ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants assist people with ADHD control their focus and impulsive behavior. They can be short- or long-acting and are prescribed by paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists (and doctors in certain circumstances).
Stimulants affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are tightly regulated and are only prescribed by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is part of the stimulant family and increases brain activity. It boosts the levels of certain chemicals, including dopamine and noradrenaline, which helps to regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate can be used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, among other disorders. It is also prescribed to treat depression in adults, but this is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate is absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream rapidly and works within hours. It is available as a chewable or immediate-release tablet. The doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage based on the patient's symptoms and the risk of adverse effects.
Side effects of methylphenidate tend to be mild and go disappear over time as the body adjusts to the medicine. If they continue to bother you, talk to your doctor who will lower the dosage or recommend an alternative medication. It is crucial to take the medication exactly as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. This will reduce the risk of addiction or abuse. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified methylphenidate as a Schedule II substance, which means it is extremely susceptible to abuse. The stimulants can lead to dependence and withdrawal if they are not used as directed.
It's important to tell the doctor if your child has any heart issues, like irregular heartbeats or a history of a heart attack. Methylphenidate can raise heart rate, which is why the doctor will check their heart rate and blood pressure prior to starting treatment. It is also crucial to inform the doctor if your child is taking any other medications, including supplements, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
The doctor will tell you how much medication to take and how often, in addition to any other precautions. Methylphenidate is typically taken twice every day, with meals. Certain brands of long-acting methylphenidate chewable tablets (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine, and is not recommended for people suffering from phenylketonuria (an inherited condition that requires a low-protein diet to prevent severe intellectual impairment).
Avoid alcohol and other drugs while taking this medication. Some people might notice their appetite declines when they take methylphenidate. If your child is losing weight, you should encourage them to eat regularly and snacks. You may have to encourage them to drink plenty of squash or water to keep well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nerve system stimulant that is sold under the name Vyvanse. It affects chemicals found in the brain and nerves. It helps improve concentration and control of impulses in children, adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. It treats eating disorders that cause binge eating (BED) as well by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This decreases the amount of food that is consumed.
Lisdexamfetamine is a member of the prodrug class, which is a modified medication that is inactive until transformed in the body. It has been proven to be effective and safety in both stimulant naive patients as well as patients exposed to stimulants with ADHD. It is also thought to have a longer-lasting effect than other stimulants, and may have fewer rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the ADHD-RS-IV scores improved significantly in a 12-week controlled study. They also noted 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 following the discontinuation of the drug lisdexamfetamine. They found that the majority of patients who relapsed were not exposed to any other stimulants in the previous two weeks.
It is important to tell your doctor if there are any allergies to this medication or any other medication. Inform your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems, or other heart conditions. Certain stimulants can increase the risk of having a stroke or heart attack as well as sudden death among people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine may be absorbed into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking this medication. This medication can cause shakiness, dizziness, or stomach upset in some people. Lisdexamfetamine has not been approved for use by children less than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not recommended for women who are nursing or pregnant. You should not stop taking this medication unless your physician tells you to do so even when you are feeling better. While you're taking this medication and your doctor is likely to monitor your pulse rate and blood pressure.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a non-stimulant which works by blocking presynaptic transporters that are part of norepinephrine. It has high specificity for this transporter, and has a low affinity for other neurotransmitter transportation systems or receptors [115,136and 136. In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it improved inhibitory 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 the ability to focus in children with ADHD. It takes up to 12 weeks to experience its full effects. The dosage is based on weight and should be taken at a low dose and gradually increased. A daily dose of one hour is common. A weak metabolizer of the drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a higher exposure and a slower elimination of atomoxetine. Pharmacogenetic testing should be done before prescribing atomoxetine in these individuals.
It has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD in several controlled trials, and is often used as an initial treatment. It is generally safe and well tolerated and doesn't increase the risk of suicidal behaviors. It is not as effective as stimulants in decreasing anxiety and tics, and it does not seem to decrease sleep issues however it has been proven to reduce aggression in children. Atomoxetine interacts more with the antidepressant the fluoxetine. Therefore it is recommended that they not be taken in conjunction.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two additional medications that can be prescribed as the first-line treatment for ADHD. These medications were originally designed to lower blood pressure in adults. These drugs are known as alpha agonists. They work by stimulating receptors in the mind to release norepinephrine neurotransmitter, which can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications have a lengthy duration of action and many children will require between two and four weeks before they can see any benefit from them. In addition they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. phenelzine) due to the possibility of fatal and grave adverse reactions such as severe hypothermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability extreme agitation and confusion, and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that increase activity in the nervous system. Iam Psychiatry encompass a range of substances, some legal and others illegal. They are used to improve performance, stay alert and alert, and treat certain medical conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy as well as depression. Some examples of prescription stimulants are amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term"stimulant" could also apply to nonprescription drugs such as caffeine and certain diet pills that are utilized for a variety of reasons, but they may not be safe when taken in combination with other medications or some food items.
They don't create a habit in the doses prescribed for people with ADHD, but they can have side effects. They can cause some people to feel shaky or jittery. They can raise blood pressure and heart rate and can cause stomach upset, and can lead to sleep problems.
Some children and teens who are taking stimulants might experience antics or repeated sounds or movements, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. They could also experience a minor slowing in growth.
A doctor will determine the best stimulant for you or your child. They will also take into account factors such as weight and age as well as allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medication. Always follow the doctor's prescriptions. You must go through the Medication Guide that comes with the medication you are taking.
The use of medication isn't the only method to treat symptoms of ADHD however they are usually the first course of treatment. All ages of people are able to benefit from psychosocial interventions like family therapy and behavior modification.
Patients who are prescribed ADHD medication should be screened for the possibility of abuse and misuse assessed, and be counseled not to share their medication with others. They should also be advised to keep unused medication locked away and properly destroyed. Health professionals must also regularly monitor patients for signs of abuse, misuse, or addiction. The FDA is requiring more consistent information to be provided on drug labels to patients and their families be aware about the serious dangers.