ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are drugs that help people suffering from ADHD focus and manage their impulsive behavior. They are either short-acting or long-acting, and prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians and psychiatrists (and in some cases, GPs).
Stimulants affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are controlled tightly and can only be prescribed by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a drug that is part of the family of stimulants and stimulates the activity of certain regions of the brain. It increases levels of certain chemicals like dopamine and noradrenaline, which help control attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate is a treatment for ADHD and the condition known as narcolepsy. It is also prescribed for depression in adults. However, it isn't regulated or approved 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 dosage based on the individual's symptoms and the possibility of side effects.
The effects of methylphenidate are likely to be minor and go away over time as the body adjusts to the medicine. If they are persistent, talk with your doctor, who can lower the dosage or recommend an alternative medication. It's important to take this medication exactly as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dosage. This reduces the risk for abuse or addiction. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified the methylphenidate drug as a Schedule II substance, which means it is highly susceptible to abuse. Stimulants have the potential to cause withdrawal and dependence if not used as directed.
It is important to inform the doctor whether your child has heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat or history of heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will therefore examine their blood pressure prior to starting treatment. It's also important to tell the doctor that your child is taking any other medications, including herbal remedies or vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will advise you how much medicine to take and how often, in addition to any other precautions. Methylphenidate is recommended to be taken twice a day during meals. 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 should not be consumed by people with phenylketonuria (an inheritable condition that requires a low-protein diet to prevent severe intellectual disability).
Avoid drinking alcohol and other substances when taking this drug. Some people may experience a reduction in appetite when taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to consume regular meals and snacks in case they are losing weight. You may need to encourage them to drink lots of water or squash to keep 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 helps improve concentration and control of impulses in children, adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. It treats eating disorders that cause 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 altered to make them inactive until they are metabolized by the body.27 It has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated by a variety of placebo-controlled studies, showing efficacy in both stimulant-naive and stimulant-exposed patients with ADHD. It is also believed to provide a longer-lasting effect than other stimulants, and may have fewer rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the ADHD-RS-IV scores improved significantly in a 12-week controlled study. They also found that the majority of patients who switched to placebo experienced a relapse within two weeks.28 Brams et al29, however employed a unique design in a random withdrawal trial that followed 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 important to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to this medication or any other medications. Also, let your doctor know that you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or any other heart problems. Stimulants can increase the chance of having a stroke, heart attacks, or sudden deaths for people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing infant. It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking this medicine. This medication can cause shakiness, dizziness, or stomach upset in certain people. Lisdexamfetamine has not been approved for children under six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is also not approved for use by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not recommended to stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to stop, even when you feel better. Your doctor may want to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate while you are taking this medicine.
adhd medication list (Strattera) is a non-stimulant that blocks the presynaptic norepinephrine transporter. It is highly specific for this transporter and minimal affinity for other neurotransmitter transporters or receptors [115, 136136). In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it improved the inhibitory control of ADHD patients by reducing overactivation on the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and coworkers, 2009). It was also shown to increase working memory and the ability to focus in children with ADHD. It is slow in the onset of action, and may take up to 12 weeks for the full effects to be observed. The dosage is based on weight and should be started low, and gradually increased. A daily dose of once is common. A poor metabolizer of drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a greater exposure and a slow elimination of the drug atomoxetine. The testing of the pharmacogenetics must be performed prior to prescribing atomoxetine for these individuals.
It has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in numerous controlled trials, and is often utilized as the first-line treatment. It is generally safe and well tolerated and does not increase the risk of suicidal behavior. It isn't as efficient as stimulants in reducing tics and anxiety and does not seem to reduce sleep problems however it has been demonstrated to decrease aggression in a few children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with the antidepressant fluoxetine. Therefore, they should not be taken together [115, 137].
Two other medications that are often prescribed as a first-line treatment option for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). These medications were originally developed to lower high pressure in adults. They are referred to as alpha agonists. They function by stimulating certain receptors in the brain to release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which can decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications take time to take effect and it could take up to four weeks in the case of many children before they experience any benefits. They are also not recommended to be used with MAOIs, e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the risk of serious and possibly fatal adverse events, such as severe hypothermia and rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instabilities.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that boost activity in the nervous system. They encompass a range of substances, some legal and others illegal. They are used for a number of reasons, such as performance enhancement, to stay awake or alert, and to treat certain medical conditions, such as ADHD, narcolepsy, and depression. Amphetamines and methylphenidate as well as other prescription stimulants can be used. The term"stimulant" can also apply to nonprescription drugs like caffeine and some diet pills that are used for a variety of reasons, but they may not be safe when used in combination with other medications or some food items.
Stimulants can cause adverse effects, even if they are not habit-forming in the doses prescribed to treat ADHD. They can make some people feel nervous or jittery. They can increase blood pressure and heart rate, cause an upset stomach and cause sleep problems.
Some teenagers and children who take stimulants may be prone to tics, repeated sounds or movements like eye blinking or throat clearing. They could also have an insignificant delay in growth.
A doctor will decide the best stimulant for you or your child. They will also take into consideration factors like weight as well as age and allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow the prescriptions of your physician. You should study the Medication Guide that comes with your medication.
The first option for treating ADHD is typically medication. It's not the only option, but it is the most popular. Everyone of any age can benefit from psychosocial interventions, such as family therapy and behavior modification.
People who take prescription ADHD medication should be assessed for the possibility of misuse and abuse, and counseled to avoid sharing their medication with anyone else. Also, click through the up coming document should be encouraged to store any medication they do not use in a safe place and dispose of them properly. Health professionals should also regularly monitor patients and check 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 inform patients and their families about the serious risks.