ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD control their hyper-impulsive behavior and focus. They are either short-acting, or long-acting, and are prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians, or psychiatrists (and in some cases, GPs).
Stimulants influence dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They are controlled tightly and only prescribed by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a drug that belongs to the class of stimulants and stimulates the activity of certain regions of the brain. It boosts levels of certain chemicals like dopamine and noradrenaline. These aid in controlling 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, although this is not endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate gets into the bloodstream fast through the gut and begins working within hours. It is available as a chewable or immediate-release tablet. The doctor will prescribe a formula that is most appropriate for the patient's symptoms and the side effects.
The effects of methylphenidate are typically minor and will disappear with time as the body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your physician in the event that they continue. He can lower the dosage or suggest a different medication. It's important to take this medication as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dose. This reduces the risk of addiction or abuse. Methylphenidate is categorized as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means it has a significant risk of abuse. These stimulants could cause withdrawal and dependence if not taken as prescribed.
It is important to inform the doctor whether your child has heart issues, such as an irregular heartbeat or a history of a heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will test their blood pressure prior to starting treatment. It is also essential to inform the doctor whether your child is taking other medications, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
The doctor will provide you with instructions about how much and how often to take the medicine along with any other special precautions. Methylphenidate should be taken twice a day, in conjunction with meals. Some brands of the long-acting methylphenidate chewable tablets (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine and should not be consumed by people suffering from Phenylketonuria (an inheritable condition that requires a low-protein diet to prevent severe intellectual impairment).
Avoid alcohol and other drugs when taking this drug. Some people may experience a reduction in appetite when taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to take regular meals and snacks when they are losing weight. You may need to encourage them to drink a lot of water or squash in order to stay well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine which is available under the brand name Vyvanse is a central nervous system stimulant that stimulates chemicals in the brain and nerves. It enhances concentration and impulse control in adolescents, children, and adults with ADHD. It treats eating disorders that cause binge eating (BED) as well as increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This decreases the amount of food that is consumed.
Lisdexamfetamine is a member of the prodrug class of medications that are altered to make them inactive until metabolized by the body.27 It has been proven to be safe and well-tolerated by a variety of placebo-controlled studies and has shown efficacy for both stimulant-naive and stimulant-exposed patients with ADHD. It is also believed to have a greater lasting effect than other stimulants and could have less rebound symptoms.
adhd medication uk et al27 reported that the ADHD-RS-IV scores improved significantly in a 12-week controlled study. They also found that the majority of patients who switched to placebo experienced a relapse within two weeks.28 Brams et al29, on the other hand, used a novel method in a randomized withdrawal study that monitored 116 adults for 12 weeks after the discontinuation of lisdexamfetamine. They discovered that a majority of the patients who relapsed hadn't been exposed to any other stimulants during the past two weeks.
It is crucial to inform your doctor if you have any allergies to this medication or any other medicines. Also inform your doctor whether you suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease, or any other heart problems. Certain stimulants can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack or sudden death in people with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine may pass into breastmilk and harm a nursing infant. You should not breastfeed while taking this medication. This medication can cause dizziness, shakiness, or stomach upset in some individuals. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for use by children younger than 6 years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for women who are pregnant or nursing. Even if you feel better, do not stop taking the medication unless your physician advises you. Your doctor may want to keep an eye on your blood pressure and heart rate while you're taking this medication.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera is a non-stimulant that blocks presynaptic transporters of norepinephrine. It is highly specific for this transporter, and has a low affinity for other neurotransmitter transportation systems or receptors [115,136and 136. In multiple placebo-controlled trials, 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 improve working memory and concentration in children suffering from ADHD. It takes up to 12 weeks to experience its full effects. The dose is weight based and should be started at a low level, and then gradually increased. A daily dose of once is common. The drug's poor metabolizers cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) have greater exposure and slower elimination of atomoxetine. Therefore, the pharmacogenetic test is recommended prior to prescribing atomoxetine to those.
It has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD in several controlled trials, and it is often employed as a first-line treatment. It is generally safe and well-tolerated and does not increase the risk of suicidal behaviour. It isn't as effective in reducing anxiety and tics as stimulants and it doesn't appear to help with sleep issues. However, it has been shown 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, 37.
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 referred to as alpha agonists. They work by stimulating specific receptors in the brain to release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications have a lengthy time to begin their action, and most children will require two to four weeks before they can see any benefit from them. They are also not recommended for use in conjunction with MAOIs (e.g. e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the possibility of fatal and serious adverse events, such as severe hypothermia and rigidity myoclonus and autonomic instabilities.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that increase activity in the nervous system. They comprise a variety of drugs, some of them legal, while others are illegal. 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, depression, and narcolepsy. Some examples of prescribed stimulants include amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term stimulant can be used to describe non-prescription drugs like caffeine and certain diet pills, which are used for a variety reasons, but are not safe when taken with other medications or with certain foods.
Stimulants can trigger adverse effects, even if they're not addictive at the doses prescribed to treat ADHD. They can cause some people to feel nervous or jittery. They can cause an upset stomach and raise blood pressure.
Children and teens who take stimulants may be prone to tics, repeated sounds or movements, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. They could also have some minor delays in growth.
A doctor will determine the right stimulant for your child or yourself. They will also take into consideration factors such as weight, age, and allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medications. Always follow the prescriptions of your doctor. Always go through the Medication Guide that is included with your prescription.
The first option for treating ADHD is usually medication. It's not the only option, but it's the most commonly used. Psychosocial interventions, such as behavior modification and family therapy can also be used to aid people of all ages with ADHD.
People who take prescription ADHD medication should be screened for the risk of misuse and abuse, and counseled to avoid sharing their medication with anyone else. They should also be advised to keep any medication they no longer use away and properly destroyed. Health care professionals must regularly assess patients and monitor them for indications of misuse, abuse or addiction. The FDA has demanded that more consistent information is included on the labeling of drugs to help inform patients and their families about the dangers of these drugs.