ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are drugs that aid people with ADHD focus and manage their impulsive behavior. uk adhd medication can be short- or long-acting and are prescribed by paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists (and doctors in certain circumstances).
Stimulants affect dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They are strictly controlled and only approved by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is part of the stimulant family and increases brain activity. It increases the levels of certain chemicals, like noradrenaline and dopamine, which helps to regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It is also prescribed for depression in adults. However, it is not regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate is absorbed into the bloodstream quickly from the gut, and starts working within hours. It is available as an immediate-release tablet or chewable extended-release tablet or capsule. The doctor will prescribe a formula that is appropriate for the patient's condition and the side effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate tend to be mild and go away over time as the body gets used to the medication. If they persist, speak with your doctor, who can lower the dose or try another medication. It is important to take the medication as directed. Don't exceed the recommended dosage. This can reduce the chance for addiction or abuse. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified the methylphenidate drug as a Schedule II substance, which means it is extremely susceptible to abuse. Stimulants have the potential to create dependence and withdrawal if not used as directed.
Tell your doctor if your child has heart issues. This includes irregular heartbeats, or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate can raise the rate of heartbeat which is the reason why doctors will test their blood pressure and heart rhythm prior to starting treatment. Tell the doctor about any other medications your child takes, including herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will advise you how much medication to take and how often, along with any other precautions. Methylphenidate is usually taken twice every day, with meals. Certain brands of chewable tablets that methylphenidate is long-acting (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine and should not be consumed by people with phenylketonuria (an inheritable condition that requires a low-protein diet to prevent severe intellectual impairment).
Avoid drinking alcohol or other drugs when taking this drug. Some sufferers may experience a decrease in appetite when taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to eat regular snacks and meals when they are losing weight. They may also need to drink lots of squash or water to stay hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nervous system stimulant, sold under the brand name Vyvanse. It affects chemicals found in the brain and nerves. It helps improve concentration and impulse control in children, adolescents and adults with ADHD. It treats eating disorders that cause binge eating (BED) as well by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This reduces uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine is one of the prodrug class of medications, which are modified to make them inactive until they are metabolized the body.27 It has been found to be safe and well-tolerated by a variety of placebo controlled trials, showing efficacy in both stimulant-naive and stimulant-exposed patients with ADHD. It is also thought to be more effective than other stimulants, and could be less likely to trigger rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the scores for ADHD-RS-IV improved significantly during a 12-week-long controlled trial. They also noted that the majority of those who changed to placebo had a relapse within two weeks.28 Additionally, Brams et al29 used a novel design for a randomized withdrawal study in which they followed 116 adult patients for 12 weeks after stopping lisdexamfetamine treatment. They found that the majority of patients who relapsed were not exposed to any other stimulants in the two weeks preceding.
Inform your doctor if there are any reactions you may have to this medication or other medications. Tell your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart issues, or other heart conditions. Stimulants may increase the risk of having a stroke or heart attack as well as sudden death among people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine could be absorbed into breastmilk and cause harm to a nursing infant. You should not take this medication while breastfeeding. This medication can cause shakiness, dizziness, or stomach upset in certain individuals. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved for children under six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. You should not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so, even if you are feeling better. While you are taking this medication the doctor will check your blood pressure and pulse rate.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera is a non-stimulant that works by blocking presynaptic transporters that are part of norepinephrine. It is highly specific for this transporter and a weak affinity for other neurotransmitter transportation systems or receptors [115,136136). In multiple placebo-controlled trials, it improved the inhibition control of ADHD patients by reducing the overactivation on the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and colleagues 2009). It was also shown to improve working memory and attention span in children with ADHD. It can take up to 12 weeks to see its full effects. The dose is based on weight and should be gradually increased. A once-daily dose is typical. A weak metabolizer of the drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a greater exposure and a slow elimination of the drug atomoxetine. The testing of the pharmacogenetics must be conducted prior to prescribing atomoxetine in these individuals.
In several controlled studies it has been demonstrated that it can be effective in decreasing symptoms of ADHD. It is frequently used as the first-line treatment. It is generally well tolerated and is safe, and does not increase the likelihood of suicidal behavior. It isn't as effective in reducing anxiety and tics as stimulants, and it doesn't appear to help with sleep disorders. However it has been found to improve aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is more akin to the antidepressant, fluoxetine. Therefore, they should not be taken in conjunction.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two other medications that are available as the first-line treatment for ADHD. These drugs were originally developed to lower blood pressure in adults. They are referred to as alpha agonists. They work by stimulating specific receptors in the brain to release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine which reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications have a long duration of action and a majority of children will require two to four weeks before they see any benefit from them. Additionally they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the possibility of serious and potentially fatal adverse events, such as extreme hypothermia and rigidity, myoclonus, and autonomic instability.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs which increase activity in the nervous system. They include a variety of substances - some legal, others illicit. They are employed for a variety of reasons, such as performance improvement, to stay alert and awake and to treat specific medical conditions like ADHD, narcolepsy, and depression. Examples of prescribed stimulants include amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term"stimulant" is also used to describe nonprescription drugs such as caffeine and diet pills. These are often used for various reasons, but they can be harmful when used in conjunction with certain foods or medications.
Stimulants don't cause habit-forming doses used to treat people with ADHD however, they do have side effects. Some sufferers may feel jittery, or unstable. They can cause upset stomach and elevate blood pressure.
Children and teens who take stimulants may be prone to antics that are repeated sounds or movements like eye blinking and throat clearing. They could also experience a slight slowing in their growth.
A doctor will decide which stimulant is suitable for you or your child. They will also take into account factors like weight, age, and allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow your doctor's instructions. You must go through the Medication Guide that comes with the medication you are taking.
The first option for treating ADHD is typically medication. This isn't the only option, but it is the most commonly used. Psychosocial interventions like family therapy and behavior modification are also available to assist those of all ages suffering from ADHD.
People who take prescription ADHD medication should be assessed for the risk of misuse and abuse, and counseled to avoid sharing their medication with anyone else. Also it is recommended to store any medication they do not use in a secure location and dispose of them properly. Health professionals should frequently check and monitor patients for signs of abuse, misuse or addiction. The FDA is now requiring more consistent information to be included on drug labels to help patients and their families be aware about the serious dangers.