ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants assist people with ADHD manage their focus and impulsive behavior. They are either short-acting, or long-acting, and are prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians and psychiatrists (and in some cases GPs).
visit my web site affect dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They are tightly controlled and only prescribed by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a drug that belongs to the family of stimulants. It stimulates the activity of certain regions of the brain. It boosts the levels of certain chemicals, such as dopamine and noradrenaline. This helps to regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is a treatment for ADHD and the condition known as narcolepsy. It is also prescribed to treat depression in adults, although this is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate enters the bloodstream rapidly through the gut and begins working within hours. It is available as a chewable tablet or an immediate-release tablet. The doctor will prescribe a formula that is most appropriate for the patient's condition and the side effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate tend to be mild and disappear over time, as the body gets used to the medicine. Talk to your doctor if they persist. He may reduce the dosage or even try a different medicine. It is essential to take this medication as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dosage. This can reduce the chance for addiction or abuse. Methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, meaning it has a high possibility of abuse. The stimulants can cause dependency and withdrawal when not taken as prescribed.
Inform your doctor if your child has heart problems. This includes irregular heartbeats, or a history heart attack. Methylphenidate may increase heart rate, which is why doctors will test their heart rhythm and blood pressure before they start 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 medication along with any other special precautions. Methylphenidate is recommended to be taken twice daily in conjunction with meals. Some brands of long-acting methylphenidate tablets (Quillichew ER; Cotempla XR with -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 drug. Some people may find their appetite decreases while taking methylphenidate. If your child is losing weight, try to encourage them to eat regularly and snacks. They may also need to drink lots of squash or water to stay hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nerve system stimulant sold under the brand name Vyvanse. It affects chemical substances that are found in the brain as well as the nerves. It helps improve concentration and control of impulses in adolescents, children and adults with ADHD. It also treats the disorder of binge eating (BED) by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain, which reduces instances of uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine is a member of the prodrug class of medications, which are modified to render them inactive until they are metabolized the body.27 It has been found to be safe and well-tolerated in 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 have a more lasting effect than other stimulants and could have less rebound symptoms.
In a 12-week study that was placebo-controlled, Adler et al27 found significant improvements in the scores of ADHD-RS-IV. They also found that the majority of those who switched to placebo relapsed after two weeks.28 In addition, Brams et al29 used a novel design for an uncontrolled withdrawal study which they followed 116 adult patients for 12 weeks after stopping lisdexamfetamine treatment. They found that the majority of patients who relapsed were not exposed to any other stimulants during the previous two weeks.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies you might have to this medication or other medications. Inform your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems, or other heart conditions. The use of stimulants can increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks, or sudden deaths in people with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine may be absorbed into breast milk and could harm a nursing infant. It is not recommended to breastfeed when taking this medication. This medication can cause dizziness, shakiness or stomach upset in certain people. Lisdexamfetamine is not recommended for use by children less than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not recommended for women who are nursing or pregnant. Even if you feel better, do not stop taking the medicine unless your physician tells you to. While you're taking this medication the doctor will keep track of your blood pressure and pulse rate.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant that acts by blocking the presynaptic norepinephrine transporter. It is highly specific for this transporter and a weak affinity for other neurotransmitter transportation systems or receptors [115,136and 136. In a variety of 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 shown to improve working memory and attention span in children with ADHD. It has a slow rate of action, and may take up to 12 weeks for the full effects to be seen. The dose is weight based and should be started low, and then gradually increasing. A once-daily dose is typical. A poor metabolizer of drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a greater exposure and a slow elimination of the drug atomoxetine. Pharmacogenetic testing should be performed prior to prescribing atomoxetine in these individuals.
In several controlled studies, it has been shown that it can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It is typically employed as the first-line treatment. It is generally safe and well-tolerated, and doesn't increase the risk of suicidal behaviour. It is not as effective in reducing anxiety or tics as stimulants, and it doesn't appear to help with sleep problems. However it has been proven to reduce aggression in certain children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with antidepressant fluoxetine. Therefore, they should not be taken together [115, 137].
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two additional medications that are available as treatments of first-line for ADHD. These medications were originally designed to reduce blood pressure in adults. They are known as alpha agonists. They function by stimulating specific receptors within the brain to release the neurotransmitter neopinephrine which reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications have a long onset of action, and a majority of children require between two and four weeks before they see any benefit from them. In addition, they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. phenelzine) because of the risk of serious and potentially fatal adverse reactions, such as severe hypothermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability, extreme agitation and confusion, and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs which increase activity in the nervous system. They are a variety of drugs, some legal and others illegal. They are used to improve performance, stay awake and alert, as well as treat certain medical conditions, such as ADHD or narcolepsy, as well as depression. Some examples of prescription stimulants are amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term"stimulant" is also used to refer to non-prescription drugs such as diet pills and caffeine. These are often used for various reasons, but they can be harmful when used in conjunction in conjunction with certain food items or medications.
They don't create a habit in the doses used to treat patients with ADHD, but they can have adverse effects. They can make some people feel shaky or jittery. They can increase blood pressure and heart rate, cause an upset stomach and cause sleep problems.
Children and teens who take stimulants may be prone to tics, repetitive movements or noises, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. They might also experience a minor delay in growth.
A doctor will decide the best stimulant for your child or you. They will take into consideration other factors, such as age, weight, and whether you or your child has any allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medication. Always follow the directions of your doctor. You should always review the Medication Guide that is included with your medication.
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 who suffer from ADHD.
People who are prescribed ADHD medication should be screened for the possibility of misuse and abuse assessed, and be counseled not to share 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 in a safe manner. Health care professionals must regularly monitor patients and check them for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction. The FDA has mandated that more consistent information be included on the labeling of drugs to help inform patients and their families about the dangers of these drugs.
