ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants assist people with ADHD manage their hyper-impulsive behavior and focus. They can be long- or short-acting and are prescribed by paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists (and GPs in some circumstances).
Stimulants alter dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are tightly controlled and only prescribed by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a substance that is part of the class of stimulants and stimulates the activity of certain regions of the brain. It increases the levels of chemicals such as dopamine and noradrenaline, which aid in controlling attention and behavior. Methylphenidate can be used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy and other disorders. It can also be prescribed to treat depression in adults, although this is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate is absorbed by the gut into the bloodstream rapidly and is effective within a matter of hours. It is available as a chewable or immediate-release tablet. The doctor will prescribe a formula that is appropriate for the patient's symptoms and the side effects.
The adverse effects of methylphenidate tend to be minimal and fade over time, as the body becomes accustomed to the medicine. If they persist, speak to your doctor who will lower the dosage or recommend an alternative medication. It is important to take this medication as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dose. This will reduce the risk of abuse or addiction. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified the drug methylphenidate as a Schedule II substance, which means it is extremely susceptible to abuse. The stimulants can lead to dependence and withdrawal if not used as directed.
Tell your doctor if you child is suffering from heart issues. This could include irregular heartbeats, or a history heart attack. Methylphenidate may increase heart rate which is the reason why the doctor will examine their heart rate and blood pressure before starting treatment. Inform the doctor about any other medications your child takes, including herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will provide you with instructions on how much and how often to take the medicine along with any other precautions. Methylphenidate should be taken twice a day 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 those with phenylketonuria.
It is important to stay clear of drinking alcohol or other substances when taking this drug. Some people might notice their appetite declines when they take methylphenidate. Encourage your child to take regular meals and snacks when they are losing weight. You may have to encourage them to drink a lot of squash or water to keep well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine, available under the brand name Vyvanse is a central nervous system stimulant that affects the chemical activity of the brain and nerves. It helps improve impulse control and concentration in children, adolescents and adults with ADHD. It treats the disorder of binge eating (BED) in addition to increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This decreases the amount of food that is consumed.
Lisdexamfetamine belongs to the prodrug class, which is a modified medication that is inactive until processed in the body. It has shown efficacy and safety in both stimulant-naive patients as well as stimulant exposed patients with ADHD. It is also believed to have a longer lasting effect than other stimulants and could be less susceptible to rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the scores for ADHD-RS-IV improved significantly in a 12-week controlled study. They also found that the majority of patients who switched to a placebo experienced a relapse within two weeks.28 Brams et al29, however, used a novel design in a random withdrawal trial where they observed 116 adults for 12 weeks following the discontinuation of lisdexamfetamine. They found that the majority of patients who relapsed weren't exposed to any other stimulants in the previous two weeks.
Tell your doctor if there are any allergies you might have to this medication or any other medications. Tell your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems, or other heart conditions. These stimulants increase the chance of having a stroke, heart attacks, or sudden deaths among people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breastmilk and harm a nursing infant. It is advised not to breastfeed when taking this medication. Some sufferers might experience shakiness, dizziness or stomach upset while taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved for use by children younger than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for women who are nursing or pregnant. It is not recommended to stop taking this medication unless your doctor advises you to, even if you are feeling better. Your doctor will probably be looking to check your heart rate and blood pressure while you are taking this medication.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant that acts by blocking the presynaptic neuronal norepinephrine transporter. It has a high affinity for this transporter, but has a low affinity for other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115,136]. In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it enhanced inhibition 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 the ability to focus in children with ADHD. It is slow in the onset of action and can take up to 12 weeks for the full effect to be seen. The dosage is based on weight and should be started at a low level, and then gradually increased. A daily dose of once is common. just click the next web page 2D6 (CYP2D6) have higher exposure and less efficient elimination of atomoxetine, so it is recommended to conduct a pharmacogenetic test prior to prescribing atomoxetine to those.
In several controlled studies it has been demonstrated that it is effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It is frequently used as the first-line treatment. It is generally safe and well tolerated, and does not increase the risk of suicidal behavior. It is not as effective in reducing anxiety and tics as stimulants and it does not appear to reduce sleep problems. However it has been found to reduce aggression in certain children. Atomoxetine interacts more with the antidepressant, the fluoxetine. Therefore it is recommended that they not be taken at the same time.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two additional medications that are available as treatments of first-line for ADHD. These drugs were initially developed to reduce high pressure in adults. They are known as alpha agonists. They work by stimulating specific receptors in the brain to release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine which can decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications take a while to work and it could take up to four weeks for many children before they see any benefits. Additionally they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the possibility of serious and potentially fatal adverse events, such as severe hypothermia and rigidity, myoclonus, and autonomic instability.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that increase activity in the nervous system. They are a range of drugs - some legal, others illicit. They can be employed for a variety of reasons, including performance enhancement, to stay alert and awake and to treat specific medical conditions, such as ADHD, narcolepsy, and depression. Amphetamines and methylphenidate as well as other prescription stimulants can be used. The term"stimulant" can also be used to refer to non-prescription drugs such as caffeine and diet pills. These are often used for various reasons, but can be dangerous when combined together with certain medications or foods.
Stimants can cause side effects, even though they are not habit-forming at dosages prescribed for ADHD. They can make people feel nervous or jittery. They can raise the heart rate and blood pressure, cause an upset stomach and may cause trouble sleeping.
Some children and teens who are taking stimulants might be prone to antics, or repetitive sounds or movements, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. They may also experience a slight slowing in growth.
A doctor will determine which stimulant is suitable for your child or you. They will consider other aspects, like weight, age, and whether your child or you have any allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medications. Always follow the instructions of your doctor. You must study the Medication Guide that comes with the medication you are taking.
The first treatment for ADHD is generally medication. This isn't 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 evaluated for the risk of misuse and abuse, and advised not to share their medication with anyone else. They should also be advised to keep any medication they no longer use away and properly disposed of. Health care professionals must also regularly assess patients and monitor them for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction. The FDA is requiring more consistent information to be included on drug labels to inform patients and their families about the dangers of these drugs.