ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants assist people with ADHD manage their hyper-impulsive behavior and focus. They can be short-acting or long-acting, and are prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians, or psychiatrists (and in some cases, GPs).
Stimulants affect norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They are tightly controlled and only prescribed by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a substance that is part of the family of stimulants. It enhances activity in certain areas 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. It is also prescribed for depression in adults. However, this is not regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate enters the bloodstream rapidly from the gut and starts working within a matter of hours. It can be taken as a tablet that releases immediately or chewable extended-release capsule or tablet. The doctor will prescribe a formula that is most appropriate for the patient's needs and the side effects.
managing adhd without medication of methylphenidate tend to be mild and will go in time as the body gets used to the medicine. Talk to Visit Homepage if they persist. He may reduce the dosage or try another medicine. It is essential to take the medication exactly according to the prescription. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. This reduces the risk for addiction or abuse. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified the methylphenidate drug as a Schedule II substance, which means it is extremely susceptible to abuse. The stimulants can create dependence and withdrawal if not taken in the prescribed manner.
Tell your doctor if your child has heart problems. This includes irregular heartbeats, or a history heart attack. Methylphenidate can raise the heart rate and that's why the doctor will examine their heart rhythm and blood pressure prior to starting treatment. Tell the doctor about any other medications your child takes such as herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will give you instructions on how much and how often you should take the medicine and any other special precautions. Methylphenidate is recommended to be taken twice a day during meals. Certain brands of long-acting methylphenidate tablets (Quillichew ER; Cotempla XR with -ODT; and Adhansia XR), contain aspartame. Aspartame is a major source of phenylalanine, and should not be consumed by people suffering from phenylketonuria.
Avoid drinking alcohol and other substances when taking this medication. Some people may notice that their appetite decreases while taking methylphenidate. If your child is losing weight, try to encourage them to eat a regular diet and snacks. You may need to encourage them to drink a lot of water or squash to keep well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nerve system stimulant, sold under the name Vyvanse. It affects chemical substances that are found in the brain as well as the nerves. It enhances impulse control and concentration in children, adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. It treats eating disorders that cause binge eating (BED) as well as increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This reduces uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine is a member of the prodrug class that is a modified medication that is inactive until it's processed in the body. It has been proven to be effective and safety in both stimulant-naive patients as well as patients exposed to stimulants with ADHD. It is also believed to have a longer-lasting effect than other stimulants, and may have less rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the scores for ADHD-RS-IV improved significantly in a 12-week controlled trial. They also reported that the majority of patients who switched to placebo relapsed within two weeks.28 Brams et al29, however, used a novel design in a randomized withdrawal trial where they followed 116 adults for 12 weeks after stopping lisdexamfetamine. They discovered that the majority of patients who relapsed weren't exposed to any other stimulants in the two weeks preceding.
It is crucial to inform your doctor if there are any allergies to this medication or any other medication. Also, let your doctor know if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or any other heart problems. These stimulants increase the risk of heart attacks or sudden deaths in people with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breastmilk and cause harm to nursing infants. It is not recommended to feed your baby while taking this medication. This medication may cause dizziness, shakiness, or stomach upset in some individuals. Lisdexamfetamine is not recommended for use by children younger than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for women who are nursing or pregnant. Even if you are feeling better, you shouldn't stop taking the medicine unless your physician advises you to. While you're taking this medication and your doctor is likely to monitor your pulse rate and blood pressure.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera is a non-stimulant which works by blocking the presynaptic receptors of norepinephrine. It has a high affinity for this transporter, but has a low affinity for any other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115-136]. In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it improved the inhibition control of ADHD patients by reducing overactivation on the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and coworkers 2009). It was also shown to increase 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 dose is based on weight and should be increased gradually. A single dose per day is typical. non prescription adhd medication of the drug cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) have greater exposure and less efficient 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 decreasing symptoms of ADHD. It is typically used as the first-line treatment. It is generally well-tolerated and safe, and does not increase the likelihood of suicidal behavior. It is not as effective in reducing anxiety and tics as stimulants and it does not appear to reduce sleep disorders. However it has been proven to increase aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with antidepressant fluoxetine, and therefore it is not recommended to take them together [115, 137].
Two other medications that are often prescribed as a first-line treatment for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). These drugs were initially developed to lower high pressure in adults. They are referred to as 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 drugs take time to show results and can take up to four weeks in the case of many children before they see any benefits. In addition they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. phenelzine) due to the risk of serious and potentially fatal adverse reactions like severe hypothermia rigidity, myoclonus or autonomic instability extreme agitation and confusion, and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that boost activity in the central nervous system. They include a variety of drugs - some legal, and others illicit. They can be used to boost performance, keep you awake and alert, as well as treat certain medical conditions such as ADHD and narcolepsy as well as depression. Some examples of stimulants prescribed by a doctor are amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term"stimulant" could be used to describe non-prescription drugs such as caffeine and certain diet pills, which are used for a variety of reasons, but they may not be safe when taken together with other medications or some foods.
Stimants aren't habit-forming in the doses used to treat people with ADHD, but they can have adverse effects. They can make people feel shaky or jittery. They can raise blood pressure and heart rate, cause an upset stomach and may cause difficulty sleeping.
Some teenagers and children who take stimulants can be prone to tics, repetitive movements or noises, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. They may also experience some minor delays in growth.
A doctor will determine the right stimulant 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 directions of your doctor. Always go through the Medication Guide that is included with your prescription.
Medications are not the only method to treat symptoms of ADHD, but they're usually the first step in treatment. Psychosocial interventions like behavior modification and family therapy are also available to assist people of all ages with ADHD.
Patients who are prescribed ADHD medication should be assessed for their risk of misuse and abuse assessed, and be counseled not to share their medication with others. They should also be encouraged to keep their medication locked away and properly disposed. Health professionals must also frequently check and check patients for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction. The FDA has demanded that more consistent information be provided on the labeling of drugs to help educate families and patients about the dangers of these drugs.