ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants assist people with ADHD control their impulsive behavior and focus. They can be either long- or short-acting and are prescribed by paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists (and doctors in certain circumstances).
Stimulants influence dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are tightly controlled and can only be prescribed by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate belongs to the family of stimulants and boosts brain activity. It raises levels of certain chemicals, such as noradrenaline and dopamine, which helps control the attention span and behavior. Methylphenidate may be used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy and other disorders. It is also prescribed for depression in adults. However, this is not regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate gets into the bloodstream fast through the gut and begins working within hours. It can be taken as a tablet that releases immediately or an extended-release chewable tablet or capsule. The doctor will prescribe a formulation that is appropriate for the patient's symptoms and side effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate tend to be minor and go away over time as the body gets used to the drug. Speak to your doctor should you experience any issues. He may reduce the dosage or try another medication. It is important to take the medication as prescribed. Don't overdose the dosage recommended. This helps reduce the potential for abuse or addiction. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified methylphenidate as a Schedule II substance, which means it is highly susceptible to abuse. Stimulants can cause dependence and withdrawal when not taken in the manner prescribed by a doctor.
It's important to tell the doctor that your child is suffering from heart issues, such as an irregular heartbeat or history of a heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will check their blood pressure before beginning treatment. It is also crucial to inform the doctor if your child is taking any other medicines, such as herbal remedies or vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will inform you how much medicine to take and how often, as well any other precautions. Methylphenidate is usually taken twice every day, with meals. Certain brands of chewable tablets that methylphenidate is long-acting (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame which is a major source of phenylalanine. It should not be taken by people suffering from phenylketonuria (an inherited condition that requires a low-protein diet to prevent severe intellectual disability).
Avoid alcohol and other drugs while taking this medication. Some people might notice their appetite diminishes when taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to eat regular snacks and meals when they are losing weight. You may have to encourage them to drink a lot of water or squash to ensure they are hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nerve system stimulant, sold under the name Vyvanse. It acts on chemicals in the brain and the nerves. It enhances concentration and control of impulses in children, adolescents and adults with ADHD. It also treats binge eating disorder (BED) by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain, reducing instances of uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine belongs to the prodrug class which is a modified drug that is inactive until it's transformed in the body. It has demonstrated efficacy and safety in both stimulant naive patients as well as patients exposed to stimulants with ADHD. It is also believed to have a greater lasting effect than other stimulants, and may be less susceptible to rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the scores for ADHD-RS-IV improved significantly during a 12-week-long controlled trial. They also reported that most of the patients who were switched to placebo relapsed after 2 weeks.28 In addition, Brams et al29 used an innovative design for a randomized withdrawal study in which they followed 116 adults for 12 weeks after stopping the lisdexamfetamine treatment. They found that the majority of those who relapsed were not exposed to other stimulants in the two weeks prior to their relapse.
Tell your doctor if there are any allergies you might have to this medication or other medications. Tell your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart issues, or other heart conditions. Stimulants can increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks, or sudden deaths among people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine could be absorbed into breastmilk and cause harm to a nursing infant. It is advised not to breastfeed while taking this medication. This medication may cause dizziness, shakiness or stomach upset in some individuals. Lisdexamfetamine has not been approved for children under six years old. Lisdexamfetamine cannot be used by women who are nursing or pregnant. You should not stop taking this medication unless your physician tells you to stop even if you are feeling better. While you're taking this medication the doctor will keep track of your blood pressure and pulse rate.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera, is a nonstimulant that works by blocking presynaptic transporters that are part of norepinephrine. It has high specificity for this transporter and minimal affinity for other neurotransmitter transportation systems or receptors [115, 136and 136. In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it improved the inhibition control of ADHD patients by inhibiting the overactivation of the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and colleagues, 2009). It was also found to increase working memory and attention span in children with ADHD. It has a slow onset of action, and may take up to 12 weeks for its full effect to be observed. The dosage is based on weight and should be gradually increased. A single dose per day is typical. A poor metabolizer of the drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a greater exposure and a slower elimination of atomoxetine. Pharmacogenetic testing should be performed prior to prescribing atomoxetine in these individuals.
It has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD in numerous controlled trials, and is frequently employed as an initial treatment. It is generally well tolerated and safe, and it does not increase the risk of suicidal behavior. It isn't as effective as stimulants in reducing tics and anxiety, and it does not seem to decrease sleep issues however it has been shown to help with aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with antidepressant fluoxetine, and therefore they should not be taken together [115, 137].
Two other drugs that are frequently prescribed as a first-line treatment option for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). These medications were initially developed to reduce blood pressure in adults. These are 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 long onset of action, and most children will require two to four weeks before they can see any benefit from them. In addition they are not suggested for use with MAOIs (e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the risk of fatal and serious adverse reactions, including severe hypothermia and rigidity myoclonus and autonomic instabilities.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that boost activity in the nervous system. They include a variety of drugs - some of them legal, while others are illicit. They can be used to enhance performance, remain awake or alert and treat certain medical conditions, such as ADHD and narcolepsy as well as depression. Examples of stimulants prescribed by a doctor are amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term"stimulant" can also be used to describe nonprescription medications like caffeine and diet pills. They are utilized for a variety of reasons, but can be harmful when used in conjunction in conjunction with certain food items or medications.
Stimants can cause negative side effects, even though they're not habit-forming at dosages prescribed for ADHD. They can cause some people to feel anxious or nervous. They can increase blood pressure and heart rate and cause stomach upset and may cause trouble sleeping.
Some children and teenagers who take stimulants may experience tics or repeated sounds or movements like eye blinking or throat clearing. They might also experience a slight slowing in their growth.
A doctor will determine which stimulant is best for you or your child. They will also consider other factors, including age, weight and whether your child or you have any allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medications. Always follow the instructions of your physician. Always read the Medication Guide that is included with your prescription.
The first treatment for ADHD is usually medication. This is not the only option, but it is the most commonly used. All ages of people can benefit from psychosocial interventions, such as family therapy and behavior modification.
read the full info here who are prescribed ADHD medication should be screened for the possibility of abuse and misuse assessed, and be counseled not to share their medication with anyone else. Also it is recommended to keep any medications they no longer use in a secure location and dispose of them in a safe manner. Health care professionals must also regularly assess patients and monitor them for indications of misuse, abuse, or addiction. The FDA has mandated that more consistent information is included on the labeling of drugs in order to educate patients and families about the serious risks.