ADHD Medication - How Ritalin Helps Kids Manage ADHD
ADHD medication can help children manage their symptoms. Doctors prescribe two main types of drugs to treat ADHD that are stimulants and nonstimulants.
Stimulants increase the amounts of two brain chemicals--norepinephrine and dopamine--that help kids focus. These are the first option for teens and children with ADHD.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
Many people suffering from ADHD start treatment with stimulant medication. They help around 70-80 percent of people suffering from the disorder and are highly effective in improving attention and concentration. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting with an FDA-approved medication. Only prescription drugs are available, and should be taken as prescribed. Over-the-counter (OTC) supplements or vitamins marketed to treat ADHD do not have a scientific basis, and they can cause negative side effects when combined with prescription medications.
There are many long-acting stimulant formulas that provide specific delivery systems and various time-action profiles. These medications allow clinicians to target specific times of day that are most impairing for a patient. For instance, patients who have trouble completing morning tasks can benefit from long-acting stimulants such as Dexedrine Spansules, Dextroamphetamine/AMPH patch (Xelstrym), or the newer extended-release oral medication Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
Long-acting ADHD medications enter the bloodstream more slowly and are less likely to cause side effects than short-acting ADHD medications. They last between 8 and 16 hours depending on the medication. The longer time frame also allows the medication to have a an overall effect that is consistent throughout the day and makes them a good option for adults.
Long-acting ADHD medication can cause side effects such as changes in appetite, an upset stomach or an increase in heartbeat. Other side effects can include tics as well as a slight growth retardation however these are typically temporary and tend to go away after a few days or weeks as the body adjusts to the medication.
The most common kind of long-acting ADHD medication is methylphenidate. It is the active component in Ritalin and similar medications. It works by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters are essential chemical messengers that play a critical role in the process of motivation, action and cognition.
The most popular stimulant medications used to treat ADHD are methylphenidates (amphetamines) as well as atomoxetine and amphetamines. All of these drugs fall under the umbrella term "methylphenidates," but some are made differently than other. Certain medications are absorbed via the skin, while others are taken in the form of an oral or intravenously.
Short-acting stimulant formulations
There are many stimulant medications available to treat ADHD. These include all the forms of methylphenidate such as Ritalin, Focalin and Metadate as well as amphetamines, such as Adderall, Dexedrine and Vyvanse. A doctor may also prescribe atomoxetine, which performs a bit differently than stimulants and lasts longer. There are even some atypical antidepressants that work well to treat ADHD symptoms, for instance Wellbutrin (bupropion) and the two antihypertensives Catapres as well as Tenex (clonidine).
Stimulant medication works by increasing neurotransmitter levels in the brain. This can improve concentration and decrease the amount of restlessness experienced by children and adults with ADHD. The medication can also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity of children and adults. However stimulants can cause adverse effects like dry mouth and blurred vision. They can also cause increased irritability, anxiety and appetite in certain people. Some people have trouble sleeping after taking them.
A major issue with these drugs is that they can cause the "rebound effect" after the effects fade. Certain people may also have high blood pressure or a heart rate while taking these medications. When prescribed by a doctor, however, these drugs are safe and effective in adults.
The most effective type of stimulant medication for someone who suffers from ADHD is one that can be taken in the morning prior to school or at work. These are known as long-acting stimulants. This form of the drug can help avoid the rebound effect and can reduce symptoms in the evening and afternoon as well.
Other forms of the medication can be taken throughout the day as needed. Short-acting drugs peak and fall within the body in a short time, so those who need to take them regularly will have to take more than one pill every day. This can be a problem for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants are among the most commonly utilized treatment for ADHD among adolescents, children as well as adults. They are the most effective drugs to reduce ADHD symptoms. However, they may cause serious and life-threatening adverse effects if used in the wrong way or with excessive dosages. They can also increase the risk of depression and other mental health disorders.
Nonstimulant medications
If stimulant medications such as Ritalin aren't effective or cause unacceptably side effects, nonstimulant medications are a viable option to treat ADHD symptoms. These drugs have lower risks of addiction and abuse than stimulants. They work by increasing the levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine. Doctors or psychiatrists who specialize in mental disorders are the most likely to prescribe these medicines. They can be utilized in combination with other treatments, such as psychosocial therapy and lifestyle changes.
Nonstimulant medications can take longer to effect than stimulants. They may also require a higher dose to reach the same level of efficacy. They are available in capsules or tablets and are taken with or without food. They are more likely than other drugs to cause stomach upset or alter blood pressure and heart rate. They also be at chance of developing drug interactions with other drugs which is why it is important to monitor them carefully.
Some ADHD medications can be applied as patches on the skin. These patches are great for people who forget or have trouble swallowing tablets. They can also be useful for children who are tactilely sensitive and don't like taking medicine through mouth. The patch is only beneficial for children who can apply it continuously.
It may take some time to determine the ideal combination of dosage, medication and schedule. It is essential to speak clearly and openly with your health care professional about how your child or you react to the medication. It's beneficial to keep a journal of your or your child's symptoms as well as any changes that occur due to the medication.
When taking any medication there are always some negative side effects. Some people experience stomach upset and sleeplessness, increased heart rate and weight loss. Children and adolescents who take stimulant medication may suffer a decrease in their growth rate. It is not usually significant. Certain people might experience tics or anxiety. concerta adhd medication of them may suffer from a severe reaction to the medication.
Consult a doctor as quickly when you or your child experiences severe symptoms. Medicines should only be taken according to the prescription of your doctor. If you've got leftover medication, consult your pharmacist about a prescription drug take-back program or mix it with cat litter or coffee grounds and eliminate it.
Antidepressants
Many people who receive stimulant medications for ADHD also use an antidepressant or nonstimulant medicine. concerta adhd medication can help calm the mind and control certain stimulant-related side effects, such as decreased appetite or trouble sleeping. In general, nonstimulant medications are less likely to cause depression than stimulants. They also aid in treating bipolar and anxiety disorders that are sometimes connected to ADHD.
Stimulants that are used to treat ADHD have a high potential for misuse and abuse. Kids and teens without ADHD might take them to feel more alert or to curb their appetites in order to shed weight. Others may take them to feel "high." Stimulants are Schedule I drugs with a high risk of addiction. However, when they are properly prescribed and taken by adults, they won't increase the risk for addiction.
Methylphenidate, the most common medication for ADHD is a type of stimulant. It boosts brain activity areas that regulate behavior and attention. It's available as tablets with immediate release (small doses taken twice to three times per day) and modified-release tablets, that release the drug throughout the day. It's also available in chewable or liquid form.
When stimulant drugs are used to treat ADHD Some sufferers experience a brief period of fatigue depressed, irritable, and active. This is known as the rebound effect. These symptoms can be cured by altering the timing at which you take your medication or adjusting your dosage.
Intuniv, a medication that acts for a long time which contains guanfacine to treat people suffering from ADHD is another option. This blood pressure medication is a type alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist, has been shown to be effective in reducing hyperactivity among adults. It doesn't appear to be as effective in reducing symptoms of inattention.
It may take some time to find the appropriate ADHD dosage and medication for you or your child. Your doctor is likely to start with low doses, and then increase them gradually to find the combination that controls your symptoms and causes the most minimal side effects. You'll need to visit your GP regularly for checkups and to see if the dosage needs to be adjusted.