Seven Reasons Why ADHD Medication Is Important
ADHD Medicine For Kids
Some children need to take more than one ADHD medication to achieve the best results. Children should take their medication regularly.
Stimulant medications work to aid normal brain chemicals in improving concentration and control of impulses. They are available in pill form, liquid, or extended-release capsules. The doctor will start you on a lower dose and watch how you react to the drug.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant which helps to reduce ADHD symptoms. It can also be used to treat the symptoms of narcolepsy. It increases the levels of dopamine, which improves concentration and mood. It is a controlled drug which means it must be prescribed by a doctor and can only be purchased with a prescription (it is not available on the market). Methylphenidate is available as capsules, tablets, oral solution or transdermal patches. The type of methylphenidate prescribed will depend on the doctor's diagnosis and other variables.
Methylphenidate could cause negative side effects, like stomachache, headaches, dry mouth, a rapid heartbeat, shakiness and nervousness. It can cause facial tics in some people who experience abrupt movements of the muscles in the face that aren't controlled. This occurs in less than 1 out of 100 people taking methylphenidate but it's crucial to inform your doctor immediately in the event that you or your child starts experiencing this issue. It can also cause an increase in blood pressure and heartbeat, which your doctor will closely monitor while you are taking it. Some people may also experience a skin reaction, like a rash, which is swollen, itchy or blistered. It can also affect the blood flow to the fingers and feet (Raynaud’s disease). This is a serious condition and needs immediate treatment in hospital.
In general, methylphenidate may be considered safe by most people when taken according to the directions. It could cause a risky drop in blood pressure when taken in excess or too often. It can also make people feel sleepy or dizzy. It is not recommended to drive or operate machinery when taking it.
Methylphenidate is rated as a Schedule II drug, which means it is a drug that could be abused. It can also become habit-forming for some people, which is why you should be wary to give your medication to anyone else. The best way to help avoid this is to keep your methylphenidate in a locked cupboard and only use the amount prescribed by your physician.
Amphetamines
Medications known as amphetamines are used to treat ADHD in children and adolescents as well as adults. They work by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals which improves concentration and helps to manage impulsive behavior. They may also help with certain symptoms of Tourette's.
These medicines are available in immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules as well in an oral solution. In the UK they are controlled medicines (class C) which means you must be signed in by your doctor in order to get these medications. They are typically taken daily however some people may take them twice daily.
Atomoxetine is different from other stimulant drugs. It is available to teenagers and children over the age of 5 if methylphenidate or Lisdexamfetamine aren't available. It is different from other stimulant medications. It can be prescribed to children and teenagers older than 5 years old, in the event that methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine aren't available or for adults with a diagnosed condition. It is typically consumed in the form of a capsule, every day, either once or twice.
Drugs that stimulate the brain are often abused. It is essential to keep your child's or teenager's medication safe, out of the reach of friends and family and family members, and not shared or sold with other people. Taking the medication incorrectly, for example crushing and injecting it, is extremely dangerous and life-threatening. Certain street drugs, including MDMA (ecstasy) and methamphetamine, are made from amphetamines.
Amphetamines are highly addictive and cause negative side effects that are difficult to deal with, especially for older people. They may include extreme exhaustion, irritability, cravings and a desire to take more. Talk to your doctor in the event that you or your child suffers any of these side effects.
If you or your child are taking long-acting stimulants, it's important to be aware of a sudden drop in blood pressure when the drug is stopped. Call triple zero (000) or an ambulance, as soon as this happens. This can be dangerous and could result in a stroke, heart attack, or death. Talking with your doctor can assist you in managing the effects of stopping or reducing the dose, and can provide support and advice.
Long-acting stimulants
Stimulants can help those with ADHD focus to complete their tasks and improve their relationships. But not everyone responds to this class of medication. The side effects, such as anxiety and heart palpitations, and the negative effects on sleep and appetite are usually uncomfortable. These issues can keep people from taking the medication they need.
There are ways to ease these adverse effects. Your doctor can reduce the dose of your medication or switch you to a different one. Self-help strategies can make a big difference.
Most people who take an ADHD medication should be monitored by a medical professional. This is due to the fact that it takes a couple of weeks to a month for the medication to have its full effect. Also, it is crucial to determine the right dosage for you. Medical professionals may inquire about your or your child's routine and habits in order to get a sense of what works best for you and will look at any other health conditions that could be causing problems.
The most well-known forms of long-acting stimulants include Concerta, Focalin and Ritalin SR, and Vyvanse. These are in a group of drugs referred to as methylphenidates and all of them have been in use for a long time. Some are available in liquid form and chewable tablets, while others are on skin patches for children who do not want to swallow pills.
The other type of long-acting ADHD medication is the amphetamine class that includes Adderall and Dexedrine. These are more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates. They can be used in different ways, including powder for children younger than the age of take pills. Some children prefer taking these pills mixed with milk or juice.
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are long-acting psychostimulants that are not found in the amphetamine or methylphenidate groups. They belong to a class of drugs referred to as selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors and function by increasing levels of norepinephrine which is a brain chemical. They can also decrease the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Other medicines
Non-stimulant medicines may be prescribed in cases where stimulants don't work or cause unwanted side effects. These medications take longer to work, but can improve your ability focus and control impulses. They can also reduce depression and anxiety that may occur with ADHD. Doctors may also recommend therapy to teach you skills to manage your symptoms and improve behaviour, or they might suggest you avoid certain drinks, foods or activities that are believed to cause issues for people with ADHD.
Stimulants regulate the levels of two chemical brain-based messengers, dopamine and norepinephrine. Norepinephrine enhances concentration, whereas dopamine enhances it. There are 12 medications that have been approved to treat ADHD. These include methylphenidate hydrochloride, lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, amphetamine sulfate, dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride/serdexmethylphenidate chloride, mixed amphetamine salts and atomoxetine (Strattera). Atomoxetine was the first drug that was approved for adults suffering from ADHD as a nonstimulant. It is an inhibitor selective of norepinephrine synthesis which means it increases the amount of norepinephrine within the brain. Other drugs in this class include the guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv), and Clonidine (Catapres).
Antidepressants are also prescribed by medical professionals to increase the levels of dopamine within the mind. Bupropion is most commonly prescribed as an antidepressant treatment for adult ADHD. adult add medication is typically prescribed "off-label" to treat ADHD if it appears alongside depression or substance use disorders, including cannabis and nicotine addiction.
Some experts believe that there is a connection between mood and ADHD. Antidepressants could help in treating ADHD symptoms and also in improving mood. The NHS recommends you speak with your GP prior to taking these medications.
If your GP decides that medication is appropriate for you, they'll prescribe a dose and start you on small doses which they will gradually increase over a couple of weeks. Your GP will monitor you regularly to make sure that the treatment is working and check for any side effects. They may refer you to an expert like psychologist or counselor, for additional support.