ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants assist people with ADHD manage their impulsive behavior and focus. They can be long- or short-acting and are prescribed by paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists (and GPs in some circumstances).
Stimulants affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are tightly controlled and are only prescribed by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a drug that belongs to the family of stimulants and increases activity in parts of the brain. It increases the levels of certain chemicals, such as dopamine and noradrenaline. This helps control the attention span and behavior. Methylphenidate may be used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy and other conditions. It can also be prescribed to treat depression in adults. However, this is not approved or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate gets absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream quickly and can be used within a few hours. It can be taken as 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 side effects.
The adverse effects of methylphenidate are typically mild and disappear over time as the body gets used to the drug. Consult your physician if they persist. He can lower the dosage or even try a different medicine. It is crucial to take the medication as prescribed. Don't overdose the dosage recommended. This reduces the risk for abuse or addiction. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified methylphenidate as a Schedule II substance, which means it is extremely vulnerable to abuse. These stimulants can trigger dependence and withdrawal if they are not taken as prescribed.
Inform your doctor if your child has heart issues. This could be due to irregular heartbeats, or a history heart attack. Methylphenidate may increase the heart rate which is the reason why the doctor will examine their heart rhythm and blood pressure before starting treatment. Discuss with the doctor any other medications your child is taking such as herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will give you guidelines on how much and how often you should take the medication and any other precautions. Methylphenidate is typically taken two times in the day, along with a meal. Certain 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 and should not be consumed by people suffering from Phenylketonuria (an inherited condition that requires a low protein diet to prevent severe intellectual disability).
Avoid alcohol and other drugs when taking this medication. Some people might notice their appetite diminishes when taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to take regular meals and snacks if they are losing weight. You may need to encourage them to drink a lot of water or squash to ensure they are well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine, available under the brand name Vyvanse is a central nervous system stimulant that affects the chemical activity of the brain and nerves. It improves concentration and control of impulses in children, adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. It also treats BED, also known as binge eating disorder (BED) by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, reducing instances of eating disorders that are uncontrolled.
Lisdexamfetamine is part of the prodrug class of medicines that are modified to render them inactive until they are metabolized the body.27 It has been found to be safe and well-tolerated by a variety of placebo controlled trials, showing efficacy in both stimulant-naive and stimulant-exposed patients with ADHD. It is also believed to have a greater lasting effect than other stimulants and could have less rebound symptoms.
In a 12-week study that was placebo-controlled, Adler et al27 found significant improvements in the ADHD-RS-IV scores. They also reported that the majority of patients who switched to placebo experienced a relapse within two weeks.28 Brams et al29, however employed a unique method in a randomized withdrawal study that observed 116 adults for 12 weeks after the discontinuation of the drug lisdexamfetamine. They discovered that the majority of patients who relapsed were not exposed to any other stimulants in the two weeks preceding.
It is crucial to inform your doctor if there are any allergies to this medicine or any other medications. Also inform your doctor whether you suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease or any other heart-related issues. Certain stimulants can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack or sudden death among people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breastmilk and cause harm to a nursing infant. You should not feed your baby while taking this medication. Some people might experience shakiness, dizziness or stomach upset while taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine has not been approved for children under six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for women who are pregnant or nursing. You should not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to, even if you feel better. While you are taking this medication, your doctor will likely monitor your pulse rate and blood pressure.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant that blocks the presynaptic norepinephrine transporter. It has high specificity for this transporter and a weak affinity for other neurotransmitter transportation systems or receptors [115, 136136). In multiple placebo-controlled research studies, it improved inhibitory control in ADHD patients by inhibiting overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain et al., 2009). It was also shown to improve working memory and the ability to focus in children with ADHD. how to get adhd medication uk has a slow onset of action, and may take up to 12 weeks for the full effects to be evident. The dosage is based on weight and should be increased gradually. A single dose per day is typical. A poor metabolizer of drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a higher exposure and a slow elimination of atomoxetine. medication for adhd and anxiety of the pharmacogenetics must be performed prior to prescribing atomoxetine for these individuals.
In several controlled studies it has been demonstrated that it can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It is frequently used 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 effective as stimulants in reducing anxiety and tics as well as it doesn't seem to decrease sleep issues however, it has been proven to help with aggression in children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with the antidepressant fluoxetine. Therefore, they should not be taken together [115, 137].
Two other drugs that are frequently prescribed as a first-line treatment for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). These medications were initially developed to lower blood pressure in adults. They are referred to as alpha agonists. They work by stimulating specific receptors in the brain to release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine which can decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. These drugs have a long time to begin their action, and most children will require between two and four weeks before seeing any benefit from them. They are also not recommended to be used with MAOIs, e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the possibility of serious and possibly fatal adverse reactions, including extreme hypothermia and rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instability.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that boost activity in the central nervous system. They comprise a variety of drugs - some legal, others illicit. They can be used to boost performance, remain awake and alert, as well as treat certain medical conditions like ADHD, narcolepsy and depression. Amphetamines and methylphenidate as well as other prescription stimulants can be utilized. The term"stimulant" is also used to refer to non-prescription drugs like diet pills and caffeine. These are used for many reasons, but they can also be dangerous when taken together with certain medications or foods.
Stimulants can cause negative side effects, even though they're not addictive at the doses prescribed to treat ADHD. They can cause some people to feel shaky or jittery. They can raise the heart rate and blood pressure and cause stomach upset and cause trouble sleeping.
Some teens and children who are taking stimulants might be prone to the tics or repetitive sounds or movements, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. They may also experience some minor delays in growth.
A doctor will decide which stimulant is best for your child or you. They will also take into consideration factors such as weight, age, and allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medications. Always follow the instructions of your doctor. You should always read the Medication Guide that is included with your medication.
Medications are not the only method to treat symptoms of ADHD, but they're usually the first course of treatment. People of all ages can benefit from psychosocial interventions, like family therapy and behavior modification.
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. Additionally it is recommended to keep any medications they no longer use in a secure place and dispose of them appropriately. Health professionals should also regularly assess patients and monitor them for signs of abuse, misuse, or addiction. The FDA has demanded that more consistent information be included on drug labeling to help educate patients and families about these serious dangers.