ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD manage their focus and impulsive behavior. They are either short-acting, or long-acting, and prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians, or psychiatrists (and in some cases GPs).
Stimulants influence dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They are tightly regulated and only approved by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a drug that is part of the family of stimulants. It stimulates the activity of certain regions of the brain. It raises levels of certain chemicals, including dopamine and noradrenaline, which helps control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is used to treat ADHD and the condition known as narcolepsy. It can also be prescribed to treat depression in adults. However, this is not regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate is absorbed by the gut into the bloodstream rapidly and is effective within a matter of hours. It can be taken as a tablet that releases immediately or an extended-release chewable capsule or tablet. The doctor will prescribe a dosage that is appropriate for the patient's needs and possible side effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate tend to be minor and will disappear with time as the body adjusts to the medication. If they are persistent, talk to your doctor who will lower the dose or try another medication. It is important to take the 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 methylphenidate as a Schedule II substance, which means it is extremely vulnerable to abuse. These stimulants could cause withdrawal and dependence if not taken in the prescribed manner.
Tell your doctor if you child has heart problems. This could include irregular heartbeats, or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will examine their blood pressure prior to beginning treatment. It's also important to tell the doctor that your child is taking any other medicines, such as herbal remedies or vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will give you instructions on how much and how often you should take the medicine and any other precautions. Methylphenidate is typically taken twice a day with meals. Certain brands of long-acting methylphenidate chewable tablets (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame which is a major source of phenylalanine, and should not be taken by people with Phenylketonuria (an inherited condition that requires a low-protein diet to prevent severe intellectual disability).
Avoid drinking alcohol and other substances when taking this medication. Some people may experience a reduction in appetite when taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to consume regular meals and snacks in case they are losing weight. You may need to remind them to drink plenty of squash or water to keep hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nerve system stimulant that is sold under the name Vyvanse. It acts on chemical substances that are found in the brain as well as the nerves. It enhances impulse control and concentration in children, adolescents and adults with ADHD. It also treats BED, also known as binge eating disorder (BED) by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain, and reducing instances of uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine is part of the prodrug class of medications that are modified to make them inactive until metabolized by the body.27 It has been found to be safe and well-tolerated in a number of placebo controlled trials, showing efficacy in both stimulant-naive as well as stimulant-exposed patients with ADHD. It is also believed to have a greater lasting effect than other stimulants, and may have fewer 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 a placebo experienced a relapse within two weeks.28 Brams et al29, on the other hand employed a unique method in a randomized withdrawal trial where they followed 116 adults for 12 weeks following the discontinuation of lisdexamfetamine. They discovered that the majority of patients who relapsed weren't exposed to any other stimulants during the two weeks preceding.
It is crucial to inform your doctor if you have any allergies to this medication or any other medications. Also, let your doctor know whether you suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease or any other heart-related issues. The use of stimulants can increase the risk of heart attacks or sudden deaths among people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breast milk and could harm a nursing infant. You should not breastfeed while taking this medication. This medication may cause shakiness, dizziness, or stomach upsets in certain people. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for use by children younger than 6 years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not a prescription drug for use by people who are breastfeeding or pregnant. Even if you feel better, you should not stop taking the medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Your doctor is likely to be looking to check your blood pressure and heart rate when you take this medication.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant that works by blocking the presynaptic neuronal norepinephrine transporter. It is highly specific to this transporter and a weak affinity for other neurotransmitter transporters and receptors [115, 136and 136. In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it improved the inhibition control of ADHD patients by reducing overactivation of the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and coworkers, 2009). uk adhd medication has also been proven to improve working memory and attention span in children with ADHD. It is slow in the onset of action, and it could take up to 12 weeks for its full effect to be seen. The dosage is based on weight and should be gradually increased. A once-daily dosage is typical. A poor metabolizer of drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a greater exposure and a slow elimination of atomoxetine. Pharmacogenetic testing should be conducted prior to prescribing atomoxetine in these individuals.
In several controlled studies it has been demonstrated that it can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It is typically employed as the first-line treatment. It is generally safe and well tolerated, and doesn't increase the risk of suicidal behaviors. It isn't as efficient in reducing anxiety and tics as stimulants, and does not seem reduce sleep disorders. However it has been proven to increase aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is more compatible with the antidepressant Fluoxetine. Therefore it is not recommended to be taken in conjunction.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two additional medications that can be prescribed as treatments of first-line for ADHD. These drugs were originally created to lower blood pressure in adults. They are referred to as alpha agonists. They function 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 between two and four weeks before they see any benefits from them. Additionally they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. phenelzine) due to the possibility of fatal and serious adverse events such as severe hypothermia, rigidity, myoclonus or autonomic instability extreme agitation and disorientation and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs which increase activity in the nervous system. They include a wide variety of drugs including some that are legal, and others illegal. They are used to improve performance, remain alert and alert, and treat certain medical conditions such as ADHD, narcolepsy and depression. Some examples of prescribed stimulants include amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term"stimulant" can also be used to describe nonprescription medications like diet pills and caffeine. These are utilized for a variety of reasons, but can be dangerous when combined with certain foods or medications.
Stimants aren't habit-forming in the doses prescribed to treat people with ADHD However, they may have adverse effects. uk adhd medication may feel jittery, or unstable. They can increase the heart rate and blood pressure and cause stomach upset and may cause difficulty sleeping.
Some children and teenagers who are taking stimulants may experience tics or repeated sounds or movements, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. They may also experience a slight delay in their growth.
A doctor will determine the best stimulant for you or your children. They will also consider factors such as weight, age, and allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medications. Always follow the prescriptions of your doctor. You should read the Medication Guide that comes with the medication you are taking.
Medicines aren't the only method to treat symptoms of ADHD, but they're usually the first treatment option. Everyone of any age can benefit from psychosocial interventions, like family therapy and behavior modification.
Patients who are prescribed ADHD medication should be assessed for their risk of misuse and abuse assessed and advised not to share their medication with others. They should also be advised to keep unused medication locked away and properly disposed. Health care professionals must also regularly monitor patients and check them for indications of misuse, abuse, or addiction. The FDA has demanded that more consistent information be provided on drug labeling to help inform patients and their families about these serious dangers.