The Full Guide To ADHD Stimulant Medication
ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants assist people with ADHD control their impulsive behavior and focus. They can be short-acting or long-acting and are prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians, or psychiatrists (and in some cases, GPs).
Stimulants affect dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They are tightly controlled and can only prescribed by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a drug that belongs to the family of stimulants. It enhances activity in certain areas of the brain. It boosts the levels of certain chemicals, like noradrenaline and dopamine, which helps to regulate the attention span and behavior. Methylphenidate can be used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It can also be prescribed to treat depression in adults. However, it is not approved or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate is absorbed into the bloodstream quickly from the gut and starts working within a matter of hours. It is available as a chewable tablet or an immediate-release tablet. The doctor will prescribe the most suitable formulation based on the person's symptoms and the possibility of side effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate tend to be mild and will go away over time as the body gets used to the drug. If they continue to bother you, talk with your doctor, who can lower the dose or try an alternative medication. It's important to take this medication exactly as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dosage. This reduces the risk of dependence or abuse. Methylphenidate is categorized as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, meaning it has a high potential for abuse. Stimulants can cause dependence and withdrawal if not taken in the manner prescribed by a doctor.
Tell your doctor if your child has heart problems. This could include an irregular heartbeat or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate can raise the rate of heartbeat and that's why the doctor will check their heart rate and blood pressure before they start treatment. Inform the doctor about any other medications your child takes for health reasons, such as herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often, in addition to any other precautions. Methylphenidate is usually taken twice in the day, along with a meal. Some brands of long-acting methylphenidate tablets (Quillichew ER; Cotempla XR with -ODT; and Adhansia XR), contain aspartame. Aspartame is an ingredient that contains Phenylalanine and should not be taken by those with phenylketonuria.
Avoid drinking alcohol and other substances when taking this drug. Some people may find their appetite declines when they take methylphenidate. If your child is losing weight, try to encourage them to eat regularly and snacks. They may also need to drink a lot of water or squash to keep hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nerve system stimulant, sold under the brand name Vyvanse. It affects chemicals found in the brain as well as the nerves. It helps improve concentration and impulse control in adolescents, children and adults with ADHD. It treats the disorder of binge eating (BED) as well by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This reduces uncontrolled eating.
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 shown to be safe and well-tolerated in a variety of placebo controlled trials and has shown efficacy for both stimulant-naive and stimulant-exposed patients with ADHD. It is also thought to have a longer-lasting effect than other stimulants and could have fewer rebound symptoms.
In a 12-week trial that was controlled by placebo, Adler et al27 found significant improvements in ADHD-RS-IV scores. They also noted that the majority of patients who switched to a placebo experienced a relapse within two weeks.28 Brams et al29, however, used a novel method in a randomized withdrawal trial where they monitored 116 adults for 12 weeks after the discontinuation of lisdexamfetamine. They found that the majority of patients who relapsed were not exposed to any other stimulants over the two weeks preceding.
It is important to tell your doctor if you suffer from any allergies to this medication or any other medications. Also inform your doctor whether you suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease or any other heart problems. The use of stimulants can increase the risk of stroke heart attack, stroke, or sudden death for those with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. treating adhd without medication is advised not to breastfeed when taking this medication. Some sufferers may experience dizziness, shakiness or stomach upset when taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine has not been approved for children under six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. It is not recommended to stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to even if you are feeling better. Your doctor is likely to be looking to check your blood pressure and heart rate when you take this medicine.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant that acts by blocking the presynaptic neuronal norepinephrine transporter. It has a high affinity this transporter, but has a low affinity for any other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115,136]. In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it enhanced the inhibitory control of ADHD patients by inhibiting the overactivation on the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and coworkers 2009). It has also been shown to increase working memory and the ability to focus in children with ADHD. It can take up to 12 weeks to see its full effects. The dosage is based on weight and should be started at a low level and then gradually increasing. A daily dose of one hour is common. The drug's poor metabolizers the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) have higher exposure and slower elimination of atomoxetine. pharmacogenetic testing is recommended before prescribing atomoxetine to these individuals.
It has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD in several controlled trials, and is frequently utilized as an initial treatment. It is generally safe and well tolerated, and does not increase the risk of suicidal behaviour. It isn't as effective as stimulants in reducing tics and anxiety, and it does not seem to decrease sleep issues however it has been shown to help with aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with antidepressant fluoxetine, and therefore it is not recommended to take them together [115, 137].
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two additional medications that are available as treatments of first-line for ADHD. These medications were initially developed to lower high blood pressure in adults. They are known as alpha agonists. They function by stimulating specific receptors in the brain to release the neurotransmitter neopinephrine which can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. These drugs have a long time to begin their action, and a majority of children require between two and four weeks before seeing any benefit from them. In addition they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. phenelzine) due to the risk of serious and potentially fatal adverse reactions, such as severe hypothermia, rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instability extreme agitation and disorientation, and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that boost activity in the central nervous system. They include a variety of substances - some of them legal, while others are illicit. They are utilized for a variety of reasons, such as performance enhancement, to stay awake or alert, and to treat certain medical conditions including ADHD, depression, and narcolepsy. Amphetamines, methylphenidate, and other prescription stimulants are available. The term stimulant can also apply to nonprescription drugs such as caffeine and certain diet pills that are used for a variety of reasons but may not be safe when taken in combination with other medications or certain foods.
They don't create a habit in the doses prescribed to treat people with ADHD However, they may have adverse effects. They can cause some people to feel nervous or jittery. They can increase blood pressure and heart rate, cause an upset stomach, and can lead to difficulty sleeping.
Some children and teens who are taking stimulants might experience tics that are repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking and throat clearing. They could also have some minor delays in growth.
A doctor will decide which stimulant is suitable for your child or you. They will also consider factors such as weight as well as age and allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medications. Always follow the directions of your physician. You must study the Medication Guide that comes with the medication you are taking.
The first option for treating ADHD is usually medication. This is not the only option, but it's the most common. People of all ages can benefit from psychosocial interventions, like family therapy and behavior modification.
People who take prescription ADHD medication should be assessed for the risk of abuse and misuse, and counseled to avoid sharing their medication with anyone else. Additionally they should be urged to store any medication they do not use in a secure place and dispose of them appropriately. Health care professionals must regularly check patients and monitor them for indications of misuse, abuse or addiction. The FDA is now requiring more consistent information to be provided on the label of a drug to educate patients and their families about the dangers of these drugs.