The Complete Guide To ADHD Stimulant Medication
ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are medications that help people with ADHD focus and manage their impulsive behavior. They can be short- or long-acting and are prescribed by paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists (and GPs in some circumstances).
Stimulants influence dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. They are strictly controlled and only approved by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a substance that is part of the family of stimulants and increases activity in parts of the brain. It raises levels of certain chemicals, such as dopamine and noradrenaline. This helps control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate can be used to treat ADHD and Narcolepsy. It can also be prescribed to treat depression in adults, but this is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate is absorbed by the gut into the bloodstream quickly and works within hours. It can be taken in the form of an immediate-release tablet or chewable extended-release capsule or tablet. The doctor will prescribe the most suitable formulation based on the person's symptoms and the possibility of side effects.
Side effects of methylphenidate tend to be minor and go in time as the body gets used to the drug. If they are persistent, talk with your doctor, who can reduce the dosage or suggest another medication. It is important to take the medication exactly as directed. Don't overdose the dosage recommended. This will reduce the risk of abuse or addiction. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified the methylphenidate drug as a Schedule II substance, which means it is extremely vulnerable to abuse. These stimulants can trigger dependence and withdrawal if not used as directed.
Tell your doctor if you child has heart problems. This could include an irregular heartbeat or a history heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will therefore test their blood pressure prior to starting treatment. It's also important to tell the doctor whether your child is taking other medications, like supplements, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
The doctor will inform you how much medication to take and how often, along with any other precautions. Methylphenidate is recommended to be taken twice a day, during meals. Certain brands of long-acting methylphenidate chewable tablets (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine. It should not be taken by those suffering from Phenylketonuria (an genetic condition that requires a low-protein diet to prevent the development of severe intellectual disabilities.).
Avoid alcohol and other drugs when taking this medication. Some people may experience a decrease in appetite when taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to consume regular meals and snacks if they are losing weight. They may also need to drink lots of water or squash to keep hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nerve system stimulant, sold under the brand name Vyvanse. It acts on chemicals in the brain and the nerves. It enhances impulse control and concentration in children, adolescents and adults with ADHD. It treats binge-eating disorder (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 medications that are modified to make them inactive until metabolized by the body.27 It has been proven to be safe and well-tolerated in a number of placebo-controlled studies and has shown efficacy for 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 be less susceptible to rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the ADHD-RS-IV scores improved significantly in a 12-week controlled trial. They also noted that the majority of patients who switched to a placebo relapsed within 2 weeks.28 Brams et al29, however, used a novel design in a random withdrawal trial where they observed 116 adults for 12 weeks after stopping lisdexamfetamine. They found that the majority of patients who relapsed weren't exposed to any other stimulants over the two weeks preceding.
Inform your doctor if there are any allergies you may have to this medication or to any other medications. Inform your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart issues or other heart-related conditions. Stimulants may increase the risk of stroke, heart attack or sudden death for those with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine may pass into breastmilk and cause harm to nursing infants. It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking this medicine. This medication can cause dizziness, shakiness or stomach upset in certain individuals. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for use by children younger than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine cannot be used by women who are pregnant or nursing. Even if you are feeling better, do not stop taking the medication unless your doctor tells you. Your doctor may want to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure while you are taking this medicine.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera, is a nonstimulant that works by blocking presynaptic transporters that are part of norepinephrine. It has a high affinity to this transporter, but has a low affinity for other neurotransmitter receptors and transporters [115,136]. In multiple placebo-controlled trials, it enhanced the inhibitory control of ADHD patients by reducing the overactivation on the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and coworkers 2009). It has also been proven to improve working memory and attention span in children with ADHD. It has a slow rate of action, and it could take up to 12 weeks for its full effect to be evident. The dose is based on weight and should be increased gradually. A single dose per day is typical. A poor metabolizer of drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a greater exposure and a slower elimination of the drug atomoxetine. Testing for pharmacogenetics should be done before prescribing atomoxetine to these patients.
In several controlled studies, it has been shown that it can be effective in decreasing symptoms of ADHD. It is often used as the first-line treatment. It is generally well tolerated and is safe, and does not increase the risk for suicidal behavior. It is not as effective in reducing anxiety or tics as stimulants and does not seem reduce sleep disorders. However it has been found to improve 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 additional medications that are available as the first-line treatment for ADHD. These medications were initially developed to reduce blood pressure in adults. These drugs are known as alpha agonists. They work by stimulating receptors in the mind to release norepinephrine neurotransmitter which can reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications take time to work, and it may take up to four weeks for many children before they can see any benefit. Additionally, they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. phenelzine) due to the possibility of fatal and serious adverse reactions, like severe hypothermia, rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instability extreme agitation and confusion, and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that boost activity in the central nervous system. They comprise a variety of substances - some legal, and others illicit. They are used for a number of reasons, including performance enhancement, to stay alert and awake and to treat specific medical conditions, such as ADHD, depression, and narcolepsy. Amphetamines, methylphenidate, and other prescription stimulants are available. The term stimulant can be used to describe non-prescription drugs like caffeine and certain diet pills that are used for a variety of reasons, but they may not be safe when used in combination with other medications or some food items.
Stimulants can cause negative side effects, even though they're not habit-forming at the doses prescribed to treat ADHD. Some sufferers may feel jittery, or shaky. They can cause an upset stomach and raise blood pressure.
Some children and teens who take stimulants may experience tics or repeated sounds or movements like eye blinking and throat clearing. They may also experience a slight delay in growth.
A doctor will determine the most effective stimulant for you or your children. They will also consider other aspects, like age, weight and if your child or you have any allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow your doctor's instructions. You must go through the Medication Guide that comes with your medicine.
The first treatment for ADHD is typically medication. It's not the only option, but it's the most popular. natural adhd medication interventions such as family therapy and behavior modification can also be used to aid people of all ages who suffer from ADHD.
Patients who are prescribed ADHD medication should be screened for the possibility of abuse and misuse assessed and advised not to give their medication to others. They should also be encouraged to keep any medication they no longer use away and properly disposed of. Health care professionals must regularly check patients and monitor them for indications of misuse, abuse, or addiction. The FDA is requiring more consistent information to be included on drug labels to patients and their families be aware about the serious dangers.