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ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are drugs that help people suffering from ADHD focus and control their impulsive behaviour. They can be either long- or short-acting and are prescribed by psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists (and doctors in certain situations).
Stimulants influence dopamine and norepinephrine levels 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. It stimulates the activity of certain regions of the brain. It increases the levels of chemicals, such as dopamine and noradrenaline, which aid in controlling attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is a treatment for ADHD and narcolepsy. It is also prescribed to treat depression in adults, although it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate enters the bloodstream rapidly from the gut, and starts working within a matter of hours. It is available as a chewable or immediate-release tablet. The doctor will prescribe a dosage that is appropriate for the patient's needs and side effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate tend to be minor and will disappear with time, as the body gets used to the drug. If they are persistent, talk with your doctor, who can lower the dosage or recommend a different medicine. It is crucial to take the medication exactly as directed. Do not exceed adhd medication recommended dosage. 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 risk of abuse. These stimulants can trigger dependence and withdrawal when not used as directed.
Tell your doctor if your child has heart issues. This could be due to an irregular heartbeat or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will therefore test their blood pressure prior to beginning treatment. Inform the doctor about any other medications your child is taking for health reasons, such as herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will give you guidelines on how much and how often to take the medicine, as well as any other special precautions. Methylphenidate is recommended to be taken twice daily 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 source of phenylalanine. It should not be taken by people suffering from Phenylketonuria (an genetic condition that requires a low protein diet to prevent the development of severe intellectual disabilities.).
It's important to avoid the use of alcohol and other substances when taking this drug. Some people may experience a decrease in appetite when 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 which is sold under the brand name Vyvanse is a stimulant for the central nervous system that affects the chemical activity of the brain and nerves. It helps improve concentration and control of impulses in children, adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. It also treats binge eating disorder (BED) by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain, reducing instances of eating disorder that is uncontrolled.
Lisdexamfetamine belongs to the prodrug class, which is a modified medication that is inactive until it's processed in the body. It has demonstrated efficacy and safety in both stimulant-naive patients as well as patients exposed to stimulants with ADHD. It is also thought to have a longer-lasting effect than other stimulants, and could be less likely to trigger rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the ADHD-RS-IV scores improved significantly in a 12-week controlled study. They also found that the majority of the patients who changed to placebo had a relapse within two weeks.28 Additionally, Brams et al29 used a novel design for an uncontrolled 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 had not been exposed to any other stimulants during the previous two weeks.
Inform your doctor if you have any reactions you may have to this medication, or any other medication. Inform your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems or other heart-related conditions. The use of stimulants can increase the chance of having a stroke, heart attacks, or sudden deaths in people with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breastmilk and cause harm to a nursing infant. It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking this medication. This medication may cause dizziness, shakiness or stomach upsets in certain individuals. Lisdexamfetamine is not recommended for use by children younger than 6 years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not a prescription drug for use by people who are breastfeeding or pregnant. Even if you are feeling better, you should not stop taking the medication unless your doctor tells you to. While you're taking this medication the doctor will keep track of your pulse rate and blood pressure.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera, is a nonstimulant which works by blocking presynaptic transporters that are part of norepinephrine. It has a high affinity for this transporter, and minimal affinity for other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115-136]. In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it improved the inhibition control of ADHD patients by reducing overactivation of the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and coworkers, 2009). It has also been proven to increase working memory and attention span in children with ADHD. It takes up to 12 weeks before you can see the full effects. The dose is based on weight and should be gradually increased. A daily dose of once is common. A poor metabolizer of the drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a greater exposure and a slower elimination of the drug atomoxetine. The testing of the pharmacogenetics must be done before prescribing atomoxetine in these individuals.
It has been proven to be effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD in a variety of controlled trials, and is frequently utilized as a first-line treatment. It is generally safe and well tolerated, and doesn't increase the risk of suicidal behaviour. It is not as effective in reducing anxiety or tics as stimulants, and it does not appear to reduce sleep issues. However, it has been shown to reduce aggression in certain children. Atomoxetine interacts more with the antidepressant the fluoxetine. Therefore, they should not be taken in conjunction.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two other drugs that can be prescribed as treatments of first-line for ADHD. These medications were originally developed to lower high pressure in adults. They are called alpha agonists. They work by stimulating specific receptors within the brain to release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which can decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications have a long onset of action, and most children will require two to four weeks before seeing any benefit from them. They are also not recommended for use with MAOIs, e.g. phenelzine) due to the possibility of serious and potentially fatal adverse events such as severe hypothermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability extreme agitation and disorientation, and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. They comprise a variety of drugs, some legal, and others illicit. They are employed for a variety of reasons, such as performance improvement, to stay awake or alert and to treat specific medical conditions, such as ADHD, depression, and narcolepsy. Amphetamines, methylphenidate, and other prescription stimulants can be used. The term stimulant can also be applied to nonprescription medications like caffeine and certain diet pills, which are used for a variety of reasons, but are not safe when used in combination with other medications or certain foods.
Stimulants can cause negative side effects, even though they are not addictive at the doses prescribed to treat ADHD. Some sufferers may feel jittery, or unstable. They can cause upset stomach and elevate blood pressure.
Some children and teenagers who take stimulants can experience tics or repetitive noises or movements like eye blinking or throat clearing. They might also experience a minor slowing in growth.
A doctor will determine which stimulant is best for you or your child. They will take into consideration other factors, such as weight, age and whether your child or you have any allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medications. Always follow the directions of your physician. adhd medication must study the Medication Guide that comes with the medication you are taking.
Medications are not the only way to improve symptoms of ADHD However, they're typically the first treatment option. Psychosocial interventions, such as family therapy and behavior modification are also available to help people of all ages who suffer from ADHD.
People who take prescription ADHD medication should be screened for the risk of abuse and misuse, and advised to avoid sharing their medication with anyone else. Also, they should be encouraged to store unused medications in a safe place and dispose of them appropriately. Health professionals should regularly assess and check patients 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 the serious risks.
