ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants help people with ADHD control their impulsive behavior and focus. They are either short-acting or long-acting and are prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians, or psychiatrists (and in some cases, GPs).
Stimulants affect norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They are strictly controlled and are only ordered by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is part of the stimulant family and enhances brain activity. It increases the levels of chemicals, such as dopamine and noradrenaline. These help control attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate may be used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, among other disorders. It may also be prescribed to treat depression in adults, but it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate is absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream swiftly and can be used within a few hours. It is available as a chewable tablet or an immediate-release tablet. The doctor will prescribe a dosage that is most appropriate for the patient's symptoms and the side effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate tend to be mild and disappear over time, as the body gets used to the medicine. Talk to your doctor should you experience any issues. He can lower the dosage or even try a different medicine. It is important to take the medication according to the prescription. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. This will reduce the risk of addiction or abuse. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified the drug methylphenidate as a Schedule II substance, which means it is extremely susceptible to abuse. These stimulants could cause dependency and withdrawal when not used as directed.
It's important to tell the doctor that your child is suffering from heart problems, such as irregular heartbeats or a history of a heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will therefore check their blood pressure before beginning treatment. It is also essential to inform the doctor that your child is taking any other medicines, such as herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
The doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often, along with any other precautions. Methylphenidate is recommended to be taken twice a day with meals. Some brands of long-acting methylphenidate tablets (Quillichew ER; Cotempla XR ODT; and Adhansia XR), contain aspartame. Aspartame is a major source of phenylalanine, and should not be taken by people suffering from phenylketonuria.
Avoid drinking alcohol or other drugs when taking this drug. Some people may experience a reduction in appetite while taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to take regular meals and snacks if they are losing weight. They may also require to drink lots of squash or water to stay hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine, available under the brand name Vyvanse, is a central nervous system stimulant that affects the chemical activity of the brain and nerves. It improves concentration and impulse control in children, adolescents and adults with ADHD. It treats binge-eating disorder (BED) as well as increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This helps to reduce uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine is a member of the prodrug class, which is a modified medication that is inactive until processed within the body. It has shown efficacy and safety in both stimulant naive patients as well as stimulant exposed patients with ADHD. It is also believed to have a more lasting effect than other stimulants and may have fewer rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the ADHD-RS-IV scores improved significantly during a 12-week-long controlled trial. They also noted that the majority of patients who changed to placebo had a relapse within two weeks.28 In addition, Brams et al29 used a novel design for a randomized withdrawal study in which they followed 116 adults for 12 weeks after stopping the lisdexamfetamine treatment. They discovered 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 there are any allergies to this medicine or any other medication. Also, let your doctor know whether you suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease or any other heart problems. Certain stimulants can increase the risk of having a stroke or heart attack as well as sudden death among people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breastmilk and harm a nursing infant. You should not breast-feed while taking this medication. This medication may cause dizziness, shakiness or stomach upset in certain people. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved for use by children less than 6 years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not recommended for women who are nursing or pregnant. It is not recommended to stop taking this medicine unless your physician tells you to, even when you are feeling better. Your doctor is likely to want to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure while you're taking this medicine.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a non-stimulant that works by blocking presynaptic transporters that are part of norepinephrine. It is highly specific for this transporter and minimal affinity for other neurotransmitter transporters or receptors [115,136and 136. In multiple placebo-controlled trials, it enhanced the inhibitory control of ADHD patients by reducing overactivation on the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and colleagues, 2009). It also was shown to increase attention span and working memory in children with ADHD. It takes up to 12 weeks to experience its full effects. The dosage is determined by weight and should be increased gradually. A daily dose of one hour is common. Poor metabolizers of the drug the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) have higher exposure and a slower elimination of atomoxetine. Therefore, pharmacogenetic testing is recommended before prescribing atomoxetine for these people.
It has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD in a variety of controlled trials, and is often utilized as an initial treatment. It is generally well tolerated and safe, and it does not increase the risk for suicidal behavior. It's not as effective as stimulants in decreasing tics and anxiety as well as it doesn't seem to reduce sleep problems, but it has been proven to decrease aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is more compatible with the antidepressant, the fluoxetine. Therefore, they should not be taken together.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two additional medications that are available as first-line treatments for ADHD. These medications were originally developed to lower blood pressure in adults. They are called alpha agonists. They function by stimulating specific receptors within the brain to release the neurotransmitter neopinephrine which reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. These drugs have a long onset of action, and most children require between two and four weeks before they see any benefits from them. Additionally they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the possibility of fatal and serious adverse events, such as severe hypothermia and rigidity, myoclonus, and autonomic instability.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that boost activity in the central nervous system. They include a wide variety of substances including some that are legal, and others illegal. They can be used to enhance performance, keep you awake and alert, as well as treat certain medical conditions, such as ADHD and narcolepsy as well as depression. Amphetamines, methylphenidate, and other prescription stimulants can be utilized. The term"stimulant" can also apply to nonprescription drugs like caffeine and some diet pills, which are used for a variety of reasons, but they may not be safe when taken together with other medications or certain food items.
They don't create a habit in the doses prescribed for people with ADHD However, they may have adverse effects. Some patients may feel jittery or shaky. They can raise the heart rate and blood pressure, cause an upset stomach and may cause difficulty sleeping.
Children and teens who are taking stimulants might have tics or repeated sounds or movements like eye blinking and throat clearing. They might also have an insignificant delay in growth.
A doctor will determine the best stimulant for you or your children. They will also consider factors like weight as well as age and allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow your doctor's instructions. how does medication for adhd work must go through the Medication Guide that comes with your medication.
Medicines aren't the only option to reduce symptoms of ADHD however they are usually the first course of treatment. Psychosocial interventions such as family therapy and behavior modification are also available to assist people of all ages who suffer from ADHD.
People who are prescribed ADHD medication should have their risk of misuse and abuse assessed and advised not to give their medication to others. They should also be advised to keep unused medication locked away and properly disposed. Health professionals should also regularly check patients and monitor them for signs of misuse, abuse or addiction. The FDA has mandated that more consistent information be provided on the labeling of drugs to help educate patients and families about the serious risks.