ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are medications that help people with ADHD focus and control their impulsive behaviour. They can be short- or long-acting and are prescribed by psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists (and doctors in certain circumstances).
Stimulants alter the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They are controlled tightly and are only prescribed by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a substance that belongs to the family of stimulants. It enhances activity in certain areas of the brain. It boosts levels of certain chemicals such as dopamine and noradrenaline that aid in controlling attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is a treatment option 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 gets absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream rapidly and can be used within a few hours. It is available as a chewable tablet or an immediate-release tablet. The doctor will prescribe a formula that is appropriate for the patient's condition and side effects.
The effects of methylphenidate are likely to be mild and will go disappear over time as the body becomes accustomed to the medication. Speak to your doctor should you experience any issues. He can lower the dosage or even try a different medication. It is essential to take the medication as directed. Don't overdose the dosage recommended. This helps reduce the potential for abuse or addiction. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified the methylphenidate drug as a Schedule II substance, which means it is extremely susceptible to abuse. Stimulants have the potential to cause dependency and withdrawal when not used as directed.
Tell your doctor if you child has heart problems. This could be due to an irregular heartbeat or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate can raise the heart rate which is the reason why the doctor will check their blood pressure and heart rhythm prior to starting treatment. Inform the doctor about any other medications your child is taking such as herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will give you instructions about how much and how often to take the medicine, as well as any other special precautions. Methylphenidate is best taken twice a day with meals. Certain brands of long-acting methylphenidate tablets (Quillichew ER; Cotempla XR ODT and Adhansia XR), contain aspartame. Aspartame is a major source of phenylalanine, and should not be taken by those with phenylketonuria.
It's important to avoid drinking alcohol or other substances while taking this medication. Some people may experience a decrease in appetite when taking methylphenidate. If your child is losing weight, you should encourage them to eat regularly and snacks. They may also require to drink a lot of water or squash to keep well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nervous system stimulant that is sold under the brand 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 also treats BED, also known as binge eating disorder (BED) by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which reduces instances of eating disorders that are uncontrolled.
Lisdexamfetamine is a member of the prodrug class, which is a modified medication that is inactive until processed within 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 greater lasting effect than other stimulants and could have fewer rebound symptoms.
In a 12-week study that was placebo-controlled, Adler et al27 found significant improvements in the scores of ADHD-RS-IV. They also reported that the majority of patients who switched to a placebo relapsed within two weeks.28 Brams et al29, however utilized a new design in a random withdrawal trial where they observed 116 adults for 12 weeks following stopping lisdexamfetamine. They found that most of those who relapsed had not been exposed to other stimulants in the past two weeks.
It is essential to inform your doctor if you suffer from any allergies to this medicine or any other medication. Also inform adhd without medication if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or any other heart-related issues. These stimulants increase the risk of heart attacks or sudden deaths among people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine could be absorbed into breastmilk and cause harm to a nursing infant. It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking this medicine. Some people may experience dizziness, shakiness or stomach upsets while taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for use by children younger than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is also not approved for use by women who are breastfeeding or pregnant. You should not stop taking this medication unless your doctor advises you to do so even when you feel better. While you are taking this medication, your doctor will likely check your pulse rate and blood pressure.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera is a non-stimulant which works by blocking presynaptic transporters of norepinephrine. check out the post right here is highly specific to this transporter and minimal affinity for other neurotransmitter transporters or receptors [115, 136]. In a variety of placebo-controlled trials it enhanced the inhibitory control of ADHD patients by reducing the overactivation on the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and colleagues 2009). It was also shown to increase attention span and working memory in children with ADHD. It can take up to 12 weeks to see its full effects. The dose is weight based and should be taken at a low dose, and gradually increased. A single dose per day is typical. A poor metabolizer of drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a greater exposure and a slower elimination of atomoxetine. Testing for pharmacogenetics should be performed prior to prescribing atomoxetine in these individuals.
It has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD in numerous controlled trials, and is frequently employed as a first-line treatment. It is generally well tolerated and is safe, and does not increase the risk of suicidal behavior. It is not as effective as stimulants in reducing anxiety and tics as well as it doesn't seem to reduce sleep problems, but it has been shown to help with aggression in a few children. Atomoxetine is more akin to the antidepressant, fluoxetine. Therefore, they should not be taken in conjunction.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two other drugs that can be prescribed as the first-line treatment for ADHD. These medications were originally developed to lower blood pressure in adults. These drugs are alpha agonists. They are able to stimulate receptors in the mind to release neurotransmitters called norepinephrine, which can reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs take time to take effect, and it may take up to four weeks for some children before they can see any benefits. They are not recommended for use with MAOIs, e.g. phenelzine) due to the possibility 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 increase activity in the nervous system. They are a range of substances - some of them legal, while others are illegal. They can be used to boost performance, remain awake or alert and treat certain medical conditions like ADHD, narcolepsy and depression. Amphetamines and methylphenidate as well as other prescription stimulants can be used. The term stimulant can also apply to nonprescription drugs like caffeine and some diet pills, which are used for a variety of reasons but may not be safe when taken in combination with other medications or certain foods.
Stimants can cause negative side effects, even though they are not addictive at the doses prescribed to treat ADHD. They can make people feel anxious or nervous. They can raise blood pressure and heart rate and cause stomach upset, and can lead to sleep problems.
Some teenagers and children who are taking stimulants may have tics or repeated sounds or movements like eye blinking or throat clearing. They might also experience a minor delay in their growth.
A doctor will determine the most effective stimulant for your child or yourself. They will consider other aspects, like age, weight, and whether your child or you have any allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow the doctor's prescriptions. Always go through the Medication Guide that is included with your prescription.
The first treatment for ADHD is typically medication. It's not the only option, but it's the most commonly used. Psychosocial interventions such as behavior modification and family therapy are also available to assist people of all ages who suffer from ADHD.
People who are prescribed ADHD medication should have their risk of misuse and abuse assessed and advised not to share their medication with others. They should also be urged to keep any medication they no longer use away and properly disposed. Health care professionals should also regularly assess and check patients for signs of abuse, misuse or addiction. The FDA is requiring more consistent information to be placed on drug labels to help inform patients and their families about the serious dangers.