A Guide To ADHD Stimulant Medication From Beginning To End
ADHD Stimulant Medication Stimulants are drugs that aid people with ADHD focus and manage their impulsive behavior. They are either short-acting or long-acting and are prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians, or psychiatrists (and in some cases GPs). Stimulants influence dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. They are tightly controlled and are only ordered by a doctor. Methylphenidate Methylphenidate belongs to the stimulant family and increases brain activity. It increases the levels of certain chemicals, including dopamine and noradrenaline. This aids in controlling the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate can be used to treat ADHD and the condition known as narcolepsy. It is also prescribed to treat depression in adults. However, this is not approved or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate is absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream swiftly and can be used within a few hours. It can be taken as an immediate-release tablet or chewable extended-release tablet or capsule. The doctor will recommend the most appropriate formulation based on the person's symptoms and the possibility of side effects. The effects of methylphenidate are likely to be mild and go in time as the body becomes accustomed to the medicine. If they are persistent, talk to your doctor who will lower the dosage or recommend another medication. It is crucial to take the medication as directed. Don't exceed the recommended dosage. This reduces the risk of addiction or abuse. Methylphenidate is categorized as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, meaning it has a high risk of abuse. These stimulants could cause dependency and withdrawal when not taken as prescribed. It is essential to inform the doctor if your child has any heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will therefore check their blood pressure before beginning treatment. It is also crucial to inform the doctor if your child is taking other medications, including herbal remedies or vitamins and supplements. The doctor will give you instructions on how much and how often to take the medication and any other precautions. Methylphenidate is recommended to be taken twice daily with meals. Certain 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's important to avoid alcohol and other drugs when taking this medication. Some people may experience a reduction in appetite while taking methylphenidate. If your child is losing weight, try to encourage them to eat regular meals and snacks. You may need to encourage them to drink plenty of squash or water in order to stay hydrated. Lisdexamfetamine Lisdexamfetamine, available under the brand name Vyvanse, is a stimulant for the central nervous system that acts on chemicals in the brain and nerves. It helps improve concentration and impulse control 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 a member of the prodrug class of drugs that are modified to make them inactive until they are metabolized by the body.27 It has been proven to be safe and well-tolerated by a variety of placebo-controlled trials and has shown efficacy for both stimulant-naive and those exposed to stimulants with ADHD. It is also believed to provide a longer-lasting effect than other stimulants, and could have fewer rebound symptoms. In a 12-week trial that was controlled by placebo, Adler et al27 found significant improvements in ADHD-RS-IV scores. They also found that the majority of patients who switched to placebo relapsed within 2 weeks.28 Brams et al29, on the other hand, used a novel method in a randomized withdrawal study that followed 116 adults for 12 weeks after the discontinuation of the drug lisdexamfetamine. They discovered that a majority of the patients who relapsed had not been exposed to any other stimulants during the previous two weeks. It is important to tell your doctor if there are any allergies to this medication or any other medicines. Inform your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart issues or other heart-related conditions. These stimulants increase the risk of heart attacks, or sudden deaths for people suffering from these conditions. Lisdexamfetamine could be absorbed into breastmilk and cause harm to nursing infants. adhd otc medication should not feed your baby while taking this medication. Some sufferers might experience shakiness, dizziness or stomach upsets while taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved for use by children less than 6 years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. Even if you're feeling better, you should not stop taking the medication unless your doctor tells you. Your doctor may want to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate while you are taking this medication. Atomoxetine Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant that acts by blocking the presynaptic norepinephrine-transporter. It is highly specific for this transporter and minimal affinity for other neurotransmitter transporters and receptors [115, 136136). In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it enhanced inhibition control in ADHD patients by inhibiting overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain et al., 2009). It was also shown to increase working memory and attention span in children with ADHD. It has a slow onset of action and can take up to 12 weeks for its full effect to be observed. The dosage is based on weight and should be started low, and then gradually increasing. A daily dose of once is common. A poor metabolizer of the drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a higher exposure and a slower elimination of atomoxetine. Testing for pharmacogenetics should be done before prescribing atomoxetine for these individuals. In several controlled studies, it has been shown that it is effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It is typically employed as the first-line treatment. It is generally safe and well tolerated and does not increase the risk of suicidal behaviour. It's not as efficient as stimulants in reducing anxiety and tics and does not appear to help with sleep issues, but it has been proven to decrease aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is more akin to the antidepressant the fluoxetine. Therefore it is recommended that they not be taken in conjunction. Two other drugs that are frequently prescribed as a first-line treatment for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). These drugs were originally developed to reduce blood pressure in adults. They are known as alpha agonists and work 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 may take up to four weeks for many children before they see any benefit. In addition they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the risk of fatal and serious adverse events, such as extreme hypothermia and rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instabilities. Other Stimulants Stimulants are medications that boost activity in the central nervous system. They are a variety of drugs, some legal and others illegal. They can be utilized for a variety of reasons, such as performance enhancement, to stay alert and alert and to treat specific medical conditions, such as ADHD, narcolepsy, and depression. Examples of prescription stimulants are amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term stimulant can also apply to nonprescription drugs such as caffeine and certain diet pills that are used for a variety reasons, but are not safe when used in conjunction together with other medications or certain foods. They don't create a habit in the doses prescribed for those suffering from ADHD however, they do have side effects. Some sufferers may feel jittery, or unstable. They can raise the heart rate and blood pressure and cause stomach upset and may cause sleep problems. Some children and teens who are taking stimulants might be prone to tics that are repeated sounds or movements, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. They may also experience a slight delay in growth. A doctor will determine which stimulant is suitable for your child or you. They will take into consideration other factors, including weight, age and whether your child or you have any allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medications. Always follow the prescriptions of your doctor. Always review the Medication Guide that is included with your medication. The first option for treating ADHD is generally medication. This is not the only option, but it is the most common. People of all ages can benefit from psychosocial interventions, like family therapy and behavior modification. People who take prescription ADHD medication should be assessed for the risk of abuse and misuse and counseled to avoid sharing their medication with anyone else. Also, they should be encouraged to keep any medications they no longer use in a secure location and dispose of them properly. Health care professionals must also regularly check patients and monitor them for indications of misuse, abuse or addiction. The FDA has demanded that more consistent information is included on the labeling of drugs in order to educate patients and families about the serious risks.