ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD manage their impulsive behavior and focus. adhd stimulant medication are either short-acting, or long-acting and are prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians or psychiatrists (and in some cases GPs).
Stimulants affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are tightly controlled and only prescribed by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is part of the stimulant family and enhances brain activity. It raises levels of certain chemicals, such as noradrenaline and dopamine, which helps to regulate the attention span and behavior. Methylphenidate is a treatment option to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, among other disorders. It is also prescribed to treat depression in adults, although it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate gets absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream quickly and is effective within a matter of hours. It is available as a chewable tablet or an immediate-release tablet. The doctor will prescribe a dosage that is suitable for the patient's needs and side effects.
adhd stimulant medication of methylphenidate are usually mild and disappear over time, as the body gets used to the medicine. Talk to your doctor if they persist. He may reduce the dosage or even try a different medication. It is essential to take this medication exactly as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dosage. This can reduce the chance for addiction or abuse. Methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means it has a high risk of abuse. These stimulants can trigger dependence and withdrawal if they are not used as directed.
Inform your doctor if your child is suffering from heart issues. This could be due to an irregular heartbeat, or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will test their blood pressure prior to starting treatment. Inform the doctor about any other medications your child takes for health reasons, such as herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will advise you how much medicine to take and how often, in addition to any other precautions. Methylphenidate is typically taken two times a day with meals. Some brands of long-acting methylphenidate tablets (Quillichew ER; Cotempla XR with -ODT; and Adhansia XR), contain aspartame. Aspartame is a source phenylalanine, and should not be taken by those with phenylketonuria.
Avoid drinking alcohol and other substances while taking this medication. Some people may find their appetite declines when they take methylphenidate. If your child is losing weight, try to encourage them to eat regularly and snacks. You may need to remind them to drink lots of water or squash to ensure they are hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nervous system stimulant, sold under the brand name Vyvanse. It acts on chemicals in the brain and nerves. It improves concentration and impulse control in adolescents, children and adults suffering from ADHD. It treats binge-eating disorder (BED) as well by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This reduces uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine is part of the prodrug class which is a modified drug that is inactive until it's transformed 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 have less rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the ADHD-RS-IV scores significantly improved during a 12-week-long controlled trial. They also noted that the majority of the patients who were switched to placebo relapsed after 2 weeks.28 Additionally, Brams et al29 used an innovative design for a randomized withdrawal study in which they followed 116 adults for 12 weeks after stopping lisdexamfetamine treatment. They discovered that a majority of those who relapsed hadn't been exposed to other stimulants over the past two weeks.
It is important to tell your doctor if you suffer from any allergies to this medicine or any other medications. Inform your doctor if suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems or any other heart issues. The use of stimulants can increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks, or sudden deaths for people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. It is not recommended to breastfeed when taking this medication. Some people might experience shakiness, dizziness or stomach upset when taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved for use by children younger than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for women who are pregnant or nursing. Even if you're feeling better, you should not stop taking the medication unless your physician tells you. Your doctor may want to keep an eye on your blood pressure and heart rate while you are taking this medicine.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant that works by blocking the presynaptic norepinephrine-transporter. It has a high affinity to this transporter, with a minimal affinity for other neurotransmitter receptors and transporters [115,136]. In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it enhanced inhibition control in ADHD patients by inhibiting overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain et al. 2009). It has also been proven to increase working memory and attention span in children with ADHD. It takes up to 12 weeks to see its full effects. The dose is weight based and should be started at a low level, and gradually increased. A daily dose of once is common. A poor metabolizer of drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a higher exposure and a slower elimination of atomoxetine. Testing for pharmacogenetics should be conducted prior to prescribing atomoxetine to these patients.
In several controlled studies, it has been shown that it can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It is typically employed as the first-line treatment. It is generally well tolerated and safe, and does not increase the risk of suicidal behavior. It isn't as effective in reducing anxiety and tics as stimulants and it does not appear to reduce sleep problems. However it has been proven to reduce aggression in certain children. Atomoxetine is more akin to the antidepressant Fluoxetine. Therefore it is recommended that they not be taken at the same time.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two other drugs that can be prescribed as treatments of first-line for ADHD. These medications were originally designed to reduce blood pressure in adults. These are alpha agonists. They operate by stimulating receptors within the brain to release neurotransmitters called norepinephrine, which can reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications have a lengthy onset of action, and many children will require between two and four weeks before seeing any benefit from them. In addition, they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the risk of serious and possibly fatal adverse events, such as severe hypothermia and rigidity myoclonus and autonomic instabilities.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that boost activity in the nervous system. They are a variety of substances including some that are legal, and others illegal. They are used for a number of purposes, such as performance improvement, 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 be applied to nonprescription medications such as caffeine and certain diet pills that are used for a variety reasons but may not be safe when used with other medications or with certain food items.
Stimulants can trigger negative side effects, even though they do not cause addictive at the doses prescribed for treating ADHD. Some people may feel jittery or shakey. They can cause upset stomach and raise blood pressure.
Some children and teens who are taking stimulants might have tics or repeated sounds or movements like eye blinking and throat clearing. They may also experience a minor slowing in their growth.
A doctor will determine which stimulant is best for your child or you. They will also consider factors such as weight as well as age and allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow the instructions of your physician. Always review the Medication Guide that is included with your medication.
The first option for treating ADHD is generally medication. This isn't the only option, but it is the most popular. Psychosocial interventions like family therapy and behavior modification are also available to assist people of all ages who suffer from ADHD.
People who are prescribed ADHD medication should be assessed for their risk of misuse and abuse assessed, and be counseled not to share their medication with others. Additionally, they should be encouraged to store any medication they do not use in a safe place and dispose of them appropriately. Health care professionals must regularly monitor patients and check them for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction. The FDA has demanded that more consistent information is included on the labeling of drugs in order to inform patients and their families about these serious dangers.