ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are drugs that aid those suffering from ADHD focus and manage their impulsive behavior. They can be short-acting or long-acting, and prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians or psychiatrists (and in some cases, GPs).
Stimulants alter the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are tightly regulated and only approved by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate belongs to the family of stimulants and boosts brain activity. It raises levels of certain chemicals, such as noradrenaline and dopamine, which aids in controlling the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate may be used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, among other conditions. It can also be prescribed to treat depression in adults. However, this is not regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate is absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream swiftly and is effective within a matter of 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 the risk of adverse effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate tend to be mild and go away over time as the body gets used to the medicine. If they persist, speak with your doctor, who can reduce the dosage or suggest a different medicine. It is essential to take this medication as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dosage. This reduces the risk for abuse or addiction. Methylphenidate is categorized 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 when not used as directed.
It is essential to inform the doctor if your child has any heart problems, such as irregular heartbeats or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate can raise heart rate, which is why doctors will test their blood pressure and heart rhythm before they start treatment. Inform the doctor about any other medications your child is taking for health reasons, such as herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will give you instructions about how much and how often you should take the medicine along with any other special precautions. Methylphenidate is typically taken twice a day with meals. Certain brands of the long-acting methylphenidate chewable tablets (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame which is a major source of phenylalanine and should not be consumed by people with phenylketonuria (an inheritable condition that requires a low-protein diet to prevent severe intellectual disability).
Avoid alcohol and other drugs when taking this medication. Some sufferers may experience a decrease in appetite when taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to consume regular meals and snacks when they are losing weight. They may also have to drink lots of water or squash to keep hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nerve system stimulant that is sold under the name Vyvanse. It affects chemicals found in the brain and the nerves. It improves concentration and impulse control in adolescents, children and adults suffering from ADHD. It treats eating disorders that cause binge eating (BED) as well as increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This decreases the amount of food that is consumed.
Lisdexamfetamine belongs to the prodrug class that is a modified drug that is inactive until it's transformed in the body. It has been proven to be effective and safety in both stimulant naive patients as well as patients exposed to stimulants with ADHD. It is also believed to be more effective than other stimulants, and could have fewer rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the ADHD-RS-IV scores improved significantly in a 12-week controlled study. They also reported 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 study that observed 116 adults for 12 weeks after the discontinuation of the drug lisdexamfetamine. They discovered that the majority of patients who relapsed were not exposed to any other stimulants during the previous two weeks.
Tell your doctor if there are any allergies you might have to this medication or any other medication. Also, let your doctor know that you have high blood pressure, heart disease or any other heart issues. Certain stimulants can increase the risk of having a stroke heart attack, stroke, or sudden death for those with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breastmilk and cause harm to a nursing infant. You should not breast-feed while taking this medicine. This medication can cause shakiness, dizziness, or stomach upset in certain people. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved for children younger than six years of age. Lisdexamfetamine is not a prescription drug for use by women who are breastfeeding or pregnant. Even if you are feeling better, do not stop taking the medication unless your physician tells you. While you are taking this medication and your doctor is likely to check your blood pressure and pulse rate.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant that acts by blocking the presynaptic norepinephrine-transporter. It has a high affinity to this transporter, with a minimal affinity for other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115-136]. In a variety of placebo-controlled studies it enhanced inhibition control in ADHD patients by reducing overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain and co., 2009). It has also been shown to increase working memory and the ability to focus in children with ADHD. It takes up to 12 weeks to see its full effects. The dosage is based on weight and should be started at a low level, and then gradually increased. A once-daily dose is typical. People who are not metabolizers of the drug the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) have higher exposure and less efficient elimination of atomoxetine, so the pharmacogenetic test is recommended prior to prescribing atomoxetine for these people.
In a number of controlled studies, it has been shown that it can be effective in decreasing symptoms of ADHD. It is typically employed as the first-line treatment. It is generally safe and well-tolerated, and does not increase the risk of suicidal behaviors. It is not as effective as stimulants in decreasing anxiety and tics and does not seem to decrease sleep issues, but it has been shown to help with aggression in children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with the antidepressant fluoxetine. Therefore, it is not recommended to take them 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 originally designed to lower blood pressure in adults. These are alpha agonists. They operate by stimulating receptors within the brain to release norepinephrine neurotransmitter which can decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. These drugs take time to take effect, and it may take up to four weeks in the case of many children before they can see any benefits. Additionally they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the possibility of fatal and serious adverse events, such as severe hypothermia and rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instability.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that increase activity in the nervous system. They are a variety of drugs including some that are legal, and others illegal. They can be used to enhance performance, remain awake or alert and treat certain medical conditions, such as ADHD, narcolepsy and depression. Amphetamines, methylphenidate and other prescription stimulants can be utilized. The term stimulant is also used to refer to non-prescription drugs like diet pills and caffeine. buy adhd medication online are utilized for a variety of reasons, but they can also be dangerous when combined together with certain medications or foods.
They don't create a habit in the doses used to treat people with ADHD however, they do have adverse effects. Some sufferers may feel jittery, or shakey. They can cause a tense stomach and raise blood pressure.
Some children and teenagers 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 determine which stimulant is suitable for you or your child. They will also consider factors such as weight and age as well as allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow the instructions of your doctor. You should read the Medication Guide that comes with the medication you are taking.
Medications are not the only method to treat symptoms of ADHD However, they're typically the first step in treatment. People of all ages can benefit from psychosocial interventions, like family therapy and behavior modification.
Patients who are prescribed ADHD medication should have their risk of misuse and abuse evaluated, and be counseled not to share their medication with anyone else. They should also be advised to keep unused medication locked away and properly disposed. Health professionals must also regularly assess and check patients for signs of abuse, misuse or addiction. The FDA is now requiring more consistent information to be placed on drug labels to educate patients and their families about these serious risks.