ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants help people with ADHD manage their impulsive behavior and focus. They can be long- or short-acting and are prescribed by psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists (and GPs in some circumstances).
Stimulants affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are strictly controlled and only approved by a physician.
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 chemicals, such as dopamine and noradrenaline that help control attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate can be used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy and other conditions. It is also prescribed to treat depression in adults. However, this isn't regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate gets 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 capsule or tablet. The doctor will prescribe a dosage that is most appropriate for the patient's condition and side effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate are usually minor and will disappear with time as the body becomes accustomed to the medication. If they are persistent, talk to the doctor who can lower the dose or try a different medicine. It is essential to take the medication exactly as directed. Don't overdose the dosage recommended. This can reduce the chance for abuse or addiction. Methylphenidate is categorized as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, meaning it has a high possibility of abuse. These stimulants can trigger dependence and withdrawal when not used as directed.
Tell your doctor if your child is suffering from heart issues. This could be due to an irregular heartbeat or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate can increase the rate of heartbeat and that's why the doctor will examine their blood pressure and heart rhythm before starting treatment. Discuss with the doctor any other medications your child takes, including herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will advise you how much medicine to take and how often, as well any other precautions. Methylphenidate is typically taken two times every day, with meals. Certain brands of methylphenidate with long-acting tablets (Quillichew ER; Cotempla XR -ODT; and Adhansia XR), contain aspartame. Aspartame is a source phenylalanine and should not by taken by people suffering from phenylketonuria.
Avoid drinking alcohol or other drugs when taking this medication. Some people might notice their appetite decreases while taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to take regular meals and snacks when they are losing weight. They may also need to drink plenty of water or squash to stay well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is sold under the brand name Vyvanse is a stimulant for the central nervous system that acts on chemicals in the brain and nerves. It enhances concentration and impulse control in adolescents, children and adults suffering from ADHD. It also treats binge eating disorder (BED) by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which reduces instances of eating disorder that is uncontrolled.
Lisdexamfetamine is one of the prodrug class of medications, which are modified to render them inactive until metabolized by the body.27 It has been proven to be safe and well-tolerated in a number of placebo-controlled trials that have demonstrated its efficacy in 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 less rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the ADHD-RS-IV scores improved significantly in a 12-week controlled trial. They also noted that the majority of the patients who switched to placebo relapsed after 2 weeks.28 In addition, Brams et al29 used an innovative method for a randomized withdrawal study in which they followed 116 adults for 12 weeks after stopping treatment with lisdexamfetamine. They discovered that a majority of those who relapsed hadn't been exposed to other stimulants over the previous two weeks.
It is important to tell your doctor if there are any allergies to this medication or any other medicines. Inform your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems or any other heart issues. 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 harm a nursing infant. It is not recommended to take this medication while breastfeeding. Some sufferers might experience shakiness, dizziness or stomach upset while taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved for use by children less than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not a prescription drug for use by people who are breastfeeding or pregnant. Even if you feel better, you shouldn't stop taking the medication unless your doctor tells you to. Your doctor is likely to want to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure while you're taking this medication.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera, is a nonstimulant that blocks presynaptic transporters that are part of norepinephrine. It is highly specific for this transporter and minimal affinity for other neurotransmitter transportation systems or receptors [115, 136]. In a variety of placebo-controlled studies it helped improve inhibitory control in ADHD patients by reducing overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain and colleagues., 2009). It was also shown to improve attention span and working memory in children with ADHD. It can take as long as 12 weeks to experience its full effects. The dosage is determined by weight and should be increased gradually. A daily dose of once is common. The drug's poor metabolizers cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) have higher exposure and slower elimination of atomoxetine. Therefore, the pharmacogenetic test is recommended prior to prescribing atomoxetine for these people.
It has been proven to be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in numerous controlled trials, and is frequently employed as the first-line treatment. It is generally safe and well-tolerated, and doesn't increase the risk of suicidal behaviors. It is not as effective in reducing anxiety and tics as stimulants, and it doesn't appear to help with sleep disorders. However it has been proven to reduce aggression in certain children. Atomoxetine is more compatible with the antidepressant Fluoxetine. Therefore it is recommended that they not be taken in conjunction.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two additional medications that are available as first-line treatments for ADHD. These drugs were originally created to lower blood pressure in adults. They are known as alpha agonists. They function by stimulating certain receptors in the brain to release the neurotransmitter neopinephrine which can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. These drugs have a long duration of action and many children will require between two and four weeks before seeing any benefits from them. They are not recommended to be used with MAOIs(e.g. e.g. phenelzine) due to the risk of fatal and grave adverse events like severe hypothermia, rigidity, myoclonus or autonomic instability extreme agitation and disorientation, and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that boost activity in the central nervous system. They are a variety of drugs including some that are legal, and others illegal. They can be used to boost performance, remain awake or alert and treat certain medical conditions, such as ADHD and narcolepsy as well as depression. Read Home Page , methylphenidate, and other prescription stimulants can be utilized. The term stimulant is also used to describe nonprescription drugs such as diet pills and caffeine. These are used for many reasons, but they can be harmful when used in conjunction in conjunction with certain food items or medications.
Stimulants don't cause habit-forming doses used to treat those suffering from ADHD However, they may cause side effects. They can cause some people to feel nervous or jittery. They can cause upset stomach and raise blood pressure.
Some teens and children who take stimulants may experience antics or repeated sounds or movements, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. They might also experience a minor delay in growth.
A doctor will determine the best stimulant for your child or you. They will also take into account factors like weight and age as well as allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medications. Always follow the instructions of your doctor. You must go through the Medication Guide that comes with your medicine.
Medicines aren't the only option to reduce symptoms of ADHD however they are usually the first treatment option. Everyone of any age can benefit from psychosocial interventions like family therapy and behavior modification.
Patients who are taking prescription ADHD medication should be screened for the possibility of misuse and abuse, and advised to avoid sharing their medication with anyone else. They should also be encouraged to keep their medication locked away and properly destroyed. Health care professionals must regularly monitor patients and check them for signs of abuse, misuse, or addiction. The FDA has demanded that more consistent information is included on drug labeling to help inform patients and their families about these serious dangers.