ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD control their impulsive behavior and focus. They can be either long- or short-acting and are prescribed by paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists (and doctors in certain circumstances).
Stimulants affect norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They are tightly regulated and are only prescribed by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a drug that belongs to the family of stimulants. It enhances activity in certain areas of the brain. It raises levels of certain chemicals, including noradrenaline and dopamine, which aids in controlling the attention span and behavior. Methylphenidate is a treatment for ADHD and narcolepsy. It is also prescribed to treat depression in adults, although this is not endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate is absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream rapidly and can be used within a few hours. It is available as an immediate-release tablet or chewable extended-release capsule or tablet. The doctor will prescribe the most suitable formulation based on the person's symptoms and the possibility of side effects.
Side effects of methylphenidate tend to be mild and will go in time as the body gets used to the medication. If medication for adhd and anxiety continue to bother you, talk to the doctor who can lower the dose or try another medication. It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dosage. This will reduce the risk of abuse or addiction. Methylphenidate is categorized as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means it has a high risk of abuse. Stimulants have the potential to cause dependency and withdrawal when not taken in the prescribed manner.
Tell your doctor if you child has heart problems. This includes an irregular heartbeat or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate can raise heart rate which is the reason why doctors will test their heart rhythm and blood pressure before they start treatment. It's also important to tell the doctor if your child is taking other medications, like supplements, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
The doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often, as well any other precautions. Methylphenidate should be taken twice daily in conjunction with meals. Certain brands of the 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 should not be taken by people with Phenylketonuria (an genetic condition that requires a low-protein diet to prevent the development of severe intellectual disabilities.).
Avoid drinking alcohol and other substances when taking this drug. Some people may notice that their appetite declines when they take methylphenidate. Encourage your child to consume regular meals and snacks in case they are losing weight. You may need to remind them to drink plenty of squash or water to ensure they are hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine which is sold under the brand name Vyvanse is a central nervous system stimulant that stimulates chemicals in the brain and nerves. It improves 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, which reduces instances of uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine is part of the prodrug class, which is a modified medication that is inactive until processed within the body. It has shown efficacy and safety in both stimulant-naive patients and stimulant exposed patients with ADHD. It is also believed to have a longer-lasting effect than other stimulants, and could be less likely to trigger 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 patients who changed to placebo had a relapse within two weeks.28 In addition, Brams et al29 used an innovative design for a randomized withdrawal study in which they followed 116 adult patients for 12 weeks after stopping the lisdexamfetamine treatment. They discovered that a majority of the patients who relapsed were not exposed to other stimulants in 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 inform your doctor whether you suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease or any other heart-related issues. Stimulants may increase the risk of stroke or heart attack as well as sudden death in people with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. You should not take this medication while breastfeeding. This medication can cause dizziness, shakiness or stomach upset in some individuals. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved for use by children less than 6 years old. Lisdexamfetamine cannot be used by women who are pregnant or nursing. It is not recommended to stop taking this medication unless your doctor advises you to stop, even if you are feeling better. While you are taking this medication the doctor will check your blood pressure and pulse rate.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant that acts by blocking the presynaptic neuronal norepinephrine transporter. It is highly specific for this transporter and minimal affinity for other neurotransmitter transporters or receptors [115,136and 136. In multiple placebo-controlled trials, it improved the inhibitory control of ADHD patients by inhibiting the overactivation of the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and coworkers 2009). It was also shown to improve working memory and attention span in children with ADHD. It takes up to 12 weeks to experience its full effects. The dosage is based on weight and should be started at a low level and then gradually increasing. A single dose per day is typical. Poor metabolizers of the drug Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) are more exposed and less efficient elimination of atomoxetine. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct a pharmacogenetic test prior to prescribing atomoxetine to these individuals.
In several controlled studies it has been demonstrated that it is effective in decreasing symptoms of ADHD. It is often utilized as the first line treatment. It is generally well tolerated and safe, and it does not increase the likelihood of suicidal behavior. It isn't as efficient in reducing anxiety and tics as stimulants, and it doesn't appear to help with sleep disorders. However it has been proven to increase aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with the antidepressant fluoxetine. Therefore, it is not recommended to take them 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 lower high blood pressure in adults. They are called alpha agonists. They work by stimulating specific receptors within the brain to release the neurotransmitter neopinephrine which reduces the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications have a lengthy time to begin their action, and many children will require two to four weeks before they see any benefits from them. They are not recommended for use in conjunction with MAOIs (e.g. e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the possibility of serious and potentially fatal adverse reactions, including extreme hypothermia and rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instabilities.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs which increase activity in the nervous system. They are a variety of substances, some legal and others illegal. They are utilized for a variety of reasons, such as performance enhancement, to remain alert and alert, and to treat certain medical conditions like ADHD, depression, and narcolepsy. Some examples of stimulants prescribed by a doctor are amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term"stimulant" could also apply to nonprescription drugs like caffeine and certain diet pills, which are used for a variety of reasons but may not be safe when used in combination with other medications or some food items.
Stimulants can cause adverse effects, even if they are not habit-forming in dosages prescribed for ADHD. Some sufferers may feel jittery, or shaky. They can raise blood pressure and heart rate and cause stomach upset and cause difficulty sleeping.
Children and teens who take stimulants can have tics or repetitive movements or noises, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. They may also experience an insignificant delay in growth.
A doctor will determine the right stimulant for your child or you. They will also consider other factors, such as weight, age and if you or your child suffer from any allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow the doctor's prescriptions. You must go through the Medication Guide that comes with your medication.
Medicines aren't the only option to reduce symptoms of ADHD, but they're usually the first step in treatment. Psychosocial interventions like behavior modification and family therapy are also available to assist people of all ages with ADHD.
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. They should also be encouraged to keep any medication they no longer use away and properly destroyed. Health care professionals must regularly monitor patients and check them for signs of abuse, misuse or addiction. The FDA has demanded that more consistent information be provided on the labeling of drugs in order to educate patients and families about the dangers of these drugs.