The Full Guide To ADHD Stimulant Medication

ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants help people with ADHD control their focus and impulsive behavior. They are either short-acting or long-acting and are prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians or psychiatrists (and in some cases, GPs).
Stimulants affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are strictly controlled and can only be prescribed by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate belongs to the stimulant family and increases brain activity. It boosts levels of certain chemicals like dopamine and noradrenaline. These help control attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate may be used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy and other conditions. It is also prescribed to treat depression in adults. However, it is not approved or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate is absorbed by the gut into the bloodstream quickly and works within hours. It is available as a chewable or immediate-release tablet. The doctor will prescribe a dosage that is appropriate for the patient's symptoms and the side effects.
Side effects of methylphenidate tend to be mild and go in 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 another medication. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed. Don't overdose the dosage recommended. This reduces the risk of dependence or abuse. Methylphenidate is categorized as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means it has a significant potential for abuse. The stimulants can lead to dependence and withdrawal if they are not taken in the manner prescribed by a doctor.
It's important to tell the doctor that your child is suffering from heart issues, like an irregular heartbeat or history of heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will therefore check their blood pressure before beginning treatment. Discuss with the doctor any other medications your child is taking for health reasons, such as herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will provide you with instructions on how much and how often to take the medication along with any other precautions. Methylphenidate is best taken twice a day during meals. Certain brands of the chewable tablets that methylphenidate is long-acting (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame which is a major source of phenylalanine. It is not recommended for people with Phenylketonuria (an inheritable condition that requires a low-protein diet to prevent the development of severe intellectual disabilities.).
It is important to stay clear of alcohol and other drugs when taking this medication. Some sufferers may experience a decrease in appetite 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 plenty of squash or water to stay well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nervous system stimulant sold under the brand name Vyvanse. It acts on chemicals found in the brain and nerves. It helps improve concentration and control of impulses in adolescents, children and adults suffering from ADHD. It treats eating disorders that cause binge eating (BED) in addition to increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps to reduce uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine is a member of the prodrug class which is a modified drug that is inactive until processed within the body. It has demonstrated efficacy and safety in both stimulant naive patients and stimulant exposed patients with ADHD. It is also thought to be more effective than other stimulants, and could have less rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the scores for ADHD-RS-IV improved significantly during a 12-week-long controlled trial. They also noted that the majority of patients who switched to a placebo relapsed within 2 weeks.28 Brams et al29, on the other hand utilized a new design in a random withdrawal study that observed 116 adults for 12 weeks after stopping lisdexamfetamine. They found that the majority of patients who relapsed were not exposed to any other stimulants over the previous two-week period.
It is essential to inform your doctor if you suffer from any allergies to this medication or any other medication. Inform your doctor if suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems or other heart-related conditions. Stimulants may increase the risk of stroke, heart attack or sudden death in people with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breastmilk and cause harm to nursing infants. It is advised not to breastfeed when taking this medication. Some patients might experience shakiness, dizziness or stomach upset when taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved for use by children younger than 6 years old. Lisdexamfetamine cannot be used by women who are pregnant or nursing. Even if you are feeling better, you should not stop taking the medicine unless your doctor tells you. While you are taking this medication, your doctor will likely keep track of your blood pressure and pulse rate.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera is a non-stimulant that blocks the presynaptic receptors of norepinephrine. It has high specificity for this transporter and a weak affinity for other neurotransmitter transportation systems or receptors [115, 136and 136. In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it improved the inhibitory control of ADHD patients by inhibiting the overactivation on the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and coworkers, 2009). It was also shown to improve attention span and working memory in children suffering from ADHD. It can take as long as 12 weeks to experience its full effects. The dosage is based on weight and should be started at a low level, and then gradually increasing. A once-daily dose is typical. The drug's poor metabolizers the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) have higher exposure and less efficient elimination of atomoxetine. it is recommended to conduct a pharmacogenetic test prior to prescribing atomoxetine to those.
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 risk of suicidal behavior. It isn't as effective in reducing anxiety or tics as stimulants, and does not seem reduce sleep disorders. However it has been proven to increase aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is more compatible with the antidepressant fluoxetine. Therefore it is recommended that they not be taken in conjunction.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two other medications that can be prescribed as treatments of first-line for ADHD. These drugs were initially developed to lower blood pressure in adults. They are referred to as alpha agonists. They function by stimulating specific receptors in the brain to release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, 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 they see any benefits from them. In addition they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the possibility 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 central nervous system. They are a range of substances - some of them legal, while others are illicit. They are employed for a variety of reasons, such as performance enhancement, to remain alert and awake and to treat specific medical conditions, such as ADHD, narcolepsy, and depression. Amphetamines and methylphenidate as well as other prescription stimulants are available. The term stimulant can also apply to nonprescription drugs like caffeine and certain diet pills, which are used for a variety of reasons, but are not safe when used in combination with other medications or certain foods.
Stimulants don't cause habit-forming doses used to treat those suffering from ADHD however, they do cause side effects. Some sufferers may feel jittery, or unstable. They can cause an upset stomach and raise blood pressure.
Some teenagers and children who take stimulants may be prone to tics, repetitive noises or movements, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. They might also have a minor growth delay.
A doctor will determine the right stimulant for your child or yourself. They will also consider factors like weight and age as well as allergies. adhd medications for adults will then prescribe the medication. Always follow the prescriptions of your physician. You should go through the Medication Guide that comes with the medication you are taking.
The first option for treating ADHD is usually medication. It's not the only option, but it is the most popular. Psychosocial interventions such as family therapy and behavior modification are also available to help people of all ages who suffer from ADHD.
Patients who are taking prescription ADHD medication should be screened for risk of misuse and abuse, and counseled to avoid sharing their medication with anyone else. They should also be urged to keep their medication locked away and properly disposed. Health professionals must also regularly assess and check patients for indications of abuse, misuse, or addiction. The FDA is requiring more consistent information to be included on drug labels to educate patients and their families about these serious risks.