How To Create Successful ADHD Stimulant Medication Tutorials From Home

ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are drugs that help those suffering from ADHD focus and control their impulsive behaviour. 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 tightly controlled and are only prescribed by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a substance that is part of the class of stimulants and stimulates the activity of certain regions of the brain. It increases the levels of chemicals like dopamine and noradrenaline. These help control attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate may be used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy and other conditions. It can also be 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 in the form of an immediate-release tablet or an extended-release chewable tablet or capsule. The doctor will recommend the most appropriate formulation based on the person's symptoms and risk of side effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate are usually minimal and fade over time as the body becomes accustomed to the medication. Speak to your doctor if they persist. You can reduce the dosage or even try a different medicine. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed. Don't overdose the dosage recommended. This helps reduce the potential for abuse or addiction. Methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, meaning it has a high risk of abuse. Stimulants have the potential to create dependence and withdrawal if not taken as prescribed.
It's important to tell the doctor if your child has any heart problems, such as irregular heartbeats or a history of a heart attack. Methylphenidate can raise heart rate which is the reason why the doctor will check their blood pressure and heart rhythm before starting treatment. It is also crucial to inform the doctor that your child is taking other medicines, such as herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
The doctor will give you guidelines on how much and how often you should take the medicine along with any other special precautions. Methylphenidate is best taken twice daily during 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 consumed by people suffering from phenylketonuria.
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 regularly and snacks. add adhd medications may need to remind them to drink lots of water or squash in order to stay 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 helps improve impulse control and concentration in adolescents, children 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 is one of the prodrug class of medicines, which are modified to make them inactive until they are metabolized the body.27 It has been proven to be safe and well-tolerated in a number of placebo-controlled trials and has shown efficacy for both stimulant-naive as well as stimulant-exposed patients with ADHD. It is also believed to have a more lasting effect than other stimulants and could have less rebound symptoms.
In a 12-week placebo-controlled trial, Adler et al27 found significant improvements in the ADHD-RS-IV scores. They also found that the majority of the patients who changed to placebo had a relapse within 2 weeks.28 In addition, Brams et al29 used an innovative method for a randomized withdrawal study in which they followed 116 adults for 12 weeks after stopping treatment with lisdexamfetamine. They discovered that the majority of patients who relapsed weren't exposed to any other stimulants in the previous two-week period.
Tell your doctor if there are any allergies you may have 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 having a stroke, heart attack or sudden death in people with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breastmilk and cause harm to a nursing infant. It is not recommended to take this medication while breastfeeding. This medication may cause shakiness, dizziness, or stomach upset in some individuals. Lisdexamfetamine has not been approved for children under six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is also not approved for use by women who are breastfeeding or pregnant. It is not recommended to stop taking this medication unless your doctor tells you to do so, 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, also referred to as Strattera, is a nonstimulant which works by blocking presynaptic transporters of norepinephrine. It has a high affinity this transporter, and minimal affinity for any other neurotransmitter receptors and transporters [115,136]. In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it enhanced the inhibitory control of ADHD patients by reducing the overactivation of 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 has a slow rate of action and can take up to 12 weeks for the full effects to be seen. The dosage is based on weight and should be started low, and then gradually increased. A daily dose of once is common. A weak metabolizer of the drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a greater exposure and a slower elimination of the drug atomoxetine. The testing of the pharmacogenetics must be performed prior to prescribing atomoxetine for these individuals.
It has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in several controlled trials, and it is frequently used as the first-line treatment. It is generally well tolerated and safe, and it does not increase the likelihood of suicidal behavior. It isn't as effective as stimulants in decreasing tics and anxiety as well as it doesn't seem to decrease sleep issues however, it has been shown to help with aggression in children. Atomoxetine interacts more with the antidepressant the fluoxetine. Therefore, they should not be taken in conjunction.
Two other drugs that are frequently prescribed as a first-line treatment option for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). These medications were initially developed to reduce blood pressure in adults. These are alpha agonists. They work by stimulating receptors in the mind to release norepinephrine neurotransmitter, which can reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs take time to work and can take up to four weeks for some children before they see any benefits. They are also not recommended to be used with MAOIs, e.g. phenelzine) because of the risk of fatal and serious adverse reactions such as severe hypothermia, rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instability, extreme agitation and confusion, and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that increase activity in the nervous system. They include a variety of substances - some legal, others illegal. They are employed for a variety of reasons, such as performance improvement, to stay alert and awake, and to treat certain medical conditions including ADHD, depression, and narcolepsy. Amphetamines, methylphenidate, and other prescription stimulants are available. The term stimulant can also be applied to nonprescription medications like caffeine and some diet pills, which are used for a variety of reasons, but are not safe when used with other medications or with some food items.
They don't create a habit in the doses prescribed for patients with ADHD, but they can have adverse effects. They can make some people feel shaky or jittery. They can increase the heart rate and blood pressure, cause an upset stomach and cause sleep problems.
Some children and teens who take stimulants may have the tics, or repeated sounds or movements like eye blinking and throat clearing. They may also experience some minor delays in growth.
A doctor will decide the best stimulant for your child or you. They will also take into account factors like weight, age, and allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medication. Always follow the prescriptions of your doctor. Always read the Medication Guide that is included with your prescription.
The first option for treating ADHD is usually medication. This is not the only option, but it is the most commonly used. Psychosocial interventions, such as behavior modification and family therapy are also available to help people of all ages who suffer from ADHD.
Patients who are taking prescription ADHD medication should be evaluated for the risk of misuse and abuse, and advised not to share their medication with anyone else. They should also be encouraged to keep any medication they no longer use away and properly disposed of. Health professionals should regularly examine patients for signs of abuse, misuse or addiction. The FDA is requiring more consistent information to be provided on drug labels to help inform patients and their families about the serious dangers.