ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are drugs that aid those suffering from ADHD focus and manage their impulsive behavior. They are either short-acting, or long-acting, and are prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians and psychiatrists (and in some cases GPs).
Stimulants affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are controlled tightly and only ordered by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a substance that belongs to the family of stimulants and increases activity in parts of the brain. It boosts the levels of certain chemicals, such as dopamine and noradrenaline. This aids in controlling the attention span and behavior. Methylphenidate can be used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It can also be prescribed to treat depression in adults, though this is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate is absorbed into the bloodstream quickly from the gut and starts working within hours. It can be taken in the form of an immediate-release tablet or an extended-release chewable tablet or capsule. The doctor will prescribe a dosage that is suitable for the patient's symptoms and side effects.
The adverse effects of methylphenidate tend to be mild and disappear over time, as the body gets used to the medication. Consult your physician if they persist. He may reduce the dosage or even try a different medicine. It's important to take the medication exactly as prescribed and not 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, which means it has a high possibility of abuse. Stimulants can cause dependence and withdrawal if they are not taken as prescribed.
Tell your doctor if your child is suffering from heart issues. This could be due to an irregular heartbeat, or a history heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will check their blood pressure before beginning treatment. Tell the doctor about any other medications your child takes such as herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will advise you how much medication to take and how often, in addition to any other precautions. Methylphenidate is usually taken twice a day with meals. Some 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. It is not recommended for those suffering from Phenylketonuria (an genetic condition that requires a low-protein diet to prevent severe intellectual impairment).
Avoid alcohol and other drugs while taking this medication. Some people may find their appetite decreases while taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to eat regular snacks and meals in case they are losing weight. You may have to encourage them to drink a lot of water or squash in order to stay well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nerve system stimulant sold under the name Vyvanse. adhd and anxiety medication acts on chemicals in the brain and the nerves. It enhances concentration and control of impulses in adolescents, children and adults suffering from ADHD. It also treats the disorder of binge eating (BED) by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain, and reducing instances of eating disorder that is uncontrolled.
Lisdexamfetamine is a member of the prodrug class of medications, which are modified to make them inactive until they are metabolized the body.27 It has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in a variety of placebo-controlled studies and has shown efficacy for both stimulant-naive and those exposed to stimulants with ADHD. It is also believed to have a greater lasting effect than other stimulants, and may have fewer rebound symptoms.
In a 12-week study that was placebo-controlled, Adler et al27 found significant improvements in ADHD-RS-IV scores. They also noted that the majority of patients who switched to a placebo relapsed within two weeks.28 Brams et al29, however, used a novel design in a randomized withdrawal study that observed 116 adults for 12 weeks after the discontinuation of lisdexamfetamine. They discovered that the majority of patients who relapsed weren't exposed to any other stimulants during the two weeks preceding.
Discuss with your doctor if there are any allergies you may have to this medication or to any other medications. Tell your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems or other heart-related conditions. adhd and anxiety medication of stimulants can increase the risk of having a stroke or heart attack as well as sudden death for those with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breast milk and harm a nursing infant. You should not feed your baby 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 also not approved for use by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to stop even when you are feeling better. Your doctor is likely to be looking to check your blood pressure and heart rate when you take this medicine.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant that acts by blocking the presynaptic norepinephrine transporter. It has a high affinity this transporter, with a minimal affinity for any other neurotransmitter receptors and transporters [115,136]. In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it enhanced the inhibitory control of ADHD patients by reducing overactivation of the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and colleagues, 2009). It also was shown to increase working memory and attention span in children suffering from ADHD. It has a slow rate of action, and may take up to 12 weeks for the full effects to be seen. The dosage is based on weight and should be started at a low level, and then gradually increased. A once-daily dose is typical. The drug's poor metabolizers Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) have higher exposure and less efficient elimination of atomoxetine. the pharmacogenetic test is recommended prior to prescribing atomoxetine for these people.
It has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD in numerous controlled studies, and is often utilized as the first-line treatment. It is generally well tolerated and is safe, and does not increase the risk for suicidal behavior. It isn't as effective as stimulants in decreasing tics and anxiety as well as it doesn't seem to reduce sleep problems however it has been proven to help with aggression in a few children. Atomoxetine is more akin to the antidepressant, the fluoxetine. Therefore it is recommended that they not be taken at the same time.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two other medications that are available as treatments of first-line for ADHD. These medications were initially developed to lower blood pressure in adults. These drugs are known as alpha agonists. They work by stimulating receptors in the brain to release norepinephrine neurotransmitter, which can reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications have a lengthy duration of action and most children will require between two and four weeks before seeing any benefits from them. Additionally they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the risk of fatal and serious adverse events, such as extreme hypothermia and rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instability.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that boost activity in the nervous system. They are a variety of drugs including some that are legal, and others illegal. They are used to improve performance, remain awake and alert, as well as treat certain medical conditions, such as ADHD and narcolepsy as well as depression. Examples of prescription stimulants are amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term"stimulant" is also used to describe nonprescription medications such as caffeine and diet pills. These are often used for various reasons, but they can be dangerous when taken in conjunction with certain food items or medications.
Stimulants can cause negative side effects, even though they do not cause addictive at dosages prescribed for ADHD. They can make people feel nervous or jittery. They can increase the heart rate and blood pressure and can cause stomach upset and may cause trouble sleeping.
Children and teens who are taking stimulants might be prone to the tics, or repetitive sounds or movements like eye blinking and throat clearing. They might also experience a minor delay in growth.
A doctor will determine the best stimulant for your child or you. They will also consider other aspects, like weight, age and whether you or your child suffer from any allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medications. Always follow the instructions of your doctor. You must go through the Medication Guide that comes with the medication you are taking.
The use of medication isn't the only way to improve symptoms of ADHD however they are usually the first course of treatment. People of all ages are able to benefit from psychosocial interventions like family therapy and behavior modification.
Patients who are taking prescription ADHD medication should be assessed for risk of abuse and misuse and advised not to share their medication with anyone else. Additionally it is recommended to store any medication they do not use in a safe place and dispose of them in a safe manner. Health professionals should frequently check and check patients for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction. The FDA is now requiring more consistent information to be included on the label of a drug to inform patients and their families about these serious risks.