ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants help people with ADHD manage their focus and impulsive behavior. They can be either long- or short-acting and are prescribed by paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists (and doctors in certain situations).
Stimulants affect dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. They are tightly controlled and only prescribed by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a substance that is part of the family of stimulants. It increases activity in parts of the brain. It boosts the levels of certain chemicals, including dopamine and noradrenaline. This helps control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is used to treat ADHD and Narcolepsy. It can also be prescribed for depression in adults. However, it isn't regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate gets into the bloodstream fast through the gut and begins working within hours. It is available as a chewable or immediate-release tablet. The doctor will recommend the most appropriate formulation based on the person's symptoms and the possibility of side effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate tend to be minor and go in time as the body adjusts to the medication. Speak to your doctor should you experience any issues. You can reduce the dosage or even try a different medicine. It is crucial to take the medication as directed. Don't exceed the recommended dosage. This reduces the risk of addiction or abuse. Methylphenidate is categorized as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, meaning it has a high potential for abuse. The stimulants can lead to dependence and withdrawal if they are not taken in the manner prescribed by a doctor.
It is important to inform the doctor if your child has any heart issues, like an irregular heartbeat or a history of a heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will therefore examine their blood pressure prior to starting treatment. Inform the doctor about any other medications your child takes such as herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will tell you how much medication to take and how often, as well any other precautions. Methylphenidate is typically taken twice every day, with meals. Certain brands of long-acting methylphenidate tablets (Quillichew ER; Cotempla XR -ODT; and Adhansia XR), contain aspartame. Aspartame is a source Phenylalanine and should not be consumed by people suffering from phenylketonuria.
It is important to stay clear of drinking alcohol or other substances while taking this medication. Some people may find their appetite diminishes when taking methylphenidate. If your child is losing weight, you should encourage them to eat regularly and snacks. You may need to encourage them to drink lots of squash or water in order to stay well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nerve system stimulant, sold under the name Vyvanse. It acts on chemical substances that are found in the brain as well as the nerves. It improves concentration and impulse control in adolescents, children, and adults with ADHD. It also treats BED, also known as binge eating disorder (BED) by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain, reducing instances of eating disorder that is uncontrolled.
Lisdexamfetamine is a member of the prodrug class of medicines that are altered to make them inactive until metabolized by the body.27 It has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated by a variety of placebo-controlled trials that have demonstrated its efficacy in both stimulant-naive and those exposed to stimulants with ADHD. It is also thought to be more effective than other stimulants, and may have less rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the ADHD-RS-IV scores improved significantly during a 12-week-long controlled trial. They also reported that most of patients who switched to placebo relapsed after two weeks.28 In addition, Brams et al29 used a novel design for an uncontrolled withdrawal study which they followed 116 adult patients for 12 weeks after stopping lisdexamfetamine treatment. They discovered that the majority of patients who relapsed weren't exposed to any other stimulants in the two weeks preceding.
It is important to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to this medicine or any other medication. Also, let your doctor know if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or any other heart-related issues. Stimulants can increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks or sudden deaths among people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine may pass into breastmilk and cause harm to nursing infants. You should not breast-feed while taking this medication. Some sufferers might experience shakiness, dizziness or stomach upset while taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine has not been approved for children younger than six years of age. Lisdexamfetamine is also not approved for use by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor advises you to stop even when you feel better. While you are taking this medication and your doctor is likely to monitor your blood pressure and pulse rate.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant that blocks the presynaptic neuronal norepinephrine transporter. It has high specificity for this transporter, and has a low affinity for other neurotransmitter transporters or receptors [115, 136and 136. In multiple placebo-controlled research studies, it improved inhibitory control in ADHD patients by reducing the overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain and co. 2009). It also was shown to increase attention span and working memory in children suffering from ADHD. It can take up to 12 weeks to see its full effects. The dose is weight based and should be started at a low level, and then gradually increased. A daily dose of once is common. A weak metabolizer of the drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a higher exposure and a slow elimination of the drug atomoxetine. The testing of the pharmacogenetics must be performed prior to prescribing atomoxetine in these individuals.
In several controlled studies it has been proven that it can be effective in decreasing symptoms of ADHD. It is frequently employed as the first-line treatment. It is generally well tolerated and safe, and does not increase the likelihood of suicidal behavior. It isn't as effective as stimulants in decreasing anxiety and tics and does not seem to reduce sleep problems however it has been demonstrated to help with aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with the antidepressant fluoxetine, and therefore they should not be taken together [115, 137).
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two additional medications that are available as first-line treatments for ADHD. These medications were originally designed to lower high blood pressure in adults. They are referred to as alpha agonists and work by stimulating specific receptors in the brain to release the neurotransmitter neopinephrine which can decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications have a long duration of action and most children will require two to four weeks before seeing any benefit from them. They are not recommended for use in conjunction with MAOIs (e.g. e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the possibility of serious and potentially fatal adverse events, such as extreme hypothermia and rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instability.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that boost activity in the nervous system. They are a variety of drugs, some legal and others illegal. They are employed for a variety of reasons, including performance improvement, to stay awake or alert and to treat certain medical conditions, such as ADHD, depression, and narcolepsy. adhd and medication Iampsychiatry of stimulants prescribed by a doctor are amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term stimulant can also be applied to nonprescription medications such as caffeine and certain diet pills, which are used for a variety reasons but may not be safe when used in conjunction together with other medications or some foods.
Stimants aren't habit-forming in the doses used to treat patients 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 may cause trouble sleeping.
Some teens and children who take stimulants may have the tics, or repetitive sounds or movements, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. They may also experience a minor growth delay.
A doctor will determine the right stimulant for your child or you. They will consider other factors, including weight, age and whether you or your child suffer from any allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medication. Always follow the prescriptions of your physician. You should always read the Medication Guide that is included with your medication.
The first option for treating ADHD is typically medication. This is not the only option, but it's the most commonly used. People of all ages can benefit from psychosocial interventions, like family therapy and behavior modification.
Patients who are prescribed ADHD medication should be screened for the possibility of misuse and abuse assessed, and be counseled not to give their medication to others. Also they should be urged to store any medication they do not use in a secure location and dispose of them properly. Health professionals should regularly assess and examine patients for indications of abuse, misuse or addiction. The FDA is now requiring more consistent information to be provided on drug labels to educate patients and their families about these serious risks.