Ten ADHD Medication Products That Can Help You Live Better
ADHD Medicine For Kids
Some children need to take multiple ADHD medications to get the most effective results. Children should take their medicine on a regular basis.
Stimulant drugs work by helping normal brain chemicals improve concentration and control impulses. They are available in liquid form extended-release capsules or pill form. The doctor will begin you with a lower dose and then monitor your reaction to the drug.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant that can be used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD symptoms. It boosts the levels of dopamine which improves mood and concentration. It is a controlled drug which means it can only be purchased on prescription and must be prescribed by a doctor. Methylphenidate is available as capsules or tablets, either as an oral solution or as a transdermal patch. The kind of methylphenidate prescribed will depend on the doctor's diagnoses and other elements.
Methylphenidate could cause negative side effects, like stomachache, headache dry mouth, a fast heartbeat, shakiness, and anxiety. Some sufferers may experience facial tics, which are uncontrollable movements that occur in the muscles of the face. This happens in less than one in 100 people taking methylphenidate but it's crucial to inform your doctor right away when you or your child start having this problem. It also increases the heart rate and blood pressure that your doctor will closely monitor when you are taking it. Certain people may also experience a skin reaction, like a rash, which can be itchy, swollen or blistered. It can also affect the blood flow to the feet and fingers (Raynaud’s disease). This is a serious ailment that requires immediate hospital treatment.
In general, methylphenidate may be considered safe by a majority of people, if used as directed. It can cause a serious drop in blood pressure when taken excessively or frequently. It may also make you feel dizzy and shaky, so it's not recommended that you drive or operate machinery if you take it.
Methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II drug, which means that it has the potential to be abused. It can also cause addiction in some people. It is best not to give your medication away. Keep your methylphenidate safe in a cabinet and only use the prescribed amount.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines are a class of drugs used to treat ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They help by increasing levels of certain brain chemicals, enhancing concentration, and helping to control the impulsive behavior. They can also be used to treat certain symptoms of Tourette's syndrome.
These medicines are available in immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules, as well being an oral solution. In the UK they are controlled medicines (class C) which means you must be signed in by your doctor to collect them. Most people will take them one time a week, but some people might take them twice.
Atomoxetine is a selective inhibitor of noradrenaline reuptake. It works in a different manner as other stimulant drugs however, it can be given to children and teenagers over the age of 5 if it's inaccessible to take methylphenidate or Lisdexamfetamine or for adults if the condition is diagnosed in this group. It is usually taken as a capsule, at least once or twice a day.
Many people abuse stimulant drugs. Keep your child's or teenager's medications out of away from the sight of their friends. They are not to be sold or shared. Taking adhd medication side effects , for example crushing and injecting it, could be extremely hazardous and even life-threatening. Certain street drugs, such as MDMA (ecstasy) and methamphetamine, are based on amphetamines.
Amphetamines can trigger addiction and side effects that are difficult to manage especially for older people. These side effects may include extreme fatigue and irritation. They may also include cravings for the drug, a desire to continue taking the drug, and a feeling of extreme fatigue. Talk to your doctor in the event that you or your child experiences any of these side-effects.
If you or your children are taking long-acting stimulating drugs, it is important to be aware that blood pressure may drop abruptly when the drug is removed. If this happens, call triple zero (000) to request an ambulance right away. This is extremely risky and could result in a heart attack, stroke or death. Talking to your doctor can aid you in managing the effects of reducing or stopping the dose, and can offer support and guidance.
Long-acting stimulants
Many people who suffer from ADHD find that stimulants help them stay focused, finish tasks and improve their relationships. It is not for everyone to use this kind of medication. The adverse effects, like anxiety and heart palpitations, and the negative impact on appetite and sleep are usually unpleasant. These issues can keep people from taking the medication they need.
There are methods to alleviate these adverse effects. Your doctor can reduce the dose of your medicine or switch you to a different one and self-help techniques can make a big difference.
Most people who take an ADHD medication must be monitored by a medical professional. It takes up to a month before the medication has its full effect, therefore it's crucial to find the correct dosage. The doctor will ask about your routine and habits and also any other health issues you or your child may have.
The most popular forms of long-acting stimulants include Concerta, Focalin and Ritalin SR, and Vyvanse. They belong to a class of drugs referred to as methylphenidates and have been in use for a long time. Some are available in chewable tablets or liquid, while others can be placed on patches for children who don't want to swallow pills.
The other major kind of long-acting ADHD medication is the amphetamine group, which includes Adderall and Dexedrine. They have a stronger and last longer than methylphenidates and can be taken in a variety of ways, such powder form for younger children who aren't able to take pills. These medicines can be mixed with juice or milk to help them taste better for certain children.
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree, (viloxazine), are stimulants with a long-acting effect that do not belong to the methylphenidate group nor the amphetamine group. They are in a group of drugs known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. They are able to increase the levels of a chemical in the brain called norepinephrine. They can also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms.
Other medicines
Non-stimulant medications can be prescribed if stimulants don't work or cause undesirable adverse effects. These drugs take longer to effect but they can help improve your ability to focus and control impulses. They also help reduce anxiety and depression that may occur with ADHD. Doctors may also suggest therapy to help you develop the skills to manage your symptoms and improve your behavior, or they might recommend that you avoid certain drinks, foods or activities known to cause problems for people who suffer from ADHD.
Stimulants alter levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in your brain. Norepinephrine enhances concentration, whereas dopamine helps to improve it. There are 12 drugs 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 is the first medicine to be approved as a non-stimulant for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a selective inhibitor of norepinephrine synthesis, which means that it increases the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. Other drugs in this class include guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv), and clonidine (Catapres).
Doctors may also prescribe antidepressants, which increase the level of dopamine, a chemical messenger, in the brain. Bupropion is most commonly prescribed as an antidepressant treatment for adult ADHD. It is prescribed "off-label" to treat ADHD when it is associated with depression or other substance abuse disorders, especially nicotine addiction and cannabis.
There are some experts who believe there is a link between mood and ADHD. Antidepressants can be beneficial in treating ADHD symptoms as well as improving mood. The NHS suggests speaking with your GP prior to taking these medications.
If your GP determines that medication is suitable for you, they'll prescribe a dose and start you on small doses, which they will then gradually increase over a few weeks. Your GP will regularly monitor you to ensure that the treatment is effective and to examine any side effects. They might recommend you to a specialist like a counselor or psychologist, for further assistance.