor advises you to stop, even when you are feeling better. Your doctor may want to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure while you are taking this medicine.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, is a nonstimulant which works by blocking the presynaptic receptors of norepinephrine. It is highly specific for this transporter, and has a low affinity for other neurotransmitter transporters or receptors [115, 136]. In a variety of placebo-controlled studies it helped improve inhibitory control in ADHD patients by inhibiting overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain and co., 2009). It was also shown to increase working memory and attention span in children with ADHD. It can take as long as 12 weeks before you can see the full effects. The dosage is based on weight and should be increased gradually. A once-daily dose is typical. A poor metabolizer of the drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a greater exposure and a slow elimination of the drug atomoxetine. The testing of the pharmacogenetics must be performed prior to prescribing atomoxetine for these individuals.
It has been proven to be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in a variety of controlled trials, and is frequently employed as a first-line treatment. It is generally well-tolerated and safe, and does not increase the risk of suicidal behavior. It is not as efficient in reducing anxiety and tics as stimulants, and does not seem reduce sleep issues. However, it has been shown to reduce aggression in certain children. Atomoxetine is more compatible with the antidepressant, fluoxetine. Therefore, they should not be taken at the same time.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two other drugs that can be prescribed as treatments of first-line for ADHD. These drugs were initially developed to lower blood pressure in adults. They are known as alpha agonists and work by stimulating certain receptors in the brain to release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which reduces the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications have a long onset of action, and a majority of children will require two to four weeks before they can see any benefit from them. They are also not recommended to be used with MAOIs(e.g. e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the possibility of serious and possibly fatal adverse events, such as severe hypothermia and rigidity, myoclonus, and autonomic instability.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that boost activity in the central nervous system. They are a variety of substances, some legal and others illegal. They are used to improve performance, keep you awake and alert, as well as treat certain medical conditions like ADHD, narcolepsy and depression. Amphetamines, methylphenidate and other prescription stimulants can be utilized. The term stimulant is also used to describe nonprescription medications such as caffeine and diet pills. They are utilized for a variety of reasons, but they can be dangerous when combined with certain foods or medications.
They don't create a habit in the doses used to treat those suffering from ADHD However, they may cause side effects. Some people may feel jittery or unstable. They can cause an upset stomach and raise blood pressure.
Children and teens who take stimulants may experience tics or repeated sounds or movements, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. They could also experience a slight delay in their growth.
A doctor will determine the best stimulant for your child or yourself. They will take into consideration other factors, including age, weight and whether your child or you have any allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow the instructions of your doctor. You should always go through the Medication Guide that is included with your prescription.
The first option for treating ADHD is typically medication. This is not the only option, but it is the most popular. All ages of people are able to benefit from psychosocial interventions like family therapy and behavior modification.
Patients who are taking prescription ADHD medication should be assessed for risk of misuse and abuse, and advised to avoid sharing their medication with anyone else. Also it is recommended to store unused medications in a secure location and dispose of them in a safe manner. Health care professionals should also regularly examine patients for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction. The FDA has demanded that more consistent information be provided on drug labeling to help educate patients and families about the serious risks.