ADHD Medication Ritalin: A Simple Definition
ADHD Medication - How Ritalin Helps Kids Manage ADHD
ADHD medications can help children manage their symptoms. Doctors prescribe two types of drugs to treat ADHD that are stimulants and nonstimulants.
Stimulants increase the amounts of two brain chemicals--norepinephrine and dopamine--that help kids focus. These are the first choice for teenagers and children with ADHD.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
Many people with ADHD begin treatment by taking stimulant medications. They are extremely effective in improving attention and concentration for 70-80% of people who suffer from ADHD. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you start with a medication that is FDA-approved. Only prescription medications are available, and should be taken as prescribed. Vitamins and supplements sold over the counter to treat ADHD are not supported by scientific research and may cause harmful side effects if used with prescription medication.
There are many long-acting stimulant formulas that provide custom delivery systems and different time-action profiles. These medications give clinicians the ability to target specific times of the day at which the patient is at their weakest. For instance, patients who have trouble completing morning tasks can benefit from long-acting stimulants such as Dexedrine Spansules, Dextroamphetamine/AMPH patch (Xelstrym), or the newer extended-release oral medication Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
Long-acting ADHD medication is absorbed into the bloodstream slower and is less likely to cause adverse side effects than short-acting ADHD medication. They typically last for 8 to 16 hours, depending on the dosage. The longer time frame also allows the medication to provide an overall effect that is consistent throughout the day, making them a good option for adults.
Long-acting ADHD medication may cause side effects like changes in appetite, stomach upset or an increase in heart rate. Other side effects include tics and minor delays in growth. These are only temporary and typically disappear once the body adjusts.
The most popular kind of long-acting ADHD medication is methylphenidate. It is the active ingredient in Ritalin and similar medications, and it increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters are essential chemical messengers that play an important role in the process of motivation, action and cognition.
The most popular stimulant medications used to treat ADHD are methylphenidates (amphetamines) and atomoxetine amphetamines and atomoxetine. All of these medications fall under the umbrella of "methylphenidates," but some are made differently than other. Certain are absorbed into the body through the skin, while others are taken orally or administered intravenously.
Short-acting stimulant formulations
There are many formulations of stimulant medications that can be used to treat ADHD in adults. This includes all forms of methylphenidate including Ritalin Focalin Metadate and Metadate and amphetamines, such as Adderall, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse. A doctor may prescribe atomoxetine, which is an stimulant that functions differently and lasts longer. T here are also some antidepressants that are not typical and can be effective for ADHD symptoms. These include Wellbutrin (bupropion), and the two antihypertensives Catapres and Tenex.
Stimulant medications are effective in increasing neurotransmitter levels within the brain. This improves concentration and reduce restlessness in children and adults suffering from ADHD. The medication also reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. However stimulants can cause adverse effects like dry mouth and blurry vision. They can also cause increased anxiety, irritability and appetite in certain people. Some people have difficulty sleeping after taking these drugs.
The "rebound effect" that can happen when the effects of the drug wear off is a major problem. The drugs can also cause high blood pressure and a higher heart rate in certain people. When taken as prescribed by a physician, however, these drugs are safe and effective for adults.
The most effective type of stimulant medication for people who suffers from ADHD is one that is taken in the morning before school or at work. These are known as long-acting stimulants. This type of medication can ease symptoms and prevent a rebound.
Other forms of the medication can be taken during the day when needed. Short-acting tablets are absorbed quickly and then peak in the body. People who require them regularly may need to take more than one tablet each day. This is a problem for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants have been the most widely used treatment for ADHD among children, adolescents and adults. They are the most effective medications to reduce ADHD symptoms. They could cause serious and life-threatening side effects if taken improperly or in excessive doses. They also increase your chances of developing depression and mental health disorders.
Nonstimulant drugs
Nonstimulant medications are an alternative to stimulant drugs like Ritalin when they fail to work or cause negative side effects that are too extreme. They are less addictive and more resistant to abuse than stimulants. They function by increasing levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine. These medications are usually prescribed by doctors who specialize in mental health conditions, or psychiatrists. They are often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes psychosocial treatments and lifestyle changes.
Nonstimulant medications may take a longer time to start working than stimulants. It is also possible to take a higher dose to attain the same effect. They are typically prescribed in capsule or tablet form and are taken with food or without. They are more likely than other medications to cause stomach upset or alter heart rate and bloodpressure. They can also be at chance of developing drug interactions with other drugs and therefore, you must be vigilant.
Certain ADHD medications can be applied as patches on the skin. They are beneficial for those who forget to take their medication, or have trouble swallowing tablets. They can also be useful for children who are tactilely sensitive and don't like taking medicine through mouth. The patch is only suitable for children who are able to apply it continuously.
It can take a while to determine the best combination of dosage, medication and schedule. It is important to be honest and open with your physician about how you or your child reacts to the medication. It's beneficial to keep a diary of your or your child's symptoms, as well as any changes that occur due to the medication.
When you take any medication, t here are always negative side effects. Some people experience stomach upsets or sleep disturbances, as well as an increased heart rate and weight loss. Children and adolescents who take stimulant drugs may notice a decrease in their growth rate, but this is generally not significant. Certain people might experience tics or anxiety. A small number may experience a severe reaction to the medication.
If you or your child is suffering from severe symptoms, visit an emergency physician immediately. The medication should be taken only according to the instructions of your physician. If you have leftover medication, talk to your pharmacist about a prescription drug take-back program or mix it in with cat litter or coffee grounds and eliminate it.
Antidepressants
Many people who receive stimulant medication for ADHD also use an antidepressant or nonstimulant medicine. They can have a calming effect and help control some of the side effects of stimulants, like a decrease in appetite or trouble sleeping. Nonstimulant medications are less likely to trigger depression. They can also be helpful in treating anxiety and bipolar disorder, which are sometimes associated with ADHD.
Stimulants that are used to treat ADHD have a high potential for abuse and misuse. Teens and kids with ADHD may use stimulants to boost their alertness or to curb their appetites in order to lose weight. Others may take them to get "high." Stimulants fall under Schedule I drugs, which carry a high addiction risk. If they are prescribed appropriately and used by adults, they don't increase the risk of addiction.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. It increases activity in brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. It is available as tablets that release immediately (small doses taken two to three times per day) as well as a modified-release tablet, which releases the drug throughout the day. Also available in chewable and liquid form.
Some people who take stimulant medications for ADHD are able to experience a brief period of fatigue, a low mood, and a rise in activity after the medication is gone. This is known as the rebound effect. These symptoms can be cured by altering the time at which you take your medication, or by adjusting the dosage.
Intuniv, a long-acting medication which contains guanfacine to treat people suffering from ADHD is another option. This blood pressure medication is a form of alpha-2 adrenergic agonist and has been found to be highly effective in the reduction of impulsive and hyperactive behavior in adults. It does not appear to be as effective in reducing the symptoms of inattention.
It can take a while to determine the best ADHD medication and dosage for your child or yourself. Your doctor may begin with a low dose and increase them gradually to find the combination that controls your symptoms and causes the least negative side negative effects. You should visit your GP regularly for regular checkups, and to determine if the dosage should be adjusted.