ADHD Stimulant Medication Tips That Will Transform Your Life
ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants help people with ADHD manage their focus and impulsive behavior. They are either short-acting or long-acting, and are prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians or psychiatrists (and in some cases GPs).
Stimulants alter the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They are tightly controlled and are only prescribed by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate belongs to the family of stimulants and boosts brain activity. It increases the levels of chemicals such as dopamine and noradrenaline, which help to regulate attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It is also prescribed for depression in adults. However, it isn't regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate gets into the bloodstream fast through the gut and begins working within a matter of hours. It can be taken as a tablet that releases immediately or an extended-release chewable capsule or tablet. The doctor will recommend the most appropriate dosage based on the individual's symptoms and the risk of adverse effects.
The effects of methylphenidate are likely to be minor and go in time as the body gets used to the medicine. If they are persistent, talk to your doctor who will lower the dosage or recommend a different medicine. It is essential to take the medication according to the prescription. Don't exceed the recommended dosage. This can reduce the chance for addiction or abuse. Methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means it has a significant potential for abuse. The stimulants can cause withdrawal and dependence if not taken in the prescribed manner.
It is essential to inform the doctor that your child is suffering from heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate may increase the heart rate which is the reason why doctors will test their heart rate and blood pressure before they start treatment. Discuss with the doctor any other medications your child takes, including herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will inform you how much medication to take and how often, as well any other precautions. Methylphenidate is usually taken twice in the day, along with a meal. Certain brands of methylphenidate with long-acting tablets (Quillichew ER; Cotempla XR -ODT; and Adhansia XR), contain aspartame. Aspartame is a major source of phenylalanine, and should not be consumed by people suffering from phenylketonuria.
Avoid adhd medication for adults uk and other drugs while taking this medication. Some people may experience a reduction in appetite while taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to eat regular snacks and meals in case 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 that is sold under the name Vyvanse. It works by stimulating chemicals in the brain and nerves. It improves concentration and impulse control in children, adolescents and adults with ADHD. It treats the disorder of binge eating (BED) in addition to increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This reduces uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine is one of the prodrug class of medications, which are modified to render them inactive until metabolized by the body.27 It has been found to be safe and well-tolerated in a variety of placebo-controlled studies, showing efficacy in both stimulant-naive and those exposed to stimulants with ADHD. It is also believed to have a more lasting effect than other stimulants and may be less susceptible to rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the scores for ADHD-RS-IV improved significantly during a 12-week-long controlled trial. They also found that the majority of those who switched to placebo relapsed after two weeks.28 In addition, Brams et al29 used an innovative design for an uncontrolled withdrawal study which they followed 116 adult patients for 12 weeks after stopping the lisdexamfetamine treatment. They discovered that a majority of those who relapsed had not been exposed to any other stimulants during the two weeks prior to their relapse.
Tell your doctor if there are any allergies you might have to this medication, or other medications. Inform your doctor if suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems or other heart-related conditions. The use of stimulants can increase the risk of having a stroke or heart attack as well as sudden death in people with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine may pass into breastmilk and cause harm to nursing infants. You should not breast-feed while taking this medicine. Some patients may experience dizziness, shakiness or stomach upset when taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine has not been approved for children under six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is also not approved for use by women who are nursing or pregnant. It is not recommended to stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to stop even when you feel better. While you're taking this medication the doctor will keep track of your blood pressure and pulse rate.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant that blocks the presynaptic norepinephrine transporter. It is highly specific for this transporter and minimal affinity for other neurotransmitter transporters or receptors [115, 136]. In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it enhanced inhibition control in ADHD patients by inhibiting overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain and co. 2009). It was also found to improve working memory and attention span in children suffering from ADHD. It can take as long as 12 weeks before you can see the full effects. The dosage is determined by weight and should be increased gradually. A daily dose of one hour is common. Poor metabolizers of the drug the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) are more exposed and less efficient elimination of atomoxetine, so pharmacogenetic testing is recommended before prescribing atomoxetine to these individuals.
In a number of controlled studies it has been demonstrated that it can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It is typically utilized as the first line treatment. It is generally safe and well-tolerated and does not increase the risk of suicidal behaviour. It is not as effective as stimulants in reducing anxiety and tics, and it does not appear to help with sleep issues however it has been shown to reduce aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is more akin to the antidepressant, fluoxetine. Therefore it is recommended that they not be taken at the same time.
Two other drugs that are frequently prescribed as a first-line treatment for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). These medications were originally designed to reduce blood pressure in adults. These drugs are known as alpha agonists. They operate by stimulating receptors within the brain to release norepinephrine neurotransmitter which can reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications take time to show results, and it may take up to four weeks in the case of many children before they can see any benefit. They are also not recommended for use with MAOIs(e.g. 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 substances that increase activity in the nervous system. They encompass a range of drugs that are legal and illegal. They can be used to boost performance, remain awake and alert, as well as treat certain medical conditions such as ADHD or narcolepsy, as well as depression. Examples of prescribed stimulants include amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term stimulant can be used to describe non-prescription drugs like caffeine and some diet pills that are used for a variety of reasons, but they may not be safe when used in combination with other medications or some foods.
Stimulants don't cause habit-forming doses prescribed to treat those suffering from ADHD However, they may have side effects. They can cause some people to feel anxious or nervous. They can cause upset stomach and elevate blood pressure.
Some children and teens who take stimulants may have antics that are repetitive movements or sounds, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. They might also experience a minor delay in their growth.
A doctor will determine the right stimulant for you or your children. They will also consider factors like weight and age as well as allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow your doctor's instructions. Always review the Medication Guide that is included with your prescription.
Medicines aren't the only option to reduce symptoms of ADHD, but they're usually the first step in treatment. Psychosocial interventions such as family therapy and behavior modification are also available to assist people of all ages who suffer from ADHD.
People who take prescription ADHD medication should be assessed for the possibility of misuse and abuse, and advised to avoid sharing their medication with anyone else. They should also be encouraged to keep any medication they no longer use away and properly disposed. Health professionals must also frequently check and check patients for indications of abuse, misuse or addiction. The FDA has mandated that more consistent information be included on drug labeling to help educate patients and families about the serious risks.