ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants help people with ADHD control their impulsive behavior and focus. They can be long- or short-acting and are prescribed by paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists (and doctors in certain circumstances).
Stimulants influence dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are strictly controlled and are only prescribed by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a substance that belongs to the class of stimulants and enhances activity in certain areas of the brain. It increases levels of certain chemicals like dopamine and noradrenaline. These help to regulate attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate is a treatment option to treat ADHD, narcolepsy and other disorders. It can also be prescribed to treat depression in adults. However, it is not approved or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate gets into the bloodstream fast from the gut and starts working within hours. It can be taken as an immediate-release tablet or chewable extended-release tablet or capsule. The doctor will prescribe a formulation that is appropriate for the patient's needs and side effects.
adhd medication and pregnancy of methylphenidate are usually mild and disappear over time as the body becomes accustomed to the medication. If they continue to bother you, talk to the doctor who can lower the dose or try another medication. It's important to take this medication exactly as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dose. This can reduce the chance for abuse or addiction. Methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means it has a high potential for abuse. Stimulants have the potential to cause dependency and withdrawal when not taken in the prescribed manner.
It's important to tell the doctor whether your child has heart issues, like an irregular heartbeat or history of heart attack. Methylphenidate may increase the heart rate, which is why the doctor will examine their heart rhythm and blood pressure before they start treatment. It's also important to tell the doctor whether your child is taking other medicines, such as herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
The doctor will provide you with guidelines on how much and how often you should take the medication, as well as any other precautions. Methylphenidate should be taken twice a day, during meals. Certain brands of chewable tablets that methylphenidate is long-acting (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame which is a major source of phenylalanine. It is not recommended for people with phenylketonuria (an genetic condition that requires a low-protein diet to prevent severe intellectual impairment).
It is important to stay clear of drinking alcohol or other substances when taking this medication. Some people might notice their appetite decreases while taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to take regular meals and snacks when they are losing weight. They may also need to drink plenty of squash or water to keep well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine, available under the brand name Vyvanse, is a stimulant for the central nervous system that stimulates chemicals in the brain and nerves. It improves concentration and control of impulses in adolescents, children and adults suffering from ADHD. It treats eating disorders that cause binge eating (BED) in addition to increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This decreases the amount of food that is consumed.
Lisdexamfetamine is part of the prodrug class of medicines that are modified to make them inactive until metabolized by the body.27 It has been proven to be safe and well-tolerated in a number of placebo-controlled trials and has shown efficacy for both stimulant-naive and those exposed to stimulants with ADHD. It is also thought to provide a longer-lasting effect than other stimulants, and may have fewer 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 noted that the majority of patients who switched to placebo relapsed within two weeks.28 Brams et al29, on the other hand utilized a new method in a randomized withdrawal trial that observed 116 adults for 12 weeks after the discontinuation of the drug lisdexamfetamine. They discovered that the majority of patients who relapsed weren't exposed to any other stimulants over the two weeks preceding.
It is essential to inform your doctor if there are any allergies to this medicine or any other medicines. Inform your doctor if suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems, or other heart conditions. These stimulants increase the chance of having a stroke, heart attacks, or sudden deaths among people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. It is not recommended to feed your baby while taking this medication. Some patients might experience shakiness, dizziness or stomach upset while taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved for use by children less than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is also not approved for use by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Even if you're feeling better, you shouldn't stop taking the medication unless your physician advises you to. While you're taking this medication the doctor will check your pulse rate and blood pressure.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant that blocks the presynaptic neuronal norepinephrine transporter. It is highly specific for this transporter and a weak affinity for other neurotransmitter transporters and receptors [115, 136and 136. In multiple placebo-controlled trials, it enhanced the inhibitory control of ADHD patients by reducing overactivation of the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and coworkers, 2009). It has also been proven to increase working memory and concentration in children suffering from ADHD. It has a slow rate of action and can take up to 12 weeks for its full effect to be observed. The dosage is based on weight and should be started low, and then gradually increased. A daily dose of once is common. Poor metabolizers of the drug Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) have greater exposure and slower elimination of atomoxetine, so it is recommended to conduct a pharmacogenetic test prior to prescribing atomoxetine for these people.
In several controlled studies, it has been shown that it can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It is often utilized as the first line treatment. It is generally safe and well-tolerated and doesn't increase the risk of suicidal behaviors. It is not as effective in reducing anxiety or tics as stimulants and does not seem reduce sleep issues. However it has been proven to improve aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with the antidepressant fluoxetine. Therefore, it is not recommended to take them together [115, 37.
Two other medications that are sometimes prescribed as a first-line treatment option for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). These drugs were initially developed to lower high pressure in adults. These drugs are known as alpha agonists. They operate by stimulating receptors within the brain to release norepinephrine neurotransmitter which can decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications take time to show results, and it may take up to four weeks for some children before they can see any benefits. Additionally they are not suggested for use with MAOIs (e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the possibility of serious and potentially 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 substances, some legal and others illegal. They can be used to boost performance, stay alert and alert, and treat certain medical conditions such as ADHD or narcolepsy, as well as depression. Amphetamines and methylphenidate as well as other prescription stimulants are available. The term stimulant is also used to describe nonprescription medications such as caffeine and diet pills. medication for inattentive adhd are utilized for a variety of reasons, but they can also be harmful when used in conjunction with certain foods or medications.
Stimulants don't cause habit-forming doses used to treat people with ADHD, but they can have adverse effects. Some patients may feel jittery or shaky. They can raise the heart rate and blood pressure and cause stomach upset and cause trouble sleeping.
Some teenagers and children who take stimulants can experience tics or repetitive movements or noises, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. They may also experience an insignificant delay in growth.
A doctor will determine the best stimulant for you or your children. They will also consider other factors, including weight, age and if you or your child suffer from any allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow the instructions of your doctor. Always read the Medication Guide that is included with your prescription.
Medicines aren't the only way to improve symptoms of ADHD, but they're usually the first step in treatment. Psychosocial interventions, such as family therapy and behavior modification can also be used to aid people of all ages who suffer from ADHD.
Patients 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 urged to store any medication they do not use in a secure place and dispose of them appropriately. Health professionals must also regularly check patients for signs of misuse, abuse or addiction. The FDA has mandated that more consistent information be included on the labeling of drugs in order to educate patients and families about these serious dangers.