ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants assist people with ADHD manage their hyper-impulsive behavior and focus. They can be short- or long-acting and are prescribed by psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists (and doctors in certain situations).
Stimulants alter dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are tightly regulated and only approved by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a drug that is part of the family of stimulants. It stimulates the activity of certain regions of the brain. It boosts the levels of certain chemicals, including noradrenaline and dopamine, which helps to regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is a treatment for ADHD and the condition known as narcolepsy. It may also be prescribed to treat depression in adults, but it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate gets into the bloodstream fast from the gut and starts working within a matter of hours. It can be taken in the form of an immediate-release tablet or an extended-release chewable capsule or tablet. The doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage based on the individual's symptoms and risk of side effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate tend to be minor and go in time as the body adjusts to the drug. Talk to your doctor should you experience any issues. He can lower the dosage or even try a different medication. It is crucial to take the medication exactly as prescribed. Don't overdose the dosage recommended. This reduces the risk for addiction or abuse. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified the methylphenidate drug as a Schedule II substance, which means it is extremely vulnerable to abuse. Stimulants have the potential to cause dependency and withdrawal when not taken in the prescribed manner.
It is essential to inform the doctor that your child is suffering from heart issues, like irregular heartbeats or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will therefore test their blood pressure prior to beginning treatment. It is also essential to inform the doctor if your child is taking other medications, like herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
The doctor will provide you with instructions about how much and how often you should take the medication and any other precautions. Methylphenidate is best taken twice daily in conjunction with meals. Certain brands of the chewable tablets that methylphenidate is long-acting (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame which is a source of phenylalanine. It 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 and other substances while taking this medication. Some sufferers may experience a decrease in appetite when taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to consume regular meals and snacks when they are losing weight. You may need to encourage them to drink lots of squash or water to keep well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine, sold under the brand name Vyvanse, is a stimulant for the central nervous system that affects the chemical activity of the brain and nerves. It enhances concentration and control of impulses in children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD. It treats eating disorders that cause binge eating (BED) as well by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps to reduce uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine is part of the prodrug class of drugs that are modified to make them inactive until they are metabolized by the body.27 It has been proven to be safe and well-tolerated in a number of placebo controlled trials and has shown efficacy for both stimulant-naive as well as stimulant-exposed patients with ADHD. It is also believed to have a more lasting effect than other stimulants and could be less susceptible to rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the ADHD-RS-IV scores significantly improved in a 12-week controlled study. They also reported that the majority of patients who switched to placebo experienced a relapse within two weeks.28 Brams et al29, on the other hand utilized a new method in a randomized withdrawal study that observed 116 adults for 12 weeks after the discontinuation of the drug lisdexamfetamine. They found that the majority of the patients who relapsed had not been exposed to other stimulants over the previous two weeks.
It is important to tell your doctor if there are any allergies to this medication or any other medication. Also inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or any other heart issues. The use of stimulants can increase the risk of having a stroke or heart attack as well as sudden death among people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breastmilk and harm a nursing infant. It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking this medication. Some people might experience dizziness, shakiness or stomach upset when taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved for use by children less than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for women who are pregnant or nursing. You should not stop taking this medication unless your doctor advises you to do so even when you are feeling better. Your doctor will probably want to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure while you are taking this medication.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera is a non-stimulant that blocks the presynaptic receptors of norepinephrine. It has a high affinity for this transporter, but has a low affinity for other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115-136]. In a variety of placebo-controlled studies it improved inhibitory control in ADHD patients by inhibiting overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain and colleagues. 2009). It was also shown to improve attention span and working memory in children suffering from ADHD. It is slow in the onset of action, and may take up to 12 weeks for the full effect to be observed. The dose is weight based and should be taken at a low dose, and then gradually increased. A once-daily dose is typical. A poor metabolizer of drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a greater exposure and a slower elimination of the drug atomoxetine. Testing for pharmacogenetics should be conducted prior to prescribing atomoxetine in these individuals.
It has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in several controlled trials, and it is frequently employed as the first-line treatment. It is generally well-tolerated and is safe, and does not increase the risk for suicidal behavior. It's not as effective as stimulants in decreasing anxiety and tics, and it does not appear to help with sleep issues however it has been shown to help with aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with the antidepressant fluoxetine. Therefore, it is not recommended to take them together [115, 137].
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two other medications that are available as the first-line treatment for ADHD. These drugs were initially developed to reduce high pressure in adults. They are called alpha agonists and work by stimulating specific receptors in the brain to release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine which can decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs take time to show results and can take up to four weeks for many children before they can see any benefit. Additionally they are not suggested for use with MAOIs (e.g. phenelzine) because of the risk of fatal and serious adverse events like severe hypothermia, rigidity, myoclonus or autonomic instability, extreme agitation and confusion and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that boost activity in the nervous system. They include a variety of substances - some legal, others illicit. They can be used to enhance performance, keep you awake and alert, as well as treat certain medical conditions, such as ADHD, narcolepsy and depression. Amphetamines and methylphenidate as well as other prescription stimulants can be utilized. The term stimulant is also used to describe nonprescription medications such as diet pills and caffeine. These are used for many reasons, but they can also be dangerous when combined in conjunction with certain food items or medications.
Stimants aren't habit-forming in the doses prescribed to treat patients with ADHD, but they can have adverse effects. Some sufferers may feel jittery, or unstable. They can increase the heart rate and blood pressure and can cause stomach upset and may cause trouble sleeping.
Some children and teens who are taking stimulants might be prone to the tics that are repetitive sounds or movements, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. They might also experience a minor slowing in growth.
A doctor will determine the best stimulant for your child or you. They will take into consideration other factors, including age, weight and if you or your child suffer from any allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medications. Always follow the prescriptions of your physician. You must study the Medication Guide that comes with the medication you are taking.
The first option for treating ADHD is generally medication. It's not the only option, but it's the most popular. adhd medication pregnancy of all ages can benefit from psychosocial interventions, like family therapy and behavior modification.
Patients who are taking prescription ADHD medication should be evaluated for the risk of abuse and misuse and counseled to avoid sharing their medication with anyone else. Also they should be urged to store any medication they do not use in a secure place and dispose of them appropriately. Health professionals must also frequently check and check patients for signs of abuse, misuse or addiction. The FDA has demanded that more consistent information be included on drug labeling to help educate patients and families about the serious risks.