ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants help people with ADHD manage their focus and impulsive behavior. They can be long- or short-acting and are prescribed by psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists (and doctors in certain situations).
Stimulants affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are strictly controlled and only ordered by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate belongs to the family of stimulants and boosts brain activity. It increases the levels of certain chemicals, such as dopamine and noradrenaline, which aids in controlling the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate may be used to treat ADHD as well as narcolepsy and other disorders. It can also be prescribed to treat depression in adults, but this is not endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate gets absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream rapidly and can be used within a few hours. It is available as a chewable tablet or an immediate-release tablet. The doctor will determine the most appropriate formulation based on the person's symptoms and the risk of adverse effects.
The effects of methylphenidate are likely to be minor and go in time as the body adjusts to the medicine. If they are persistent, talk with your doctor, who can lower the dosage or recommend a different medicine. adhd medication uk for adults is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dosage. This can reduce the chance for abuse or addiction. Methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, meaning it has a high potential for abuse. These stimulants can trigger dependence and withdrawal if not taken as prescribed.
Inform your doctor if your child has heart issues. This includes an irregular heartbeat or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will check their blood pressure before beginning treatment. It's also important to tell the doctor whether your child is taking any other medications, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
The doctor will give you instructions about how much and how often you should take the medicine, as well as any other precautions. Methylphenidate is typically taken twice in the day, along with a meal. Certain brands of the chewable methylphenidate tablets with a long-acting action (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame which is a major source of phenylalanine and should not be consumed by people suffering from phenylketonuria (an inheritable condition that requires a low-protein diet to prevent severe intellectual disability).
Avoid drinking alcohol and other substances when taking this medication. Some people may experience a decrease in appetite while taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to take regular meals and snacks when they are losing weight. They may also need to drink a lot of water or squash to stay hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine, available under the brand name Vyvanse is a central nervous system stimulant that acts on chemicals in the brain and nerves. It improves concentration and control of impulses in children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD. It also treats the disorder of binge eating (BED) by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which reduces instances of eating disorder that is uncontrolled.
Lisdexamfetamine belongs to the prodrug class which is a modified medication that is inactive until it's transformed in the body. It has shown efficacy and safety in both stimulant naive patients as well as patients 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 ADHD-RS-IV scores. They also noted that the majority of patients who switched to placebo experienced a relapse within two weeks.28 Brams et al29, however utilized a new design in a randomized withdrawal study that monitored 116 adults for 12 weeks following the discontinuation of lisdexamfetamine. They found that the majority of patients who relapsed were not exposed to any other stimulants over the previous two weeks.
It is important to tell your doctor if you suffer from any allergies to this medicine or any other medicines. Inform your doctor if suffer from high blood pressure, heart issues, or other heart conditions. The use of stimulants can increase the risk of heart attacks, or sudden deaths among people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breast milk and harm a nursing infant. You should not breast-feed while taking this medication. Some people may experience dizziness, shakiness or stomach upset when taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine has not been approved for use by children less than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is also not approved for use by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Even if you feel better, you should not stop taking the medicine unless your doctor tells you. While you are taking this medication, your doctor will likely check your blood pressure and pulse rate.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera is a non-stimulant that works by blocking the presynaptic receptors of norepinephrine. It has a high affinity this transporter, but has a low affinity for any other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115,136]. In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it enhanced the inhibitory control of ADHD patients by reducing overactivation of the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and colleagues 2009). It was also shown to increase working memory and attention span in children with ADHD. It has a slow rate of action, and may take up to 12 weeks for its full effect to be seen. The dosage is based on weight and should be increased gradually. A daily dose of one hour is common. A poor metabolizer of drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a greater exposure and a slow elimination of the drug atomoxetine. Pharmacogenetic testing should be conducted prior to prescribing atomoxetine for these individuals.
It has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in a variety of controlled trials, and is frequently utilized as a first-line treatment. It is generally safe and well tolerated, and doesn't increase the risk of suicidal behaviors. It is not as effective in reducing anxiety and tics as stimulants, and does not seem reduce sleep disorders. However it has been found to increase aggression in some children. Atomoxetine interacts more with the antidepressant, Fluoxetine. Therefore, they should not be taken together.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two other medications that are available as first-line treatments 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 reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications take a while to work, and it may take up to four weeks for many children before they experience any benefits. They are also not recommended to be used in conjunction with MAOIs (e.g. e.g. phenelzine) because of the risk of fatal and serious adverse reactions, like severe hypothermia rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instability, extreme agitation and confusion and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that boost activity in the nervous system. They are a variety of drugs, some legal and others illegal. They are used to improve performance, stay awake or alert and treat certain medical conditions, such as ADHD and narcolepsy as well as depression. Amphetamines, methylphenidate, and other prescription stimulants can be used. The term"stimulant" can also apply to nonprescription drugs like caffeine and some diet pills, which are utilized for a variety of reasons, but they may not be safe when used in combination with other medications or certain foods.
Stimants aren't habit-forming in the doses prescribed to treat those suffering from ADHD however, they do have side effects. They can make some people feel shaky or jittery. They can cause upset stomach and elevate blood pressure.
Some children and teenagers who are taking stimulants may have tics or repetitive noises or movements like eye blinking or throat clearing. They may also experience an insignificant delay in growth.
A doctor will determine the most effective stimulant for you or your children. They will also consider factors such as weight and age as well as allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medications. Always follow the directions of your physician. You should always go through the Medication Guide that is included with your prescription.
Medicines aren't the only method to treat symptoms of ADHD, but they're usually the first treatment option. People of all ages can benefit from psychosocial interventions, such as family therapy and behavior modification.
Patients who are prescribed ADHD medication should have their risk of misuse and abuse assessed and advised not to share their medication with anyone else. Also they should be urged to store any medication they do not use in a safe place and dispose of them properly. Health professionals must also regularly assess and monitor patients for indications of abuse, misuse, or addiction. The FDA is now requiring more consistent information to be included on the label of a drug to inform patients and their families about the dangers of these drugs.
