This Is The Good And Bad About ADHD Stimulant Medication
ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD control their hyper-impulsive behavior and focus. They can be short- or long-acting and are prescribed by paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists (and GPs in some circumstances).
Stimulants alter the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. They are tightly controlled and are only prescribed by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate belongs to the family of stimulants and boosts brain activity. It boosts levels of certain chemicals like dopamine and noradrenaline that help to regulate attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate is a treatment for ADHD and narcolepsy. It is also prescribed to treat depression in adults, but it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate enters the bloodstream rapidly from the gut, and starts working within a matter of hours. It is available as an immediate-release tablet or an extended-release chewable tablet or capsule. The doctor will prescribe a formula that is most appropriate for the patient's symptoms and the side effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate are usually minor and will disappear with time as the body becomes accustomed to the drug. If they continue to bother you, talk with your doctor, who can lower the dose or try another medication. It's important to take the medication exactly as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dose. This reduces the risk for abuse or addiction. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified methylphenidate as a Schedule II substance, which means it is extremely vulnerable to abuse. best adhd medication for adults have the potential to create dependence and withdrawal if not taken as prescribed.
It is essential to inform the doctor if your child has any heart issues, such as an irregular heartbeat or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate may increase the rate of heartbeat and that's why doctors will test their heart rate and blood pressure before they start treatment. It's also important to tell the doctor if your child is taking other medications, like herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
The doctor will give you instructions about how much and how often you should take the medicine, as well as any other precautions. Methylphenidate is typically taken two times every day, with meals. Some brands of the long-acting methylphenidate chewable tablets (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame which is a source of phenylalanine. It should not be taken by those suffering from phenylketonuria (an inherited condition that requires a low-protein diet to prevent the development of severe intellectual disabilities.).
Avoid drinking alcohol and other substances while taking this medication. Some people may experience a decrease in appetite while taking methylphenidate. If your child is losing weight, try to encourage them to eat a regular diet and snacks. They may also require to drink lots of water or squash to stay well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is available under the brand name Vyvanse is a stimulant for the central nervous system that acts on chemicals in the brain and nerves. It improves concentration and control of impulses in children, adolescents and adults with ADHD. It also treats BED, also known as binge eating disorder (BED) by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, reducing instances of uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine belongs to the prodrug class, which is a modified drug that is inactive until metabolized within the body. It has demonstrated efficacy and safety in both stimulant naive patients and stimulant exposed patients with ADHD. It is also believed to provide a longer-lasting effect than other stimulants, and may be less likely to trigger rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the ADHD-RS-IV scores significantly improved in a 12-week controlled trial. They also noted that the majority of the patients who were switched to placebo relapsed after 2 weeks.28 In addition, Brams et al29 used an innovative method for a randomized withdrawal study in which they followed 116 adult patients for 12 weeks after stopping treatment with lisdexamfetamine. They discovered that the majority of patients who relapsed weren't exposed to any other stimulants during the two weeks preceding.
It is essential to inform your doctor if you suffer from any allergies to this medicine or any other medication. Also, let your doctor know that you have high blood pressure, heart disease or any other heart-related issues. The use of stimulants can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack or sudden death for those with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine may be absorbed into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. You should not feed your baby while taking this medication. This medication can cause dizziness, shakiness or stomach upsets in certain people. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for use by children less than 6 years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for women who are nursing or pregnant. Even if you are feeling better, you should not stop taking the medication unless your physician advises you to. While you are taking this medication, your doctor will likely keep track of your pulse rate and blood pressure.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera, is a nonstimulant which works by blocking the presynaptic receptors of norepinephrine. It has a high affinity to this transporter, but has a low affinity for other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115-136]. In a variety of placebo-controlled studies it enhanced inhibition control in ADHD patients by inhibiting overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain et al. 2009). It has also been shown to improve working memory and attention span in children with ADHD. It has a slow rate of action and can take up to 12 weeks for the full effect to be seen. The dose is based on weight and should be increased gradually. A daily dose of once is common. A poor metabolizer of drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a higher exposure and a slow elimination of the drug atomoxetine. Pharmacogenetic testing should be done before prescribing atomoxetine for these individuals.
In a number of controlled studies it has been demonstrated that it can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It is typically used as the first-line treatment. It is generally well tolerated and safe, and it does not increase the risk for suicidal behavior. It is not as efficient as stimulants in reducing tics and anxiety as well as it doesn't seem to decrease sleep issues however, it has been shown to reduce aggression in children. Atomoxetine is more akin to the antidepressant, Fluoxetine. Therefore it is recommended that they not be taken together.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two other drugs that can be prescribed as first-line treatments for ADHD. These drugs were initially developed to lower high pressure in adults. These are alpha agonists. They work by stimulating receptors in the brain to release norepinephrine neurotransmitter, which can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications take time to work and it could take up to four weeks for some children before they see any benefits. They are not recommended to be used with MAOIs, e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the risk of serious and possibly fatal adverse reactions, including severe hypothermia and rigidity myoclonus and autonomic instabilities.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs which increase activity in the nervous system. They are a variety of drugs that are legal and illegal. They are used to improve performance, keep you awake and alert, as well as treat certain medical conditions like ADHD, narcolepsy and depression. Amphetamines and methylphenidate as well as other prescription stimulants can be utilized. The term"stimulant" could also be applied to nonprescription medications such as caffeine and certain diet pills, which are utilized for a variety of reasons, but they may not be safe when taken in combination with other medications or certain foods.
Stimants can cause adverse effects, even if they're not addictive at the doses prescribed to treat ADHD. Some people may feel jittery or shaky. They can raise the heart rate and blood pressure and can cause stomach upset and may cause sleep problems.
Some teenagers and children who are taking stimulants may experience tics or repeated sounds or movements, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. They could also experience a slight delay in growth.
A doctor will decide the best stimulant for your child or you. They will also consider factors such as weight and age as well as allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow the instructions of your physician. You should always review the Medication Guide that is included with your prescription.
The first treatment for ADHD is usually medication. This isn't the only option, but it's the most popular. Psychosocial interventions such as behavior modification and family therapy are also available to assist those of all ages suffering from ADHD.
Patients who are prescribed ADHD medication should be screened for the possibility of misuse and abuse assessed, and be counseled not to give their medication to others. They should also be advised to keep any medication they no longer use away and properly disposed of. Health professionals should regularly assess and check patients for indications of abuse, misuse or addiction. The FDA has demanded that more consistent information is included on the labeling of drugs in order to educate families and patients about the dangers of these drugs.