ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are drugs that help people suffering from ADHD focus and control their impulsive behaviour. They are either short-acting, or long-acting, and prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians and psychiatrists (and in some cases, GPs).
Stimulants alter dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are controlled tightly and only prescribed by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a drug that is part of the family of stimulants and increases activity in parts of the brain. It raises levels of certain chemicals, such as dopamine and noradrenaline, which aids in controlling the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate may be used to treat ADHD as well as narcolepsy and other disorders. It is also prescribed to treat depression in adults, but this is not endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate is absorbed by the gut into the bloodstream rapidly and is effective within a matter of hours. It can be taken in the form of an immediate-release tablet or chewable extended-release capsule or tablet. The doctor will recommend the most appropriate formulation based on the person's symptoms and risk of side effects.
The adverse effects of methylphenidate tend to be minimal and fade over time, as the body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your physician should you experience any issues. He may reduce the dosage or suggest a different medicine. It is crucial to take the medication exactly according to the prescription. Do not overdose the dosage recommended. This will reduce the risk of dependence or abuse. Methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means it has a high possibility of abuse. The stimulants can cause dependency and withdrawal when not used as directed.
Inform your doctor if your child has heart problems. This includes an irregular heartbeat, or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate can increase heart rate and that's why the doctor will examine their blood pressure and heart rhythm before they start treatment. Tell the doctor about any other medications your child is taking for health reasons, such as herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will inform you how much medication to take and how often, as well any other precautions. Methylphenidate is usually taken twice a day with meals. Certain brands of chewable methylphenidate tablets with a long-acting action (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame which is a major source of phenylalanine and is not recommended for people suffering from Phenylketonuria (an genetic condition that requires a low protein diet to prevent severe intellectual disability).
It's important to avoid the use of alcohol and other substances when taking this medication. Some people may experience a reduction in appetite while taking methylphenidate. If your child is losing weight, try to encourage them to eat regularly and snacks. They may also have to drink a lot of water or squash to keep well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nerve system stimulant, sold under the brand name Vyvanse. It acts on chemical substances that are found in the brain and nerves. It helps improve 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 norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, reducing instances of eating disorder that is uncontrolled.
Lisdexamfetamine is a member of the prodrug class which is a modified medication that is inactive until it's processed within the body. It has shown efficacy and safety in both stimulant-naive patients as well as patients exposed to stimulants with ADHD. It is also believed to have a longer-lasting effect than other stimulants, and may have fewer rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the ADHD-RS-IV scores significantly improved in a 12-week controlled study. They also reported that most of the patients who changed to placebo had a relapse within 2 weeks.28 Additionally, Brams et al29 used a novel design for an uncontrolled withdrawal study which they followed 116 adults for 12 weeks after stopping treatment with lisdexamfetamine. They found that most of the patients who relapsed hadn't been exposed to other stimulants over the past two weeks.
Discuss with your doctor if you have any allergies you might have to this medication or to any other medication. Inform your doctor if suffer from high blood pressure, heart issues or other heart-related conditions. Stimulants can increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks, or sudden deaths among people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breastmilk and harm a nursing infant. It is advised not to breastfeed while taking this medicine. This medication may cause shakiness, dizziness, or stomach upsets in certain individuals. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for use by children younger than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine cannot be used by women who are pregnant or nursing. It is not recommended to stop taking this medicine unless your physician tells you to stop even if you are feeling better. While you're taking this medication, your doctor will likely keep track of your pulse rate and blood pressure.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant that blocks the presynaptic neuronal norepinephrine transporter. It is highly specific to this transporter, and has a low affinity for other neurotransmitter transporters or receptors [115,136]. In a variety of placebo-controlled studies it enhanced inhibition control in ADHD patients by reducing the overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain and colleagues., 2009). It was also found to increase attention span and working memory in children with ADHD. It takes up to 12 weeks before you can see the full effects. The dosage is based on weight and should be started low, and then gradually increasing. A daily dose of once is common. A poor metabolizer of drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a higher exposure and a slow elimination of atomoxetine. Testing for pharmacogenetics should be conducted prior to prescribing atomoxetine in these individuals.
It has been proven to be effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD in several controlled trials, and is frequently utilized as the first-line treatment. It is generally well-tolerated and safe, and does not increase the risk for suicidal behavior. It is not as effective as stimulants in decreasing anxiety and tics, and it does not appear to help with sleep issues however it has been proven to help with aggression in a few children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with antidepressant fluoxetine. Therefore, it is not recommended to take them together [115, 37.
Two other medications that are sometimes prescribed as a first-line treatment for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). These medications were originally designed to lower high blood pressure in adults. These drugs are known as alpha agonists. They operate by stimulating receptors within the brain to release norepinephrine neurotransmitter, which reduces the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs have a long duration of action and many children will require between two and four weeks before they can see any benefits from them. Additionally they are not suggested for use with MAOIs (e.g. phenelzine) because of the risk of fatal and serious adverse events 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 drugs - some legal, others illicit. They are employed for a variety of reasons, including performance enhancement, to stay alert and alert, and to treat certain medical conditions, such as ADHD, narcolepsy, and depression. Some examples of prescription stimulants are amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term"stimulant" can be used to describe non-prescription drugs such as caffeine and certain diet pills, which are used for a variety of reasons, but are not safe when used in conjunction together with other medications or certain food items.
Stimulants can cause negative side effects, even though they're not habit-forming in the doses prescribed for treating ADHD. They can cause some people to feel anxious or nervous. They can raise blood pressure and heart rate and can cause stomach upset and may cause trouble sleeping.
Some teens and children who are taking stimulants might experience antics or repetitive sounds or movements, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. They could also experience a minor slowing in growth.
A doctor will determine the best stimulant for your child or yourself. They will also consider factors like weight and age as well as allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow the doctor's prescriptions. non prescription adhd medication should always read the Medication Guide that is included with your medication.
The first option for treating ADHD is generally medication. This is not the only option, but it is the most common. People of all ages are able to benefit from psychosocial interventions like family therapy and behavior modification.
Patients who are prescribed ADHD medication should be screened for the possibility of abuse and misuse assessed, and be counseled not to give their medication to others. Also it is recommended to store unused medications in a secure place and dispose of them appropriately. Health care professionals must also regularly assess patients and monitor them for signs of misuse, abuse or addiction. The FDA is requiring more consistent information to be included on the label of a drug to patients and their families be aware about the serious dangers.