10 ADHD Stimulant Medication Strategies All The Experts Recommend
ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are drugs that help people suffering from ADHD focus and control their impulsive behaviour. They can be short- or long-acting and are prescribed by psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists (and GPs in some circumstances).
Stimulants affect dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They are controlled tightly and only prescribed by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a substance that belongs to the family of stimulants and stimulates the activity of certain regions of the brain. It increases levels of certain chemicals such as dopamine and noradrenaline, which aid in controlling attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It can also be prescribed to treat depression in adults. However, it is not regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate gets absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream quickly and can be used within a few hours. It is available as a tablet that releases immediately or an extended-release chewable tablet or capsule. The doctor will recommend the most appropriate formulation based on the person's symptoms and the risk of adverse effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate are typically minimal and fade over time, as the body gets used to the drug. Speak to your doctor if they persist. He may reduce the dosage or even try a different medicine. It is essential to take this medication exactly as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dose. This lowers the chance of addiction or abuse. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified the methylphenidate drug as a Schedule II substance, which means it is highly susceptible to abuse. These stimulants could cause dependency and withdrawal when not taken as prescribed.
Inform your doctor if your child is suffering from heart issues. This could include irregular heartbeats, or a history heart attack. Methylphenidate can increase heart rate which is the reason why the doctor will check their blood pressure and heart rhythm before they start treatment. It is also essential to inform the doctor that your child is taking other medicines, such as supplements, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
The doctor will inform you how much medicine to take and how often, in addition to any other precautions. Methylphenidate should be taken twice a day, during meals. Certain brands of long-acting methylphenidate tablets (Quillichew ER; Cotempla XR -ODT; and Adhansia XR), contain aspartame. Aspartame is a major source of phenylalanine, and should not be taken by those with phenylketonuria.
Avoid drinking alcohol and other substances when taking this drug. Some people may notice that their appetite declines when they take methylphenidate. Encourage your child to consume regular meals and snacks if they are losing weight. They may also have to drink plenty of squash or water to keep hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nervous system stimulant, sold under the brand name Vyvanse. It works by stimulating chemicals found in the brain and the nerves. It helps improve concentration and control of impulses in adolescents, children, and adults with ADHD. It also treats binge eating disorder (BED) by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, reducing instances of eating disorders that are uncontrolled.
Lisdexamfetamine is a member of the prodrug class, which is a modified medication that is inactive until processed within the body. It has shown efficacy and safety in both stimulant-naive patients and stimulant exposed patients with ADHD. It is also believed to provide a longer-lasting effect than other stimulants, and may 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 found that the majority of patients who switched to placebo relapsed within two weeks.28 Brams et al29, however utilized a new design in a randomized withdrawal trial that observed 116 adults for 12 weeks following the discontinuation of the drug lisdexamfetamine. They found that most of those who relapsed had not been exposed to other stimulants over the two weeks prior to their relapse.
It is crucial to inform your doctor if you have any allergies to this medicine or any other medicines. Inform your doctor if suffer from high blood pressure, heart issues or other heart-related conditions. These stimulants increase the chance of having a stroke, heart attacks, or sudden deaths in people with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine may be absorbed into breast milk and harm a nursing infant. You should not breast-feed while taking this medication. This medication may cause dizziness, shakiness or stomach upset in some individuals. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved for use by children younger than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is also not approved for use by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Even if you're feeling better, you should not stop taking the medicine unless your physician tells you. Your doctor may want to keep an eye on your blood pressure and heart rate while you are taking this medicine.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant that works by blocking the presynaptic norepinephrine transporter. It has a high affinity this transporter, and minimal affinity for any other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115,136]. In multiple placebo-controlled research studies, it enhanced inhibition control in ADHD patients by reducing overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain et al., 2009). It was also shown to improve attention span and working memory in children with ADHD. It takes up to 12 weeks to see its full effects. The dose is weight based and should be started at a low level and gradually increasing. A daily dose of once is common. adhd medication uk who are not metabolizers of the drug the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) are more exposed and less efficient elimination of atomoxetine. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct a pharmacogenetic test prior to prescribing atomoxetine to these individuals.
In a number of controlled studies it has been demonstrated that it is effective in decreasing symptoms of ADHD. It is frequently utilized as the first line treatment. It is generally well tolerated and safe, and does not increase the likelihood of suicidal behavior. It's not as effective as stimulants in reducing anxiety and tics and does not seem to reduce sleep problems, but it has been demonstrated to help with aggression in some children. Atomoxetine interacts more with the antidepressant Fluoxetine. Therefore, they should not be taken in conjunction.
Two other medications that are sometimes prescribed as a first-line treatment option for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). These drugs were originally created to lower blood pressure in adults. These drugs are known as alpha agonists. They are able to stimulate receptors in the mind to release neurotransmitters called norepinephrine, which reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications have a lengthy duration of action and many children will require between two and four weeks before they see any benefits from them. Additionally they are not suggested for use with MAOIs (e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the possibility of serious and potentially fatal adverse reactions, including severe hypothermia and rigidity, myoclonus, and autonomic instability.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs which increase activity in the nervous system. They include a variety of substances - some of them legal, while others are illegal. They are used for a number of reasons, including performance improvement, to stay alert and awake, and to treat certain medical conditions including ADHD, narcolepsy, and depression. Amphetamines, methylphenidate, and other prescription stimulants are available. The term stimulant can also be applied to nonprescription medications such as caffeine and certain diet pills, which are used for a variety of reasons, but they may not be safe when taken together with other medications or certain foods.
Stimulants can trigger negative side effects, even though they do not cause habit-forming at the doses prescribed for treating ADHD. Some patients may feel jittery or unstable. They can cause an upset stomach and elevate blood pressure.
Children and teens who take stimulants may be prone to the tics that are repeated sounds or movements, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. They may also experience a minor delay in growth.
A doctor will decide which stimulant is suitable for you or your child. They will also consider factors like weight as well as age and allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow the instructions of your doctor. Always read the Medication Guide that is included with your prescription.
The use of medication isn't the only way to improve symptoms of ADHD However, they're typically the first step in treatment. People of all ages are able to benefit from psychosocial interventions, like family therapy and behavior modification.
People who are prescribed ADHD medication should have their risk of abuse and misuse assessed, and be counseled not to give their medication to others. They should also be urged to keep unused medication locked away and properly disposed. Health care professionals should also regularly assess and monitor patients for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction. The FDA has mandated that more consistent information be provided on the labeling of drugs in order to inform patients and their families about the serious risks.