Are You Getting The Most Value The Use Of Your ADHD Stimulant Medication?
ADHD Stimulant Medication
For many people with ADHD medications can help manage symptoms and enhance their ability to function.1
Stimulants increase certain brain chemicals that aid nerves communicate with one another. They also decrease impulsiveness and aggression.
These medications are available in different forms for both children and adults (e.g. tablets, liquids). It may take time to find the right dosage for each individual.
Types
Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine can ease ADHD symptoms for 70 to 80% adults and children (Spencer et al. 2005). These medications are believed to boost the levels of two brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine. These drugs improve the core symptoms of the disorder, such as the tendency to fidget and impulsivity, as well as difficulties paying attention. These medications help people finish tasks and improve their social skills. The most effective effects of the drugs occur when they are utilized together with a comprehensive treatment program that incorporates the use of behavioral therapy and skill development.
Doctors can't predict which drug will be best for each person, so most start with a trial of medication to determine the dosage that works well. It could take several weeks for medications to reach their maximum effectiveness. They might have to be adjusted as time passes according to how the patient responds as well as side effects. The goal is to find a dosage that is effective in managing ADHD symptoms, but is as low as it is possible to be.
There are three kinds of stimulant medications that are immediate-release amphetamine and methylphenidate, intermediate release Atomoxetine and long-acting dexamphetamine as well as guanfacine. The medication is available in a liquid form capsule, a capsule, or a chewable tablet. The three extended-release drugs are available as beads that can be sprinkled over food items for children who are having difficulty swallowing pills or tablets.
These medicines can trigger a drop in appetite and sleepiness, but they tend to improve with continued use. Insomnia is a possible consequence of these drugs however, doctors try to avoid giving them at the time of bed. Insomnia caused by methylphenidate and amphetamine is more severe in teenagers and preteens, so parents should watch for warning signs.
If you suffer from heart issues or other health issues, it is important to discuss these medications with your doctor. They can cause an abrupt increase in blood pressure or heart rate, and shouldn't be used by those with a history of substance abuse or psychiatric disorders.
Stimulant medications have the potential to be abused, specifically by teens who might take them to lose weight or get high. Siu and Smith warn that this is a serious issue, as it puts teens at risk of heart-related fatality. It's important to teach kids and teens about the risks of taking someone else's prescription or sharing their own with friends, and to speak with a doctor about the possibility of abuse.
Dosage
The majority of stimulant medications are taken in the form of pills. The dosage is determined by your doctor depending on the severity of your symptoms, any medical conditions or other medications you are taking as well as the drug's side effects. Many people discover that finding the right medication is a process of trial and error and therefore, open communication with your doctor is essential.
The most common type of ADHD stimulant is methylphenidates (MPH). They are available in chewable, liquid or tablet form and can be prescribed as short or long-acting. Long-acting formulations last up to eight hours. The formulations with a shorter duration have an immediate effect, but wear off faster. Typically, doctors start patients on a low dose, and gradually increase the dose until they see improvements in their symptoms.
Some adults require more than one stimulant drug to treat their symptoms. Depending on the individual, it may be necessary to take the medication in combination with other treatment options, such as behavioral therapy.
Stimulants are often considered the first-line treatment for ADHD because they have been known to decrease symptoms in 70-80% of adults and children. These medications help reduce hyperactivity, interrupting the impulsive, fidgeting and fidgeting behaviors. They can also help people focus and finish tasks. They can also help improve relationships and overall functioning.
The FDA has approved a number of methylphenidates and amphetamines for the treatment of ADHD. Generally, these medications are well-tolerated and have been proven to be efficient. It is crucial to remember that these medications are susceptible to being abused and misused. They are classified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as Schedule II controlled drugs.
Stimulant medications can be used in conjunction with medications for treating depression or mood disorders. These medications boost the levels of norepinephrine - neurotransmitter that helps people control their behavior and concentrate. They can boost attention and reduce the amount of impulsivity among people suffering from ADHD. However, they are not as efficient as stimulants in reducing hyperactivity and inattention.
The crash effect can trigger depression, extreme hunger and other unpleasant side-effects. It can also occur when a person is coming off a short-acting stimulant, especially if the person hasn't been using it for a while or was using high doses.
Side effects
Stimulant medications are effective by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps increase attention and control over impulses. The majority of stimulants used to treat ADHD are amphetamines or methylphenidates. These include Ritalin Concerta Focalin Adderall. They are available in various forms and doses, from liquid to pills. A lot of children and adults use these medications to manage their symptoms, as well as other treatments like therapy, training in skills and lifestyle adjustments.
These medications can cause side effects, such as decreased appetite or trouble sleeping. If these effects occur, you or your child may need to take the medication at a later time, eat more food throughout the day, or have snacks, and try to avoid beverages that contain caffeine. These symptoms will typically diminish within a few days as your body adjusts. It is essential to follow the doctor's recommendations about dosage and frequency.
The medications aren't the only way to treat ADHD but they can aid in reducing impulsivity and hyperactivity in 70-80% of those with the condition. They can aid in getting better sleep, concentrate on your work and complete your schoolwork, as well as improve your relationships. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms, talk about the risks and benefits of the medication, and track your response to the drug.
Stimulants are categorized as controlled substances, which means they have a high risk of abuse and addiction. If taken as directed by a physician stimulants aren't addictive. These drugs are often misused by people who do not suffer from ADHD. They may use them to boost their alertness or to reduce their appetite to shed weight. When taken for medical purposes, stimulant medications are extremely efficient and safe.
Nonstimulants are medications that do not increase the levels of dopamine or norepinephrine in the body. They typically take longer to begin working, but they can improve your ability to pay attention and control impulses. They are less likely than stimulants to be misused. However, they could cause side effects such as less appetite and difficulty sleeping. Nonstimulant medications include Strattera, Qelbree, and Intuniv. Antidepressants can be taken on their own or in combination with stimulants to treat ADHD symptoms.
Overdose
The stimulant drugs are prone to be misused or abused even when prescribed to serve a legitimate medical need. People who don't have ADHD could use these medications to increase their alertness, curb their appetites to shed weight, or simply to feel "high." People who suffer from ADHD who receive the proper treatment from a physician aren't likely to develop an addiction to these drugs, but these drugs come with the risk of an overdose and even death.
Some of the most severe harms associated with nonmedical use involve the ingestion of stimulants prescribed by a doctor, which typically happens by mouth, but can be the case when these drugs are crushed and then dissolved in water to drink, snorted, or inhaled. According to data from U.S. for beginners , these types of harms are most common for teenagers who take their own prescription stimulant or medication prescribed by someone else that is not named on the prescriptions.
Many young children mistakenly take the stimulant prescribed by their parents or older siblings to become more alert or stay awake later to study for tests or to get high. These are typically accidents but they can also lead to severe poisoning or even heart problems. Children can steal tablets from their relatives or friends who have a prescription. The pills can be especially dangerous for children who have an existing heart condition or other health issues that can make them sensitive to the drug's side effects.
These medications can also be purchased without a prescription from drug dealers or illegal sellers on the internet. They may include fake pills that look like prescription stimulants, but they contain dangerous illegal substances. These drugs also can be dangerous when used together with alcohol or other controlled substances such as opioids.
Instruct patients to take the time to read their Medication Guide, which will be included in their filled prescriptions. The guide provides details about the medication, including warnings and possible adverse reactions. It will also explain how to store and dispose of prescriptions that have expired, which includes taking them back to a pharmacy or another authorized disposal site or facility. Encourage them to contact the FDA's MedWatch Hotline if they're concerned about their medication or experiencing any adverse effects.