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 circumstances).
Stimulants affect norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They are strictly controlled and are only prescribed by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate belongs to the stimulant family and increases brain activity. It boosts levels of certain chemicals like dopamine and noradrenaline that aid in controlling attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is a treatment option to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, among other conditions. It can also be prescribed to treat depression in adults, although this is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate gets absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream rapidly and is effective within a matter of hours. It can be taken as an immediate-release tablet or an extended-release chewable capsule or tablet. The doctor will prescribe a dosage that is suitable for the patient's needs and side effects.
The adverse effects of methylphenidate are usually minimal and fade over time as the body becomes accustomed to the medicine. Consult your physician if they persist. He can lower the dosage or even try a different medicine. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dosage. This can reduce the chance for addiction or abuse. Methylphenidate is categorized as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, meaning it has a high possibility of abuse. These stimulants could create dependence and withdrawal if not used as directed.
It's important to tell the doctor if your child has any heart issues, such as irregular heartbeats or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate can increase heart rate, which is why the doctor will examine their blood pressure and heart rhythm prior to starting treatment. Discuss with the doctor any other medications your child takes for health reasons, such as herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will inform you how much medicine to take and how often, along with any other precautions. Methylphenidate is typically taken twice in the day, along with a meal. Certain brands of 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 the development of severe intellectual disabilities.).
Avoid drinking adhd medication adults uk and other substances when taking this drug. Some people might notice their appetite decreases while taking methylphenidate. If your child is losing weight, try to encourage them to eat a regular diet and snacks. You may have to encourage them to drink plenty of water or squash to keep well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nervous system stimulant, sold under the name Vyvanse. It affects chemicals found in the brain and 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 norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, reducing instances of eating disorders that are uncontrolled.
Lisdexamfetamine is a member of the prodrug class of medicines, which are modified to render them inactive until they are metabolized by the body.27 It has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in a variety of placebo controlled trials, showing efficacy in both stimulant-naive as well as stimulant-exposed patients with ADHD. It is also thought to have a longer-lasting effect than other stimulants and could have less rebound symptoms.
In a 12-week placebo-controlled trial, Adler et al27 found significant improvements in the ADHD-RS-IV scores. They also reported that most of the patients who were switched to placebo relapsed after 2 weeks.28 In addition, Brams et al29 used an innovative method for an uncontrolled withdrawal study which they followed 116 adult patients for 12 weeks after stopping treatment with lisdexamfetamine. They discovered that the majority of patients who relapsed were not exposed to any other stimulants during the previous two-week period.
Inform your doctor if there are any allergies you might have to this medication or to other medications. Inform your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart issues or any other heart issues. Stimulants can increase the chance of having a stroke, heart attacks, or sudden deaths among people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine may be absorbed into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking this medication. Some sufferers might experience dizziness, shakiness or stomach upsets while taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved for use by children less than 6 years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not a prescription drug for use by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not recommended to stop taking this medication unless your physician tells you to even when you are feeling better. While you are taking this medication the doctor will monitor your pulse rate and blood pressure.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant that acts by blocking the presynaptic neuronal norepinephrine transporter. It has a high affinity to this transporter, with a minimal affinity for any other neurotransmitter receptors and transporters [115,136]. In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it helped improve inhibitory control in ADHD patients by inhibiting overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain and colleagues., 2009). It has also been shown to improve working memory and attention span in children with ADHD. It can take up to 12 weeks to experience its full effects. The dosage is based on weight and should be gradually increased. A daily dose of one hour is common. A poor metabolizer of drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a greater exposure and a slow elimination of the drug atomoxetine. The testing of the pharmacogenetics must be done before prescribing atomoxetine in these individuals.
In a number of controlled studies it has been demonstrated that it can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It is typically employed as the first-line treatment. It is generally safe and well-tolerated, and does not increase the risk of suicidal behavior. It isn't as efficient in reducing anxiety and tics as stimulants, and it does not appear to reduce sleep issues. However, it has been shown to increase aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is more akin to the antidepressant Fluoxetine. Therefore it is recommended that they not be taken together.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two other drugs that can be prescribed as the first-line treatment for ADHD. These medications were originally developed to reduce high pressure in adults. They are referred to as alpha agonists. They function by stimulating specific receptors in the brain to release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine which can decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. These drugs have a long onset of action, and many children require between two and four weeks before they see any benefit from them. Additionally they are not suggested for use with MAOIs (e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the risk of serious and possibly fatal adverse reactions, including severe hypothermia and rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instabilities.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. They include a wide variety of drugs, some legal and others illegal. They are used for a number of reasons, including performance enhancement, to stay alert and alert and to treat certain medical conditions including ADHD, narcolepsy, and depression. Amphetamines, methylphenidate, and other prescription stimulants are available. The term"stimulant" is also used to describe nonprescription drugs like diet pills and caffeine. These are used for many reasons, but can be dangerous when taken with certain foods or medications.
They don't create a habit in the doses prescribed for those suffering from ADHD however, they do have side effects. They can make people feel shaky or jittery. They can cause upset stomach and increase blood pressure.
Children and teens who take stimulants may have tics, or repeated sounds or movements, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. They might also experience a minor delay in growth.
A doctor will decide the best stimulant for you or your child. They will also take into consideration factors such as weight and age as well as allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medications. Always follow the doctor's prescriptions. Always read the Medication Guide that is included with your prescription.
Medicines aren't the only option to reduce symptoms of ADHD however they are usually the first treatment option. All ages of people 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 share their medication with anyone else. They should also be urged to keep unused medication locked away and properly destroyed. Health professionals should also regularly check patients and monitor them for signs of abuse, misuse, or addiction. The FDA is requiring more consistent information to be included on drug labels to help educate patients and their families about the serious dangers.