ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are drugs that help people suffering from ADHD focus and control their impulsive behaviour. They can be either long- or short-acting and are prescribed by paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists (and doctors in certain situations).
Stimulants affect dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. They are strictly controlled and only approved by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a substance that belongs to the family of stimulants. It increases activity in parts of the brain. It increases levels of certain chemicals like dopamine and noradrenaline that aid in controlling attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is a treatment for ADHD and narcolepsy. It can also be prescribed to treat depression in adults, but it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate gets absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream swiftly and works within hours. It is available as a chewable or immediate-release tablet. The doctor will determine the most appropriate formulation based on the person's symptoms and risk of side effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate tend to be mild and will go disappear over time as the body becomes accustomed to the drug. Speak to your doctor should you experience any issues. He may reduce the dosage or even try a different medicine. It is important to take the medication as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. This can reduce the chance for addiction or abuse. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified the methylphenidate drug as a Schedule II substance, which means it is extremely vulnerable to abuse. Stimulants can cause dependence and withdrawal if they are not taken as prescribed.
Tell your doctor if you child has heart issues. This could include an irregular heartbeat or a history heart attack. Methylphenidate may increase the rate of heartbeat which is the reason why the doctor will examine their heart rate and blood pressure before they start treatment. Inform the doctor about any other medications your child takes, including herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will give you instructions on how much and how often to take the medication and any other special precautions. Methylphenidate is usually taken twice a 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 source of phenylalanine. It should not be consumed by those suffering from phenylketonuria (an genetic condition that requires a low-protein diet to prevent severe intellectual impairment).
Avoid drinking alcohol and other substances when taking this drug. Some people may experience a decrease in appetite while taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to consume regular meals and snacks if they are losing weight. You may need to encourage them to drink plenty of squash or water to ensure they are well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nerve system stimulant sold under the brand name Vyvanse. It affects chemicals found in the brain as well as the nerves. It helps improve concentration and control of impulses in children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD. It treats binge-eating disorder (BED) as well by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This reduces uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine is a member of the prodrug class of medications that are modified to render them inactive until they are metabolized the body.27 It has been proven to be safe and well-tolerated by a variety of placebo-controlled trials that have demonstrated its efficacy in both stimulant-naive and stimulant-exposed patients with ADHD. It is also believed to have a longer-lasting effect than other stimulants, and could have less rebound symptoms.
In a 12-week placebo-controlled trial, Adler et al27 found significant improvements in ADHD-RS-IV scores. They also found that the majority of patients who switched to a placebo relapsed within two weeks.28 Brams et al29, however, used a novel design in a random withdrawal study that monitored 116 adults for 12 weeks following stopping the drug lisdexamfetamine. They discovered that the majority of patients who relapsed were not exposed to any other stimulants during the previous two weeks.
Discuss with your doctor if there are any allergies you might have to this medication or any other medication. Also inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or any other heart problems. Stimulants may increase the risk of stroke heart attack, stroke, or sudden death in people with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine may be absorbed into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. You should not breastfeed while taking this medication. Some sufferers may experience dizziness, shakiness or stomach upsets while taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for use by children younger than 6 years old. Lisdexamfetamine is also not approved for use by women who are nursing or pregnant. You should not stop taking this medicine unless your physician tells you to even if you feel better. While you are taking this medication and your doctor is likely to keep track of your blood pressure and pulse rate.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera, is a nonstimulant that works by blocking the presynaptic receptors of norepinephrine. It has a high affinity to this transporter, and minimal affinity for other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115-136]. In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it helped improve inhibitory control in ADHD patients by reducing the overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain et al., 2009). It has also been proven to improve working memory and attention span in children with ADHD. Home has a slow rate of action, and may take up to 12 weeks for the full effects to be seen. The dose is based on weight and should be gradually increased. A daily dose of once is common. People who are not metabolizers of the drug Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) have higher exposure and a slower elimination of atomoxetine. it is recommended to conduct a pharmacogenetic test prior to prescribing atomoxetine to these individuals.
It has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in numerous controlled studies, and is often utilized as the first-line treatment. It is generally well tolerated and safe, and does not increase the risk for suicidal behavior. It's not as efficient as stimulants in reducing tics and anxiety, and it does not appear to help with sleep issues however, it has been shown to reduce aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with antidepressant fluoxetine, and therefore it is not recommended to take them together [115, 37.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two additional medications that are available as treatments of first-line for ADHD. These medications were originally developed to lower high pressure in adults. They are known as alpha agonists. They work by stimulating certain receptors in the brain to release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine which reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications have a lengthy duration of action and a majority of children will require two to four weeks before they see any benefit from them. They are not recommended to be used with MAOIs(e.g. e.g. phenelzine) due to the possibility of fatal and serious adverse events such as severe hypothermia, rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instability extreme agitation and disorientation, and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. They comprise a variety of drugs, some legal, others illegal. They can be employed for a variety of reasons, including performance enhancement, to remain alert and alert and to treat certain medical conditions like ADHD, depression, and narcolepsy. Amphetamines, methylphenidate and other prescription stimulants can be utilized. The term stimulant is also used to describe nonprescription medications like caffeine and diet pills. They are utilized for a variety of reasons, but they can also be dangerous when combined with certain foods or medications.
Stimulants don't cause habit-forming doses prescribed for people with ADHD, but they can cause side effects. Some patients may feel jittery or shakey. They can increase the heart rate and blood pressure and cause stomach upset, and can lead to trouble sleeping.
Some teenagers and children who take stimulants can experience tics or repetitive movements or noises, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. They may also experience an insignificant delay in growth.
A doctor will decide the best stimulant for you or your child. They will also consider factors like weight, age, and allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow your doctor's instructions. Always read the Medication Guide that is included with your medication.
Medicines aren't the only method to treat symptoms of ADHD however they are usually the first course of treatment. Psychosocial interventions, such as family therapy and behavior modification can also be used to aid those of all ages suffering from ADHD.
People who take prescription ADHD medication should be evaluated for risk of misuse and abuse, and advised not to share their medication with anyone else. They should also be encouraged to keep their medication locked away and properly destroyed. Health care professionals must regularly assess patients and monitor them for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction. The FDA has demanded that more consistent information is included on the labeling of drugs to help educate families and patients about the serious risks.