ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are medications that help people suffering from ADHD focus and control their impulsive behaviour. They can be short-acting or long-acting, and prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians or psychiatrists (and in some cases GPs).
Stimulants alter dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are controlled tightly and can only be ordered by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is part of the family of stimulants and boosts brain activity. It boosts levels of certain chemicals, such as dopamine and noradrenaline that help to regulate attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate is a treatment for ADHD and the condition known as narcolepsy. It can also be prescribed to treat depression in adults, although this is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate is absorbed into the bloodstream quickly from the gut, and starts working within hours. It is available as a chewable or immediate-release tablet. The doctor will prescribe a formula that is suitable for the patient's needs and side effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate tend to be mild and go away over time as the body gets used to the drug. Consult your physician in the event that they continue. He can lower the dosage or suggest a different medication. It is essential to take the medication exactly according to the prescription. Do not overdose the dosage recommended. This reduces the risk for addiction or abuse. Methylphenidate is classified 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 when not taken as prescribed.
Tell your doctor if you child is suffering from heart issues. This includes irregular heartbeats, or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will therefore check their blood pressure before starting treatment. Discuss with the doctor any other medications your child is taking such as herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will inform you how much medication to take and how often, as well any other precautions. Methylphenidate is typically taken two times in the day, along with a meal. Certain brands of the long-acting methylphenidate chewable tablets (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame which is a source of phenylalanine and is not recommended for people with Phenylketonuria (an inherited condition that requires a low-protein diet to prevent severe intellectual disability).
Avoid alcohol and other drugs while taking this medication. Some people might notice their appetite decreases while taking methylphenidate. If your child is losing weight, you should encourage them to eat regular meals and snacks. They may also need to drink a lot of squash or water to keep well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is available under the brand name Vyvanse is a central nervous system stimulant that acts on chemicals in the brain and nerves. It improves concentration and impulse control in children, adolescents and adults with ADHD. It treats eating disorders that cause binge eating (BED) as well as increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps to reduce uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine belongs to the prodrug class that is a modified drug that is inactive until metabolized within the body. It has shown efficacy and safety in both stimulant-naive patients as well as patients exposed to stimulants with ADHD. It is also believed to have a longer-lasting effect than other stimulants and could be less likely to trigger rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the ADHD-RS-IV scores significantly improved during a 12-week-long controlled trial. They also noted that the majority of the patients who changed to placebo had a relapse within 2 weeks.28 Additionally, Brams et al29 used a novel design for an uncontrolled withdrawal study which they followed 116 adult patients for 12 weeks after stopping the lisdexamfetamine treatment. They found that most of those who relapsed were not exposed to other stimulants in the past two weeks.
It is essential to inform your doctor if you suffer from any allergies to this medicine or any other medications. Tell your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems or other heart-related conditions. Certain stimulants can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack or sudden death for those with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine may be absorbed into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. It is not recommended to take this medication while breastfeeding. This medication can cause dizziness, shakiness or stomach upsets in certain individuals. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved for use by children younger than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is also not approved for use by people who are breastfeeding or pregnant. You should not stop taking this medication unless your doctor tells you to, even if you are feeling better. Your doctor will probably want to keep an eye on your heart rate and blood pressure while you are taking this medication.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant that works by blocking the presynaptic neuronal norepinephrine transporter. It has a high affinity for this transporter, but has a low affinity for other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115-136]. In a variety of placebo-controlled studies it helped improve inhibitory control in ADHD patients by reducing overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain and colleagues., 2009). It was also shown to increase attention span and working memory in children suffering from ADHD. It has a slow onset of action, and it could take up to 12 weeks for the full effect to be evident. The dose is weight based and should be started at a low level and then gradually increased. A once-daily dosage is typical. The drug's poor metabolizers cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) have higher exposure and a slower elimination of atomoxetine, so the pharmacogenetic test is recommended prior to prescribing atomoxetine to those.
In a number of controlled studies, it has been shown that it can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It is typically employed as the first-line treatment. It is generally well tolerated and is safe, and does not increase the risk of suicidal behavior. It is not as effective as stimulants in reducing tics and anxiety as well as it doesn't seem to reduce sleep problems however, it has been shown to decrease aggression in a few children. Atomoxetine interacts more with the antidepressant, fluoxetine. Therefore it is not recommended to be taken in conjunction.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two additional medications that are available as first-line treatments for ADHD. These medications were originally designed to lower blood pressure in adults. These are alpha agonists. They work by stimulating receptors in the brain to release norepinephrine neurotransmitter which can decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs take time to show results and can take up to four weeks in the case of many children before they see any benefit. In addition, they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. phenelzine) due to the risk of fatal and serious adverse reactions, like severe hypothermia, rigidity, myoclonus or autonomic instability, extreme agitation and confusion and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that boost activity in the central nervous system. They include a variety of drugs, some legal, others illicit. They can be utilized for a variety of purposes, such as performance enhancement, to stay awake or alert and to treat certain medical conditions like ADHD, narcolepsy, and depression. Examples of prescription stimulants are amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term stimulant can also be applied to nonprescription medications like caffeine and certain diet pills, which are used for a variety reasons, but are not safe when used in combination with other medications or certain foods.
Stimulants can trigger adverse effects, even if they are not addictive at dosages prescribed for ADHD. mouse click the following internet site can make people feel nervous or jittery. They can raise blood pressure and heart rate and can cause stomach upset and cause trouble sleeping.
Some children and teens who are taking stimulants might be prone to tics or repetitive sounds or movements, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. They could also have a minor growth delay.
A doctor will determine the best stimulant for your child or you. They will also take into consideration factors such as weight and age as well as allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow your doctor's instructions. You should always review the Medication Guide that is included with your medication.
The first treatment for ADHD is generally medication. This isn't the only option, but it is the most common. Everyone of any age are able to benefit from psychosocial interventions, such as family therapy and behavior modification.
Patients who are taking prescription ADHD medication should be evaluated for risk of abuse and misuse, and advised not to share their medication with anyone else. Additionally it is recommended to keep any medications they no longer use in a secure place and dispose of them appropriately. Health care professionals should also frequently check and check patients for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction. The FDA has mandated that more consistent information be included on the labeling of drugs to help inform patients and their families about the serious risks.
