ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD manage their focus and impulsive behavior. They can be either long- or short-acting and are prescribed by psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists (and doctors in certain situations).
dealing with adhd without medication affect norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They are controlled tightly and are only ordered by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is part of the family of stimulants and boosts brain activity. It boosts the levels of certain chemicals, including dopamine and noradrenaline, which helps to regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It is also prescribed to treat depression in adults, though it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate is absorbed into the bloodstream quickly through the gut and begins working within a matter of hours. It is available as a chewable or immediate-release tablet. The doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage based on the patient's symptoms and the risk of adverse effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate are usually minor and will disappear with time as the body becomes accustomed to the drug. If they are persistent, talk to the doctor who can lower the dose or try another medication. It is essential to take the medication according to the prescription. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. This reduces the risk of dependence or abuse. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified the drug methylphenidate as a Schedule II substance, which means it is extremely vulnerable to abuse. Stimulants have the potential to cause withdrawal and dependence if not used as directed.
It's important to tell the doctor if your child has any heart issues, such as an irregular heartbeat or a history of a heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will test their blood pressure prior to beginning treatment. It is also essential to inform the doctor whether your child is taking other medications, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
The doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often, along with any other precautions. Methylphenidate is typically taken two times a day with meals. Some brands of the chewable tablets that methylphenidate is long-acting (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine. It is not recommended for those suffering from Phenylketonuria (an inherited condition that requires a low-protein diet to prevent the development of severe intellectual disabilities.).
It's important to avoid drinking alcohol or other substances when taking this drug. Some people may find their appetite diminishes when taking methylphenidate. If your child is losing weight, try to encourage them to eat regular meals and snacks. They may also have to drink plenty of water or squash to stay well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine 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 impulse control in adolescents, children and adults with ADHD. It also treats binge eating disorder (BED) by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which reduces instances of eating disorder that is uncontrolled.
Lisdexamfetamine is part of the prodrug class which is a modified drug that is inactive until metabolized 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 more lasting effect than other stimulants, and may be less susceptible to rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the ADHD-RS-IV scores significantly improved in a 12-week controlled study. They also reported that the majority of patients who switched to placebo relapsed within 2 weeks.28 Brams et al29, however, used a novel method in a randomized withdrawal trial that monitored 116 adults for 12 weeks after the discontinuation of the drug lisdexamfetamine. They found that the majority of patients who relapsed weren't exposed to any other stimulants during the previous two weeks.
It is crucial to inform your doctor if you have any allergies to this medication or any other medication. Tell your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems, or other heart conditions. Stimulants can increase the risk of heart attacks or sudden deaths in people with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine may pass into breastmilk and harm a nursing infant. You should not breast-feed when taking this medication. Some patients might experience shakiness, dizziness or stomach upsets while taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved for use by children less than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for women who are pregnant or nursing. You should not stop taking this medication unless your doctor advises you to stop even when you feel better. Your doctor may want to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate while you're taking this medication.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant that acts by blocking the presynaptic norepinephrine-transporter. It has a high affinity to this transporter, and minimal affinity for any other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115,136]. In multiple placebo-controlled trials, it improved the inhibitory control of ADHD patients by reducing overactivation on the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and colleagues, 2009). It was also shown to improve working memory and the ability to focus 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 increased gradually. A once-daily dose is typical. A poor metabolizer of the drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a greater exposure and a slower elimination of atomoxetine. Pharmacogenetic testing should be conducted prior to prescribing atomoxetine to these patients.
It has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in numerous controlled studies, and is often employed as the first-line treatment. It is generally safe and well tolerated and does not increase the risk of suicidal behaviour. It isn't as effective in reducing anxiety and tics as stimulants and it doesn't appear to help with sleep issues. However it has been found to increase aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with antidepressant fluoxetine, and therefore it is not recommended to take them together [115, 37.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two other drugs that can be prescribed as the first-line treatment for ADHD. These medications were originally designed 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 reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. These drugs have a long duration of action and most children will require two to four weeks before they can see any benefits from them. In addition they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the possibility of fatal and serious 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 including some that are legal, and others illegal. They are employed for a variety of reasons, including performance enhancement, to stay alert and awake and to treat specific medical conditions, such as ADHD, depression, and narcolepsy. Examples of prescription stimulants are amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term stimulant is also used to describe nonprescription drugs such as caffeine and diet pills. They are used for many reasons, but they can also be harmful when used in conjunction in conjunction with certain food items or medications.
Stimulants can cause adverse effects, even if they're not addictive at the doses prescribed to treat ADHD. They can make people feel nervous or jittery. They can cause an upset stomach and elevate blood pressure.
Some children and teens who are taking stimulants might be prone to antics or repetitive sounds or movements, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. They might also have an insignificant delay in growth.
A doctor will determine the most effective stimulant for you or your children. They will also consider factors like weight as well as age and allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow the instructions of your doctor. Always go through the Medication Guide that is included with your medication.
Medications are not the only option to reduce symptoms of ADHD However, they're typically the first step in treatment. Psychosocial interventions like behavior modification and family therapy are also available to assist people of all ages who suffer from ADHD.
Patients who are prescribed ADHD medication should have their risk of abuse and misuse assessed and advised not to share their medication with others. They should also be encouraged to keep any medication they no longer use away and properly disposed of. Health professionals should frequently check and check patients for indications of abuse, misuse or addiction. The FDA has mandated that more consistent information be included on the labeling of drugs in order to inform patients and their families about these serious dangers.