ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are medications that help those suffering from ADHD focus and manage their impulsive behavior. They can be long- or short-acting and are prescribed by paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists (and doctors in certain situations).
Stimulants affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are strictly controlled and are only prescribed by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is part of the family of stimulants and boosts brain activity. It increases the levels of chemicals like dopamine and noradrenaline, which help to regulate attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate may be used to treat ADHD as well as narcolepsy and other conditions. It is also prescribed to treat depression in adults, although this is not endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate is absorbed into the bloodstream quickly from the gut and starts working within hours. It can be taken in the form of an immediate-release tablet or an extended-release chewable capsule or tablet. The doctor will determine the most appropriate formulation based on the person's symptoms and the possibility of side effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate are usually minimal and fade over time, as the body adjusts to the medicine. If they continue to bother you, talk to your doctor who will lower the dose or try an alternative medication. It's important to take this medication exactly as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dosage. This will reduce the risk of addiction or abuse. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified the drug methylphenidate as a Schedule II substance, which means it is extremely susceptible to abuse. The stimulants can lead to dependence and withdrawal if not taken as prescribed.
Inform your doctor if your child has heart problems. This could be due to an irregular heartbeat or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will test their blood pressure prior to starting treatment. Tell the doctor about any other medications your child takes for health reasons, such as herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will tell you how much medication to take and how often, in addition to any other precautions. Methylphenidate is usually taken twice every day, with meals. Certain brands of the long-acting methylphenidate chewable tablets (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine, and should not be taken by people with Phenylketonuria (an genetic condition that requires a low protein diet to prevent severe intellectual disability).
It is essential to avoid alcohol and other drugs when taking this medication. Some people may find their appetite diminishes when taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to take regular meals and snacks when they are losing weight. They may also have to drink a lot of water or squash to keep hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nerve system stimulant that is sold under the name Vyvanse. It affects chemicals found in the brain as well as the nerves. It improves impulse control and concentration in adolescents, children and adults suffering from ADHD. It also treats binge eating disorder (BED) by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain, and reducing instances of eating disorder that is uncontrolled.
Lisdexamfetamine is a member of the prodrug class, which is a modified drug that is inactive until processed within the body. It has demonstrated efficacy and safety in both stimulant-naive patients and stimulant exposed patients with ADHD. It is also believed to be more effective than other stimulants, and may be less likely to trigger rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the scores for ADHD-RS-IV improved significantly during a 12-week-long controlled trial. They also noted that the majority of the patients who changed to placebo had a relapse within 2 weeks.28 Additionally, Brams et al29 used an innovative method for a randomized withdrawal study in which they followed 116 adults for 12 weeks after stopping lisdexamfetamine treatment. They found that most of the patients who relapsed had not been exposed to other stimulants in the past two weeks.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies you might 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. The use of stimulants can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack or sudden death for those with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. You should not feed your baby while taking this medication. Some patients might experience dizziness, shakiness or stomach upset while taking this medication. how to get adhd medication uk is not approved for use by children less than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine cannot be used by women who are pregnant or nursing. You should not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to even when you feel better. Your doctor will probably be looking to check your blood pressure and heart rate while you're taking this medicine.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera is a non-stimulant that works by blocking presynaptic transporters that are part of norepinephrine. It has a high affinity this transporter, and minimal affinity for other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115,136]. In a variety of placebo-controlled trials it improved the inhibition control of ADHD patients by reducing overactivation of the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and colleagues 2009). It has also been shown to increase working memory and the ability to focus in children with ADHD. It has a slow onset of action and can take up to 12 weeks for the full effect to be seen. The dosage is based on weight and should be taken at a low dose, and then gradually increased. 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 performed prior to prescribing atomoxetine in these individuals.
In a number of controlled studies it has been proven that it can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It is often employed as the first-line treatment. It is generally safe and well-tolerated, and doesn't increase the risk of suicidal behavior. It is not as efficient as stimulants in reducing anxiety and tics, and it does not seem to reduce sleep problems however, it has been demonstrated to reduce aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is more compatible with the antidepressant, fluoxetine. Therefore it is recommended that they not be taken at the same time.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two other drugs that can be prescribed as treatments of first-line for ADHD. These drugs were initially developed to lower blood pressure in adults. These drugs are known as alpha agonists. They are able to stimulate receptors in the mind to release norepinephrine neurotransmitter, which can reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications have a lengthy time to begin their action, and most children will require between two and four weeks before seeing any benefit from them. In addition, they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the possibility of serious and possibly fatal adverse reactions, including extreme hypothermia and rigidity, myoclonus, and autonomic instability.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. They include a variety of drugs - some legal, others illicit. They can be used for a number of purposes, such as performance improvement, to stay awake or alert, and to treat certain medical conditions, such as ADHD, depression, and narcolepsy. Amphetamines and methylphenidate as well as other prescription stimulants are available. The term stimulant can also apply to nonprescription drugs such as caffeine and certain diet pills that are utilized for a variety of reasons, but are not safe when used with other medications or with certain food items.
They don't create a habit in the doses prescribed for patients with ADHD However, they may have adverse effects. Some sufferers may feel jittery, or shakey. They can cause upset stomach and elevate blood pressure.
Some children and teenagers who take stimulants can have tics or repeated sounds or movements like eye blinking or throat clearing. They might also have a minor growth delay.
A doctor will determine which stimulant is best for your child or you. They will also consider factors like weight and age as well as allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medication. Always follow your doctor's instructions. You should read the Medication Guide that comes with your medication.
The first treatment for ADHD is generally medication. This isn't the only option, but it is the most common. All ages of people are able to benefit from psychosocial interventions, such as family therapy and behavior modification.
Patients who are taking prescription ADHD medication should be assessed for the possibility of abuse and misuse, and counseled to avoid sharing their medication with anyone else. They should also be advised to keep their medication locked away and properly disposed. Health professionals should regularly assess and check patients for indications of abuse, misuse, or addiction. The FDA is requiring more consistent information to be placed on drug labels to help educate patients and their families about these serious risks.