ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are drugs that aid people suffering from ADHD focus and manage their impulsive behavior. They are either short-acting, or long-acting, and prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians, or psychiatrists (and in some cases, GPs).
Stimulants affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are controlled tightly and only prescribed by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a drug that is part of the family of stimulants. It stimulates the activity of certain regions of the brain. It increases levels of certain chemicals such as dopamine and noradrenaline that help to regulate attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate is used to treat ADHD and Narcolepsy. It can also be prescribed to treat depression in adults, but this is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate gets into the bloodstream fast through the gut and begins working within hours. It is available in the form of an immediate-release tablet or an extended-release chewable tablet or capsule. The doctor will prescribe a formulation that is appropriate for the patient's needs and the side effects.
The effects of methylphenidate are likely to be mild and will go disappear over time as the body gets used to the medicine. Consult your physician should you experience any issues. You can reduce the dosage or suggest a different medicine. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dose. This reduces the risk for addiction or abuse. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified the drug methylphenidate as a Schedule II substance, which means it is extremely susceptible to abuse. These stimulants can trigger dependence and withdrawal when not used as directed.
Tell your doctor if you child is suffering from heart issues. This could include an irregular heartbeat, or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate may increase heart rate and that's why the doctor will examine their blood pressure and heart rhythm prior to starting treatment. It's also important to tell the doctor whether your child is taking any other medications, like supplements, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
The doctor will provide you with instructions about how much and how often you should take the medication and any other precautions. Methylphenidate should be taken twice daily with meals. Certain brands of long-acting methylphenidate tablets (Quillichew ER; Cotempla XR with -ODT; and Adhansia XR), contain aspartame. Aspartame is an ingredient that contains phenylalanine and should not by taken by people suffering from phenylketonuria.
It is essential to avoid the use of alcohol and other substances while taking this medication. Some people may notice that their appetite declines when they take methylphenidate. Encourage your child to eat regular snacks and meals when they are losing weight. They may also require to drink lots of water or squash to keep well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine which is available under the brand name Vyvanse is a stimulant for the central nervous system that stimulates chemicals in the brain and nerves. It enhances impulse control and concentration in children, adolescents and adults with ADHD. It treats the disorder of binge eating (BED) in addition to increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This helps to reduce uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine is a member of the prodrug class of drugs, which are modified to render them inactive until they are metabolized by the body.27 It has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated by a variety of placebo controlled trials, showing efficacy in both stimulant-naive and those exposed to stimulants with ADHD. It is also believed to have a longer lasting effect than other stimulants and may be less susceptible to rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the scores for ADHD-RS-IV improved significantly during a 12-week-long controlled trial. 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 an innovative design for an uncontrolled withdrawal study which they followed 116 adult patients for 12 weeks after stopping lisdexamfetamine treatment. They found that most of the patients who relapsed hadn't been exposed to other stimulants in the previous two weeks.
It is important to tell your doctor if you suffer from any allergies to this medication or any other medication. Tell your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart issues, or other heart conditions. The use of stimulants can increase the risk of having a stroke or heart attack as well as sudden death in people with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine may be absorbed into breast milk and could harm a nursing infant. You should not breast-feed while taking this medication. Some sufferers might experience dizziness, shakiness or stomach upset when taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for use by children less than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. It is not recommended to stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so even if you are feeling better. Your doctor will probably want to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate when you take this medication.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera, is a nonstimulant which works by blocking presynaptic transporters that are part of norepinephrine. It is highly specific for this transporter and minimal affinity for other neurotransmitter transporters or receptors [115, 136]. In a variety of placebo-controlled trials 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 the ability to focus in children with ADHD. It can take up to 12 weeks to see its 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 atomoxetine. The testing of the pharmacogenetics must be performed prior to prescribing atomoxetine for these individuals.
It has been proven to be effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD in several controlled studies, and is often employed as an initial treatment. It is generally safe and well tolerated and does not increase the risk of suicidal behavior. It is not as effective in reducing anxiety and tics as stimulants and it doesn't appear to help with sleep problems. However it has been proven to improve aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with antidepressant fluoxetine, and t here fore they should not be taken together [115, 137).
Two other medications that are sometimes prescribed as a first-line treatment option for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). These medications were initially developed to reduce 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 decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications have a lengthy duration of action and most children will require between two and four weeks before they see any benefit from them. They are not recommended for use with MAOIs, e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the risk of fatal and serious adverse reactions, including severe 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 substances that are legal and illegal. They can be used for a number of purposes, such as performance enhancement, to stay awake or alert, and to treat certain medical conditions like ADHD, narcolepsy, and depression. Amphetamines, methylphenidate, and other prescription stimulants are available. The term"stimulant" could also apply to nonprescription drugs like caffeine and some diet pills, which are used for a variety reasons, but are not safe when used with other medications or with some foods.
Stimants can cause negative side effects, even though they do not cause habit-forming at dosages prescribed for ADHD. Some sufferers may feel jittery, or shaky. They can raise blood pressure and heart rate, cause an upset stomach, and can lead to difficulty sleeping.
Some teens and children who are taking stimulants might experience antics or repeated sounds or movements like eye blinking and throat clearing. They could also experience a slight slowing in growth.
A doctor will determine the right stimulant for your child or you. They will consider other factors, such as weight, age, and whether your child or you have any allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medications. Always follow the doctor's prescriptions. You should always go through the Medication Guide that is included with your medication.
have a peek at this website for treating ADHD is generally medication. It's not the only option, but it's the most commonly used. Psychosocial interventions such as family therapy and behavior modification can also be used to aid people of all ages who suffer from ADHD.
Patients who are prescribed ADHD medication should be assessed for their risk of abuse and misuse assessed and advised not to give their medication to others. Also, they should be encouraged to keep any medications they no longer use in a safe place and dispose of them in a safe manner. Health care professionals should also regularly examine patients for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction. The FDA is requiring more consistent information to be placed on the label of a drug to educate patients and their families about the serious dangers.