ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD control their hyper-impulsive behavior and focus. They can be short-acting or long-acting and are prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians and psychiatrists (and in some cases, GPs).
Stimulants alter dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are strictly controlled and are only ordered by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a drug that belongs to the class of stimulants and increases activity in parts of the brain. It boosts levels of certain chemicals like dopamine and noradrenaline, which aid in controlling attention and behavior. Methylphenidate can be used to treat ADHD and Narcolepsy. It can also be 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 a chewable tablet or an immediate-release tablet. The doctor will prescribe a formulation that is suitable for the patient's needs and side effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate tend to be minor and go in time as the body adjusts to the medicine. If they continue to bother you, talk to your doctor who will reduce the dosage or suggest an alternative medication. It is crucial to take the medication exactly as prescribed. Don't overdose the dosage recommended. This helps reduce the potential for addiction or abuse. Methylphenidate is categorized as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, meaning it has a high possibility of abuse. These stimulants can trigger dependence and withdrawal when not used as directed.
It's important to tell the doctor that your child is suffering from heart issues, such as irregular heartbeats or a history of a heart attack. Methylphenidate can increase the rate of heartbeat, which is why doctors will test their heart rate and blood pressure before they start treatment. Tell the doctor about any other medications your child takes such as herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will give you instructions on how much and how often to take the medication along with any other special precautions. Methylphenidate is typically taken two times every day, with meals. Some brands of the chewable methylphenidate tablets with a long-acting action (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine. It is not recommended for people with Phenylketonuria (an inherited condition that requires a low protein diet to prevent severe intellectual impairment).
Avoid drinking alcohol and other substances when taking this medication. Some people may notice that their appetite diminishes when taking methylphenidate. If your child is losing weight, try to encourage them to eat a regular diet and snacks. You may need to encourage them to drink lots of water or squash in order to stay well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nervous system stimulant, sold under the brand name Vyvanse. It affects chemical substances that are found in the brain as well as the nerves. It improves concentration and control of impulses in children, adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. It also treats BED, also known as binge eating disorder (BED) by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which reduces instances of eating disorder that is uncontrolled.
Lisdexamfetamine is a member of the prodrug class of medicines that are modified to render them inactive until metabolized by the body.27 It has been proven to be safe and well-tolerated in a variety of placebo controlled trials that have demonstrated its 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 have fewer rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the scores for ADHD-RS-IV improved significantly during a 12-week-long controlled trial. They also reported that most of the patients who switched to placebo relapsed after two weeks.28 Additionally, Brams et al29 used an innovative method for an uncontrolled withdrawal study which they followed 116 adults for 12 weeks after stopping treatment with lisdexamfetamine. They found that the majority of patients who relapsed were not exposed to any other stimulants in the previous two-week period.
Inform your doctor if you have any allergies you may have to this medication or to any other medications. Also inform your doctor that you have high blood pressure, heart disease or any other heart-related issues. Stimulants may increase the risk of having a stroke or heart attack as well as sudden death for those with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine may be absorbed into breast milk and harm a nursing infant. It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking this medication. Some patients may experience dizziness, shakiness or stomach upset while taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine has not been approved for use by children less than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is also not approved for use by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Even if you are feeling better, you should not stop taking the medicine unless your doctor tells you. Your doctor is likely to want to keep an eye on your blood pressure and heart rate while you are taking this medicine.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a non-stimulant which works by blocking presynaptic transporters of norepinephrine. It has a high affinity this transporter, but has a low affinity for other neurotransmitter receptors and transporters [115,136]. In a variety of placebo-controlled studies it helped improve inhibitory control in ADHD patients by reducing the overactivation of the right inferior frontal 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 weight based and should be started at a low level, and then gradually increasing. A single dose per day is typical. Poor metabolizers of the drug the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) are more exposed and slower elimination of atomoxetine, so it is recommended to conduct a pharmacogenetic test prior to prescribing atomoxetine for these people.
It has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in numerous controlled trials, and is often employed as an initial treatment. It is generally well tolerated and safe, and does not increase the likelihood of suicidal behavior. It is not as effective as stimulants in decreasing tics and anxiety, and it does not appear to help with sleep issues however, it has been proven to reduce aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with antidepressant fluoxetine. Therefore, they should not be taken together [115, 37.
Two other medications that are often prescribed as a first-line treatment option for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). types of adhd medication were initially developed to reduce high pressure in adults. They are referred to as alpha agonists. They function by stimulating certain receptors in the brain to release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine which can decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications have a lengthy time to begin their action, and a majority of children will require between two and four weeks before they see any benefits from them. In addition they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the possibility of serious and possibly fatal adverse events, such as extreme hypothermia and rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instability.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that boost activity in the central nervous system. They encompass a range of drugs, some legal and others illegal. They can be used for a number of reasons, including performance enhancement, to stay alert and alert and to treat specific medical conditions, such as ADHD, depression, and narcolepsy. Examples of stimulants prescribed by a doctor are amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term stimulant is also used to refer to non-prescription drugs such as caffeine and diet pills. They are used for many reasons, but can be harmful when used in conjunction together with certain medications or foods.
They don't create a habit in the doses prescribed for patients with ADHD however, they do have side effects. They can make people feel nervous or jittery. They can cause upset stomach and elevate blood pressure.
Some teenagers and children who take stimulants may experience tics or repetitive noises or movements, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. They might also have a minor growth delay.
A doctor will determine the right stimulant for you or your children. They will also take into account factors such as weight, age, and allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medication. Always follow the doctor's prescriptions. You must go through the Medication Guide that comes with your medication.
The use of medication isn't the only method to treat symptoms of ADHD however they are usually the first course of treatment. Everyone of any age are able to benefit from psychosocial interventions, like family therapy and behavior modification.
People who are prescribed ADHD medication should have their risk of misuse and abuse assessed and advised not to share their medication with anyone else. Also it is recommended to keep any medications they no longer 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 requiring more consistent information to be placed on the label of a drug to patients and their families be aware about these serious risks.