ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are drugs that aid people suffering from ADHD focus and manage their impulsive behavior. They are either short-acting or long-acting, and are prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians and psychiatrists (and in some cases GPs).
Stimulants affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are controlled tightly and are only ordered by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is part of the stimulant family and enhances brain activity. It boosts the levels of certain chemicals, including dopamine and noradrenaline, which helps control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate can be used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It can also be prescribed to treat depression in adults. However, it is not regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate gets into the bloodstream fast through the gut and begins working within hours. It is available as a chewable or immediate-release tablet. The doctor will prescribe a formulation that is most appropriate for the patient's needs and possible side effects.
Side effects of methylphenidate tend to be minor and go in time as the body becomes accustomed to the drug. If they are persistent, talk to the doctor who can lower the dose or try a different medicine. It is essential to take the medication as prescribed. Do not overdose the dosage recommended. This helps reduce the potential for addiction or abuse. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified methylphenidate as a Schedule II substance, which means it is highly susceptible to abuse. Stimulants can cause dependence and withdrawal if they are not taken as prescribed.
It's important to tell the doctor whether your child has heart issues, like an irregular heartbeat or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will test their blood pressure prior to starting treatment. Inform the doctor about any other medications your child takes such as herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will inform you how much medication to take and how often, in addition to any other precautions. Methylphenidate is usually taken twice a day with meals. Certain brands of long-acting methylphenidate tablets (Quillichew ER; Cotempla XR -ODT; and Adhansia XR), contain aspartame. Aspartame is an ingredient that contains phenylalanine, and should not be taken by people suffering from phenylketonuria.
It is important to stay clear of alcohol and other drugs when taking this drug. Some sufferers may experience a decrease in appetite while taking methylphenidate. If your child is losing weight, you should encourage them to eat regular meals and snacks. You may need to remind them to drink a lot of squash or water to keep hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nervous system stimulant that is sold under the name Vyvanse. It acts on chemical substances that are found in the brain and the nerves. It enhances concentration and impulse control in children, adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. It also treats the disorder of binge eating (BED) by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain, and reducing instances of uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine is one of the prodrug class of medications that are modified to render them inactive until they are metabolized the body.27 It has been found to be safe and well-tolerated in a number of placebo controlled trials, showing efficacy in both stimulant-naive as well as stimulant-exposed patients with ADHD. It is also thought to have a longer-lasting effect than other stimulants, and may have fewer rebound symptoms.
In a 12-week study that was placebo-controlled, Adler et al27 found significant improvements in ADHD-RS-IV scores. They also noted that the majority of the patients who were 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 weeks.
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. Certain stimulants can increase the risk of having a stroke heart attack, stroke, or sudden death among people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breast milk and harm a nursing infant. You should not take this medication while breastfeeding. Some patients may experience dizziness, shakiness or stomach upset while taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved for use by children less than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine cannot be used by women who are nursing or pregnant. It is not recommended to stop taking this medication unless your doctor advises you to even when you are feeling better. While you're taking this medication the doctor will check your blood pressure and pulse rate.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant that works by blocking the presynaptic norepinephrine-transporter. It has a high affinity this transporter, but has a low affinity for any other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115,136]. In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it improved inhibitory control in ADHD patients by inhibiting overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain and co., 2009). treating adhd without medication was also found to improve attention span and working memory in children suffering from ADHD. It can take as long as 12 weeks before you can see the full effects. The dosage is based on weight and should be started at a low level, and gradually increasing. A once-daily dosage is typical. People who are not metabolizers of the drug Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) are more exposed and less efficient elimination of atomoxetine, so it is recommended to conduct a pharmacogenetic test prior to prescribing atomoxetine for these people.
In several controlled studies it has been proven that it can be effective in decreasing symptoms of ADHD. It is frequently utilized as the first line treatment. It is generally well-tolerated and safe, and does not increase the risk of suicidal behavior. It is not as effective as stimulants in decreasing anxiety and tics as well as it doesn't seem to reduce sleep problems, but it has been demonstrated to help with aggression in a few children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with antidepressant fluoxetine, so it is not recommended to take them together [115, 137).
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two other drugs that can be prescribed as treatments of first-line for ADHD. These drugs were initially developed to reduce high pressure in adults. They are called alpha agonists and work by stimulating certain receptors in the brain to release the neurotransmitter neopinephrine which can decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs take time to take effect and it could take up to four weeks for many children before they experience any benefit. They are not recommended for use in conjunction with MAOIs (e.g. e.g. phenelzine) due to the risk of serious and potentially fatal adverse reactions, like severe hypothermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability, extreme agitation and confusion, and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that boost activity in the central nervous system. They include a variety of drugs, some legal, others illicit. They are utilized for a variety of purposes, such as performance improvement, to stay awake or alert and to treat certain medical conditions, such as ADHD, narcolepsy, and depression. Some examples of stimulants prescribed by a doctor are amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term stimulant is also used to describe nonprescription medications like diet pills and caffeine. They are often used for various reasons, but they can be harmful when used in conjunction with certain foods or medications.
Stimants can cause adverse effects, even if they're not addictive at dosages prescribed for ADHD. They can make some people feel nervous or jittery. They can cause a tense stomach and increase blood pressure.
Children and teens who are taking stimulants might have tics, or repeated sounds or movements like eye blinking and throat clearing. They may also experience a slight slowing in their growth.
A doctor will determine the right stimulant for your child or you. They will also take into account factors such as weight, age, and allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow the prescriptions of your doctor. You should always read the Medication Guide that is included with your prescription.
Medicines aren't the only way to improve symptoms of ADHD however they are usually the first treatment option. Psychosocial interventions such as behavior modification and family therapy are also available to help people of all ages with ADHD.
Patients who are taking prescription ADHD medication should be assessed for the possibility of abuse and misuse and advised not to share their medication with anyone else. Also it is recommended to store unused medications in a safe place and dispose of them appropriately. Health professionals should also regularly assess patients and monitor them for indications of misuse, abuse or addiction. The FDA has mandated that more consistent information be included on drug labeling to help educate families and patients about these serious dangers.