ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD control their focus and impulsive behavior. They can be short-acting or long-acting, and prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians, or psychiatrists (and in some cases GPs).
Stimulants alter the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are tightly controlled and can only prescribed by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is part of the stimulant family and enhances brain activity. It boosts the levels of certain chemicals, like dopamine and noradrenaline, which helps control the attention span and behavior. Methylphenidate is a treatment option to treat ADHD as well as narcolepsy and other disorders. It may also be prescribed to treat depression in adults, but this is not endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate gets absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream swiftly and works within hours. It is available as a chewable or immediate-release tablet. The doctor will prescribe the most suitable dosage based on the individual's symptoms and the risk of adverse effects.
Side effects of methylphenidate tend to be minor and go in time as the body gets used to the medication. Consult your physician should you experience any issues. You can reduce the dosage or even try a different medicine. It is crucial to take the medication as prescribed. Don't exceed the recommended dosage. This helps reduce the potential for abuse or addiction. Methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, meaning it has a high potential for abuse. These stimulants could cause withdrawal and dependence if not taken in the prescribed manner.
Tell your doctor if your child has heart issues. This could be due to an irregular heartbeat, or a history heart attack. non prescription adhd medication uk increases heart rate. The doctor will examine their blood pressure prior to starting treatment. Discuss with the doctor any other medications your child is taking, including herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will advise you how much medicine to take and how often, along with any other precautions. Methylphenidate is usually taken twice every day, with meals. Certain brands of long-acting methylphenidate 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 essential 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, try to encourage them to eat regularly and snacks. You may have to encourage them to drink lots of squash or water to ensure they are well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine, 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 children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD. It treats eating disorders that cause binge eating (BED) as well as increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This decreases the amount of food that is consumed.
Lisdexamfetamine is a member of the prodrug class of medicines, which are modified to make them inactive until they are metabolized by the body.27 It has been proven to be safe and well-tolerated by a variety of placebo controlled trials and has shown efficacy for both stimulant-naive as well as stimulant-exposed patients with ADHD. It is also thought to be more effective than other stimulants, and could have less rebound symptoms.
In a 12-week trial that was controlled by placebo, Adler et al27 found significant improvements in the ADHD-RS-IV scores. They also reported that most of the patients who were switched to placebo relapsed after two weeks.28 Additionally, Brams et al29 used a novel design for a randomized withdrawal study in which they followed 116 adults for 12 weeks after stopping treatment with lisdexamfetamine. They found that most of the patients who relapsed were not exposed to any other stimulants during the two weeks prior to their relapse.
Discuss with your doctor if you have any allergies you may have to this medication, or 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 stroke or heart attack as well as sudden death in people with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breastmilk and cause harm to a nursing infant. You should not take this medication while breastfeeding. Some patients might experience shakiness, dizziness or stomach upsets while taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine has not been approved for use by children less than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not a prescription drug for use by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Even if you're feeling better, you shouldn't stop taking the medicine unless your physician tells you to. Your doctor will probably want to keep an eye on your blood pressure and heart rate while you are taking this medication.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a non-stimulant that works by blocking presynaptic transporters that are part of norepinephrine. It has a high affinity this transporter, with a minimal affinity for other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115-136]. In multiple placebo-controlled research studies, it improved inhibitory control in ADHD patients by reducing the overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain and co. 2009). It was also shown to increase working memory and concentration in children suffering from ADHD. It can take as long as 12 weeks to see its full effects. The dose is weight based and should be started low, and then gradually increasing. A once-daily dose is typical. A poor metabolizer of drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a higher exposure and a slower elimination of atomoxetine. Pharmacogenetic testing should be performed prior to prescribing atomoxetine to these patients.
In several controlled studies it has been proven that it can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It is frequently used as the first-line treatment. It is generally safe and well-tolerated and doesn't increase the risk of suicidal behaviour. It is not as effective as stimulants in decreasing anxiety and tics, and it does not seem to reduce sleep problems however it has been proven to help with aggression in a few children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with antidepressant fluoxetine, and therefore they should not be taken together [115, 137].
Two other drugs that are frequently prescribed as a first-line treatment for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). These medications were originally developed to lower high pressure in adults. They are called alpha agonists and work by stimulating specific receptors within the brain to release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications have a lengthy time to begin their action, and many children will require two to four weeks before seeing any benefit from them. In addition, 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 extreme hypothermia and rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instability.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that increase activity in the nervous system. They include a wide variety of drugs that are legal and illegal. They can be employed for a variety of reasons, including performance enhancement, to stay alert and alert and to treat certain medical conditions including ADHD, depression, and narcolepsy. Amphetamines, methylphenidate and other prescription stimulants are available. The term"stimulant" can also be used to refer to non-prescription drugs such as caffeine and diet pills. These are utilized for a variety of reasons, but they can also be harmful when used in conjunction together with certain medications or foods.
Stimulants can cause negative side effects, even though they're not habit-forming at dosages prescribed for ADHD. Some sufferers may feel jittery, or shaky. They can cause a tense stomach and elevate blood pressure.
Some teens and children who are taking stimulants might experience tics or repeated sounds or movements, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. They might also experience a slight slowing in growth.
A doctor will determine which stimulant is suitable for you or your child. They will also take into account factors like weight and age as well as allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow the directions of your physician. You should go through the Medication Guide that comes with your medication.
The first option for treating ADHD is typically medication. It's not the only option, but it's the most popular. Psychosocial interventions, such as behavior modification and family therapy can also be used to aid people of all ages who suffer from ADHD.
Patients who are prescribed ADHD medication should have their risk of abuse and misuse assessed and advised not to share their medication with anyone else. Also they should be urged to store unused medications in a secure location and dispose of them appropriately. Health professionals should also regularly monitor patients and check them for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction. non prescription adhd medication uk is requiring more consistent information to be placed on the label of a drug to patients and their families be aware about these serious risks.