ADHD Medication - How Ritalin Helps Kids Manage ADHD
ADHD medication can help children manage their symptoms. Doctors prescribe stimulants and nonstimulants for treating ADHD.
Stimulants increase the amounts of two brain chemicals--norepinephrine and dopamine--that help kids focus. These medications are the best choice for children and teens with ADHD.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
Stimulant medication is the primary treatment option for many people with ADHD. They are extremely effective in improving attention and concentration for 70-80% of those who have ADHD. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting with an FDA-approved medication. Medications are only available by prescription and should be taken only as directed. Over-the-counter (OTC) supplements or vitamins marketed to treat ADHD have no scientific backing and can result in negative side effects when combined in conjunction with prescription medications.
There are a variety of long-acting stimulant formulas that provide customized delivery systems and varying time-action profiles. These medications let clinicians target specific times of day that are the most challenging for patients. For instance, patients who have trouble completing morning tasks can benefit from long-acting stimulants such as Dexedrine Spansules, Dextroamphetamine/AMPH patch (Xelstrym), or the newer extended-release oral medication Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
Long-acting ADHD medications enter bloodstream more slowly and are less likely to cause side effects than short-acting ADHD medications. They usually last between 8 to 16 hours, depending on the medication. The longer time frame allows for an extended and consistent effect, which is ideal for adults.
A few possible side effects associated with long-acting ADHD medications are changes in appetite, upset stomach and an increase in heart rate. Other possible side effects include tics and minor delays in growth. These are not permanent and generally disappear as the body adjusts.
The most commonly used kind of long-acting ADHD medication is methylphenidate. It is the active ingredient in Ritalin, and other similar medications. It is a stimulant that increases levels of dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in motivation, cognition and even action.
The most commonly used stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD are methylphenidates (amphetamines) and atomoxetine amphetamines and atomoxetine. All of them are classified as "methylphenidates," although some are formulated differently. Some medications are absorbed through the skin, while others are administered orally or intravenously.
Short-acting stimulant formulations
There are many stimulant medications available to treat ADHD. This includes all the forms of methylphenidate, including Ritalin, Focalin and Metadate, as well as amphetamines such as Adderall, Dexedrine and Vyvanse. Doctors can prescribe atomoxetine which is stimulant that performs differently and lasts longer. There are also antidepressants that are atypical and work well to manage ADHD symptoms, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) and the two antihypertensives Catapres and Tenex (clonidine).
Stimulant medication works by increasing neurotransmitter levels in the brain. This improves concentration and decrease the amount of restlessness experienced by kids and adults with ADHD. Medications also help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. However stimulants can cause side effects such as dry mouth and blurred vision. They can also cause increased irritability, anxiety and appetite in certain people. Some people experience difficulty sleeping after taking these medications.
The "rebound effect", which can occur when the drug's effects wear off, is a major concern. They can also trigger high blood pressure and heart rate in certain individuals. When prescribed by a doctor they are safe and effective in adults.
The best type of stimulant medication for people who suffers from ADHD is one that is taken in the morning before school or work. They are referred to as long-acting stimulants. This form of the drug may help to avoid a rebound effect and may reduce symptoms in the evening and afternoon as well.
Other types of the medication can be taken during the day as needed. Short-acting medications are absorbed rapidly and reach their peak in the body. People who require regular doses may have to take more than one tablet per day. This could be a problem for many adults who have ADHD.
Stimulants are the most popular and widely used treatment for ADHD in adolescents, children and adults. They are the most effective medications for reducing ADHD symptoms. However, they may cause dangerous and life-threatening adverse effects if used in the wrong way or with excessive dosages. They may also increase the chances of developing depression and mental health issues.
Nonstimulant medications
Nonstimulant medications are an alternative to stimulant drugs, such as Ritalin, if they aren't working or have negative side effects that are too extreme. These medications have a lower risk of abuse and addiction than stimulants. They function by increasing levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine. Psychiatrists or doctors who specialize in mental disorders are the most likely to prescribe these medicines. They are often employed in conjunction with other treatments, such as psychosocial treatment and lifestyle modifications.
Nonstimulant medicines may require longer to begin working than stimulants. It may also be necessary to take a higher dosage in order to achieve the same effect. They are prescribed in capsules or tablets and are taken with or without food. They are more likely than other drugs to cause stomach upset or alter blood pressure and heart rate. They are also at greater risk of developing drug interaction with other drugs.
Some ADHD medications are available in patch form, which can be worn on the skin. These are great for people who don't remember to take their medication or have difficulty swallowing tablets. These patches are also beneficial for children who are tactilely-sensitive and are not comfortable taking medicines through the mouth. However, the patch has been used in a limited way for children due to the need for constant application.
It can take time to determine the ideal combination of dosage, medication, and schedule. It is essential to be honest and open with your physician about the way your child reacts to the medication. It's beneficial to keep a record of your your child's symptoms, as well as any changes that occur as a result of the medication.
There are always side effects of taking any medication. Some people experience stomach upset, difficulty sleeping, an increased heart rate and weight loss. Children and adolescents who use stimulant medication may suffer a decrease in their growth rate. This is typically not significant. Some people may experience anxiety or antics, and a small proportion of people might experience an extreme reaction to the medication.
Consult a doctor as soon when you or your child develop severe symptoms. Medications should only be taken as directed by your doctor. Ask your pharmacist if there's an option to return prescription medications. You may also mix the medication with cat litter or ground coffee and dispose of it.
Antidepressants
Many people who are prescribed stimulant medications for ADHD also receive nonstimulant or antidepressant medicines. These can have a calming effect and may help to control some of the side effects of stimulants, such as the loss of appetite or trouble sleeping. Nonstimulant medicines are less likely to trigger depression. They can also help treat anxiety and bipolar disorders, which are sometimes linked to ADHD.
Stimulants used to treat ADHD can be misused and used to harm. Teens and children with ADHD might use them to increase their alertness or to curb their appetites in order to lose weight. Others may take them to get "high." Stimulants are included in Schedule I drugs, which pose a risk of addiction. If they are prescribed correctly and used by adults, they do not increase the risk of addiction.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. adhd anxiety medication stimulates brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. It's available in immediate-release tablets (small doses that are taken between 2 and 3 times a day) and modified-release tablets which release the drug throughout the day. Also available in liquid and chewable form.
When stimulant medications are taken to treat ADHD Certain people experience a short period of feeling tired, depressed, and more active. This is referred to as the rebound effect. Changes in the time you take your medication or altering the dosage can help to reduce the symptoms.
Another option for adults suffering from ADHD is guanfacine. This is available as the long-acting medicine Intuniv. This blood pressure medication, which is a type alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist, has been shown to be effective in reducing hyperactivity among adults. It's not as effective in reducing inattention symptoms, though.
Finding the appropriate ADHD medication for your child or you may take some time. Your doctor may begin with small doses and gradually increase them until you find a combination that controls your symptoms while causing the least number of side effects. You'll need to visit your GP regularly to have regular checkups and determine if the dosage should be adjusted.