ADHD Stimulant Medication Tips That Will Revolutionize Your Life

ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are medications that help people suffering from ADHD focus and manage their impulsive behavior. They can be short-acting or long-acting, and are prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians or psychiatrists (and in some cases GPs).
Stimulants alter dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are tightly regulated and can only prescribed by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a substance that is part of the family of stimulants. It enhances activity in certain areas of the brain. It boosts levels of certain chemicals such as dopamine and noradrenaline. These help control attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate is a treatment option to treat ADHD, narcolepsy and other conditions. It can also be prescribed for depression in adults. However, this is not regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate enters the bloodstream rapidly through the gut and begins working within a matter of hours. It is available as an immediate-release tablet or an extended-release chewable tablet or capsule. The doctor will prescribe the most suitable dosage based on the patient's symptoms and risk of side effects.
adhd medication adults uk of methylphenidate are usually minor and will disappear with time, as the body adjusts to the medicine. If they persist, speak to your doctor who will lower the dosage or recommend another medication. It is crucial to take the medication as prescribed. Do not overdose the dosage recommended. This reduces the risk of abuse or addiction. Methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means it has a significant risk of abuse. These stimulants could cause withdrawal and dependence if not taken in the prescribed manner.
It is essential to inform the doctor whether your child has heart issues, such as an irregular heartbeat or history of a heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will therefore test their blood pressure prior to beginning treatment. Discuss with the doctor any other medications your child takes such as herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will provide you with guidelines on how much and how often to take the medicine, as well as any other precautions. Methylphenidate is recommended to be 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 source of phenylalanine, and should not be consumed by people with Phenylketonuria (an inheritable condition that requires a low-protein diet to prevent the development of severe intellectual disabilities.).
It is essential to avoid alcohol and other drugs when taking this medication. Some people may find their appetite diminishes when taking methylphenidate. If your child is losing weight, you should encourage them to eat a regular diet and snacks. You may have to encourage them to drink a lot of water or squash to ensure they are 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 improves concentration and impulse control in adolescents, children and adults suffering from ADHD. It treats binge-eating disorder (BED) in addition to increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This reduces uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine is one of the prodrug class of drugs that are altered to make them inactive until metabolized by the body.27 It has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in a number of placebo-controlled studies, showing efficacy in both stimulant-naive as well as stimulant-exposed patients with ADHD. It is also believed to have a longer lasting effect than other stimulants and may have fewer rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the ADHD-RS-IV scores significantly improved in a 12-week controlled study. They also reported that most of those who were switched to placebo relapsed after two weeks.28 In addition, Brams et al29 used an innovative design for a randomized withdrawal study in which they followed 116 adult patients for 12 weeks after stopping treatment with lisdexamfetamine. They discovered that a majority of those who relapsed hadn't been exposed to any other stimulants during the previous two weeks.
Discuss with your doctor if you have any reactions you may have to this medication or to any other medication. Tell your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems, or other heart conditions. Certain stimulants can increase the risk of stroke or heart attack as well as sudden death for those with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. It is not recommended to feed your baby while taking this medication. Some people may experience dizziness, shakiness or stomach upsets while taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine has not been approved for children under six years of age. Lisdexamfetamine cannot be used by women who are nursing or pregnant. It is not recommended to stop taking this medicine unless your doctor advises you to do so even when you feel better. Your doctor is likely to want to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure when you take this medicine.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant that acts by blocking the presynaptic norepinephrine-transporter. It has a high affinity for this transporter, and minimal affinity for other neurotransmitter receptors and transporters [115,136]. In multiple placebo-controlled trials, it enhanced the inhibitory control of ADHD patients by reducing overactivation of the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and colleagues 2009). It was also found to improve working memory and attention span in children suffering from ADHD. It is slow in the onset of action, and it could take up to 12 weeks for the full effects to be seen. The dosage is based on weight and should be taken at a low dose, and then gradually increasing. A single dose per day is typical. A weak metabolizer of the drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a greater exposure and a slower elimination of atomoxetine. Pharmacogenetic testing should be done before prescribing atomoxetine in these individuals.
It has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD in several controlled trials, and it is frequently utilized as a first-line treatment. It is generally well tolerated and is safe, and does not increase the risk for suicidal behavior. It's not as effective as stimulants in reducing anxiety and tics as well as it doesn't appear to help with sleep issues, but it has been shown to help with aggression in a few children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with antidepressant fluoxetine, so they should not be taken together [115, 137].
Two other medications that are often prescribed as a first-line treatment for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). These medications were initially developed to lower blood pressure in adults. These are alpha agonists. They are able to stimulate receptors in the brain to release norepinephrine neurotransmitter, which reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications take time to show results and can take up to four weeks in the case of many children before they can see any benefit. In addition they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. phenelzine) due to the possibility of serious and potentially fatal adverse reactions like severe hypothermia, rigidity, myoclonus or autonomic instability extreme agitation and disorientation and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs which increase activity in the nervous system. They encompass a range of drugs, some legal and others illegal. They are employed for a variety of reasons, such as performance enhancement, to stay awake or alert and to treat certain medical conditions like ADHD, depression, and narcolepsy. Examples of stimulants prescribed by a doctor are amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term stimulant is also used to describe nonprescription medications such as diet pills and caffeine. They are utilized for a variety of reasons, but they can also be harmful when used in conjunction in conjunction with certain food items or medications.
They don't create a habit in the doses prescribed for patients with ADHD however, they do have adverse effects. Some people may feel jittery or shaky. They can raise blood pressure and heart rate, cause an upset stomach, and can lead to trouble sleeping.
Some children and teenagers who are taking stimulants may have tics or repetitive noises or movements like eye blinking or throat clearing. They may also experience some minor delays in growth.
A doctor will determine the right stimulant for your child or you. They will also consider other aspects, like weight, age and if you or your child has any allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow the directions of your doctor. You should always go through the Medication Guide that is included with your prescription.
Medicines aren't the only option to reduce symptoms of ADHD However, they're typically the first step in treatment. Psychosocial interventions such as behavior modification and family therapy can also be used to aid people of all ages with ADHD.
Patients who are prescribed ADHD medication should be screened for the possibility of misuse and abuse evaluated, and be counseled not to give their medication to others. They should also be advised to keep their medication locked away and properly disposed. Health care professionals should also regularly monitor patients for signs of abuse, misuse, or addiction. The FDA has demanded that more consistent information be provided on the labeling of drugs in order to inform patients and their families about these serious dangers.