ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are drugs that help people with ADHD focus and manage their impulsive behavior. They can be either long- or short-acting and are prescribed by paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists (and doctors in certain circumstances).
Stimulants affect norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They are controlled tightly and are only prescribed by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a drug that is part of the class of stimulants and increases activity in parts of the brain. It boosts levels of certain chemicals, such as dopamine and noradrenaline. These help to regulate attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate is used to treat ADHD and the condition known as narcolepsy. 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 by the gut into the bloodstream quickly and is effective within a matter of hours. It is available in the form of an immediate-release tablet or an extended-release chewable capsule or tablet. The doctor will recommend the most appropriate dosage based on the patient's symptoms and risk of side effects.
Side effects of methylphenidate tend to be minor and go in time as the body becomes accustomed to the medication. If they are persistent, talk to the doctor who can lower the dosage or recommend a different medicine. It is important to take this medication as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dose. This helps reduce the potential for addiction or abuse. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified the methylphenidate drug as a Schedule II substance, which means it is extremely vulnerable to abuse. Stimulants have the potential to cause dependency and withdrawal when not used as directed.
It is essential to inform the doctor whether your child has heart issues, like irregular heartbeats or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate can increase heart rate which is the reason why the doctor will examine their heart rate and blood pressure before they start treatment. Inform the doctor about any other medications your child is taking, including herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will advise you how much medicine to take and how often, in addition to any other precautions. Methylphenidate should be taken twice a day with 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 and is not recommended for people with Phenylketonuria (an inherited condition that requires a low-protein diet to prevent the development of severe intellectual disabilities.).
Avoid alcohol and other drugs while taking this medication. Some people may experience a decrease in appetite while taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to consume regular meals and snacks in case they are losing weight. They may also have to drink a lot of squash or water to stay well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nervous system stimulant sold under the name Vyvanse. It works by stimulating chemicals in the brain and the nerves. It enhances concentration and control of impulses in adolescents, children and adults with ADHD. It also treats BED, also known as binge eating disorder (BED) by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, reducing instances of eating disorder that is uncontrolled.
Lisdexamfetamine belongs to the prodrug class, which is a modified medication that is inactive until metabolized in the body. It has demonstrated efficacy and safety in both stimulant naive patients as well as stimulant exposed patients with ADHD. It is also thought to provide a longer-lasting effect than other stimulants and could have fewer rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the scores for ADHD-RS-IV improved significantly in a 12-week controlled trial. They also reported that most of the patients who were switched to placebo relapsed after two weeks.28 In addition, Brams et al29 used an innovative design for an uncontrolled withdrawal study in which they followed 116 adult patients for 12 weeks after stopping lisdexamfetamine treatment. They discovered that the majority of patients who relapsed weren't exposed to any other stimulants during the previous two weeks.
Tell your doctor if there are any allergies you may have to this medication or any other medication. Tell your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems, or other heart conditions. The use of stimulants can increase the risk of heart attacks, or sudden deaths for people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breast milk and could harm a nursing infant. It is advised not to breastfeed while taking this medication. This medication may cause dizziness, shakiness or stomach upset in some individuals. Lisdexamfetamine is not recommended for use by children less than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is also not approved for use by women who are nursing or pregnant. It is not recommended to stop taking this medicine unless your doctor advises you to even when you feel better. Your doctor will probably be looking to check your heart rate and blood pressure while you're taking this medication.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant that acts by blocking the presynaptic norepinephrine-transporter. It has a high affinity to this transporter, and minimal affinity for any other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115-136]. In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it improved inhibitory control in ADHD patients by reducing the overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain and colleagues., 2009). It has also been proven to increase working memory and the ability to focus in children with ADHD. It can take up to 12 weeks to see its full effects. The dosage is based on weight and should be taken at a low dose, and then gradually increasing. A daily dose of one hour is common. A poor metabolizer of the drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a higher exposure and a slower elimination of the drug atomoxetine. Testing for pharmacogenetics should be performed prior to prescribing atomoxetine for these individuals.
In several controlled studies, it has been shown that it is 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 is not as effective in reducing anxiety or tics as stimulants, and it does not appear to reduce sleep disorders. However it has been proven to increase aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with antidepressant fluoxetine, so they should not be taken together [115, 37.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two other drugs that can be prescribed as the first-line treatment for ADHD. These medications were originally developed to lower blood pressure in adults. They are known as alpha agonists. They work by stimulating certain receptors in the brain to release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which can decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications have a long time to begin their action, and a majority of children will require between two and four weeks before seeing any benefit from them. They are not recommended for use with MAOIs, e.g. phenelzine) because of the risk of serious and potentially fatal adverse events like severe hypothermia rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instability extreme agitation and disorientation, and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that boost activity in the central nervous system. They include a wide variety of substances that are legal and illegal. They are employed for a variety of purposes, such as performance improvement, to stay alert and alert and to treat specific medical conditions including ADHD, depression, and narcolepsy. Some examples of prescription stimulants are amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term stimulant can be used to describe non-prescription drugs like caffeine and some diet pills, which are used for a variety reasons, but they may not be safe when used together with other medications or certain foods.
Stimulants can trigger adverse effects, even if they are not habit-forming at the doses prescribed to treat ADHD. Some sufferers may feel jittery, or unstable. They can increase blood pressure and heart rate, cause an upset stomach and cause sleep problems.
Some children and teenagers who take stimulants may experience tics or repetitive noises or movements like eye blinking or throat clearing. They could also experience a slight delay in growth.
A doctor will decide the best stimulant for your child or you. They will also take into consideration factors such as weight as well as age and allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medication. Always follow the doctor's prescriptions. You must go through the Medication Guide that comes with your medication.
The use of medication isn't the only way to improve symptoms of ADHD however they are usually the first step in treatment. 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 prescribed ADHD medication should have their risk of misuse and abuse evaluated and advised not to share their medication with others. They should also be advised to keep unused medication locked away and properly disposed. adhd medication names should frequently check and examine patients for signs of abuse, misuse or addiction. The FDA has mandated that more consistent information is included on the labeling of drugs to help educate families and patients about the serious risks.