ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD manage their hyper-impulsive behavior and focus. They are either short-acting, or long-acting, and are prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians and psychiatrists (and in some cases, GPs).
Stimulants affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are tightly regulated and only approved by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a drug that belongs to the family of stimulants and enhances activity in certain areas of the brain. It boosts the levels of certain chemicals, such as noradrenaline and dopamine, which helps control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate may be used to treat ADHD as well as narcolepsy and other conditions. It can also be prescribed for depression in adults. However, this is not regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate enters the bloodstream rapidly from the gut and starts working within hours. It is available as a chewable or immediate-release tablet. The doctor will prescribe the most suitable dosage based on the individual's symptoms and the possibility of side effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate are typically minimal and fade over time, as the body gets used to the drug. Consult your physician should you experience any issues. You can reduce the dosage or suggest a different medicine. It is essential to take this medication exactly as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dosage. This will reduce the risk of abuse or addiction. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified the methylphenidate drug as a Schedule II substance, which means it is highly susceptible to abuse. adhd medication adults uk can trigger dependence and withdrawal if not taken as prescribed.
It is important to inform the doctor if your child has any heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat or a history of a heart attack. Methylphenidate can raise the rate of heartbeat, which is why doctors will test their heart rhythm and blood pressure prior to starting treatment. It is also essential to inform the doctor whether your child is taking any other medications, like supplements, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
The doctor will give you guidelines on how much and how often to take the medication along with any other special precautions. Methylphenidate should be taken twice a day with meals. Certain brands of long-acting methylphenidate tablets (Quillichew ER; Cotempla XR with -ODT and Adhansia XR), contain aspartame. Aspartame is an ingredient that contains Phenylalanine and should not be taken by people suffering from phenylketonuria.
Avoid alcohol and other drugs when taking this drug. Some people may experience a reduction in appetite while taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to take regular meals and snacks in case they are losing weight. They may also need to drink plenty of water or squash to keep hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine which is sold under the brand name Vyvanse is a central nervous system stimulant that stimulates chemicals in the brain and nerves. It improves concentration and impulse control in adolescents, children and adults suffering from ADHD. It treats binge-eating disorder (BED) as well as increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps to reduce uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine is one of the prodrug class of medicines that are altered to render them inactive until they are metabolized by the body.27 It has been found to be safe and well-tolerated in a variety of placebo-controlled trials and has shown efficacy for both stimulant-naive and stimulant-exposed patients with ADHD. It is also believed to have a longer-lasting effect than other stimulants, and may be less likely to trigger rebound symptoms.
In a 12-week placebo-controlled trial, Adler et al27 found significant improvements in ADHD-RS-IV scores. They also noted that the majority of patients who switched to a placebo relapsed within 2 weeks.28 Brams et al29, however utilized a new design in a randomized withdrawal trial that monitored 116 adults for 12 weeks following stopping lisdexamfetamine. They discovered that the majority of patients who relapsed weren't exposed to any other stimulants in the previous two-week period.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies you might have to this medication, or any other medications. Also, let your doctor know whether you suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease or any other heart-related issues. The use of stimulants can increase the risk of having a stroke, heart attack or sudden death in people with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing infant. You should not breastfeed while taking this medication. This medication may cause shakiness, dizziness, or stomach upset in some people. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved for use by children less than 6 years old. Lisdexamfetamine is also not approved for use by women who are nursing or pregnant. You should not stop taking this medication unless your doctor advises you to stop, even if you are feeling better. Your doctor is likely to want to keep an eye on your heart rate and blood pressure while you're taking this medicine.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera is a non-stimulant which works by blocking presynaptic transporters that are part of norepinephrine. It has a high affinity for this transporter, but has a low affinity for any other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115-136]. In multiple placebo-controlled trials, it improved the inhibition control of ADHD patients by reducing overactivation of the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and coworkers, 2009). It has also been shown to increase working memory and attention span in children with ADHD. It is slow in the onset of action and can take up to 12 weeks for the full effects to be evident. The dosage is determined by weight and should be gradually increased. A daily dose of one hour is common. A poor metabolizer of the drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a greater exposure and a slow elimination of atomoxetine. The testing of the pharmacogenetics must be conducted prior to prescribing atomoxetine for these individuals.
It has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD in a variety of controlled studies, and is often 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 in reducing anxiety and tics as stimulants and does not seem reduce sleep disorders. However it has been proven to reduce aggression in certain children. Atomoxetine interacts more with the antidepressant fluoxetine. Therefore it is not recommended to be taken in conjunction.
Two other drugs that are frequently prescribed as a first-line treatment option for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). These drugs were initially developed to lower blood pressure in adults. They are known as alpha agonists. They work by stimulating specific receptors in the brain to release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine which can decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications take a while to show results and it could take up to four weeks in the case of many children before they see any benefits. Additionally they are not suggested for use with MAOIs (e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the possibility of fatal and serious adverse reactions, including severe hypothermia and rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instabilities.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs which increase activity in the nervous system. They include a wide variety of substances that are legal and illegal. They are used to improve performance, remain alert and alert, and treat certain medical conditions, such as ADHD, narcolepsy and depression. Some examples of prescription stimulants are amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term"stimulant" could also apply to nonprescription drugs such as caffeine and certain diet pills, which are used for a variety reasons, but they may not be safe when taken together with other medications or some food items.
Stimulants don't cause habit-forming doses prescribed to treat people with ADHD However, they may have side effects. Some people may feel jittery or shaky. They can cause an upset stomach and elevate blood pressure.
Some teenagers and children who take stimulants may experience tics or repetitive noises or movements, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. They might also experience a minor slowing in growth.
A doctor will determine the best stimulant for you or your child. They will also take into consideration factors such as weight, age, and allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medications. Always follow your doctor's instructions. You should read the Medication Guide that comes with your medicine.
The first treatment for ADHD is typically medication. This is not the only option, but it's the most popular. Psychosocial interventions, such as behavior modification and family therapy are also available to assist people of all ages with ADHD.
People who are prescribed ADHD medication should be screened for the possibility of misuse and abuse assessed, and be counseled not to share their medication with others. Additionally, they should be encouraged to store unused medications in a safe place and dispose of them in a safe manner. Health professionals should also regularly assess patients and monitor them for signs of misuse, abuse or addiction. The FDA is requiring more consistent information to be placed on the label of a drug to educate patients and their families about the serious dangers.