ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are medications that help people suffering from ADHD focus and manage their impulsive behavior. They are either short-acting, or long-acting, and are prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians or psychiatrists (and in some cases, GPs).
Stimulants alter the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. They are tightly controlled and can only be ordered by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate belongs to the stimulant family and enhances brain activity. It increases the levels of chemicals such as dopamine and noradrenaline, which aid in controlling attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is a treatment option to treat ADHD as well as narcolepsy and other conditions. It may also be prescribed to treat depression in adults, though this is not endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate enters the bloodstream rapidly through the gut and begins working within hours. It is available as a chewable or immediate-release tablet. The doctor will prescribe the most suitable dosage based on the individual's symptoms and risk of side effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate are typically minor and will disappear with time as the body adjusts to the medicine. If they continue to bother you, talk to the doctor who can reduce the dosage or suggest another medication. It's important to take this medication exactly as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dosage. This reduces the risk of abuse or addiction. 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 withdrawal and dependence if not taken as prescribed.
It is essential to inform the doctor if your child has any heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat or a history of a heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will therefore test their blood pressure prior to beginning treatment. Inform the doctor about any other medications your child takes, including herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will give you instructions about how much and how often to take the medicine and any other special precautions. Methylphenidate should be taken twice daily in conjunction with meals. Some brands of long-acting methylphenidate tablets (Quillichew ER; Cotempla XR -ODT; and Adhansia XR), contain aspartame. Aspartame is a major source of Phenylalanine and should not be taken by people suffering from phenylketonuria.
Avoid drinking alcohol and other substances when taking this drug. Some people may notice that their appetite declines when they take methylphenidate. Encourage your child to take regular meals and snacks if they are losing weight. You may have to encourage them to drink lots of water or squash to keep well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine, 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 impulse control and concentration in children, adolescents and adults with ADHD. It treats the disorder of binge eating (BED) as well by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This reduces uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine is a member of the prodrug class that is a modified drug that is inactive until transformed within the body. It has been proven to be effective 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 could be less likely to trigger rebound symptoms.
In a 12-week trial that was controlled by placebo, Adler et al27 found significant improvements in the ADHD-RS-IV scores. They also found that the majority of those who were switched to placebo relapsed after 2 weeks.28 In addition, Brams et al29 used a novel design for an uncontrolled withdrawal study in which they followed 116 adults for 12 weeks after stopping treatment with lisdexamfetamine. They found that the majority of the patients who relapsed hadn't been exposed to other stimulants in the two weeks prior to their relapse.
It is important to tell your doctor if you suffer from any allergies to this medication or any other medications. Inform your doctor if suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems or any other heart issues. Certain stimulants can increase the risk of having a stroke, heart attack or sudden death for those with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine may pass into breastmilk and harm a nursing infant. It is not recommended to take this medication while breastfeeding. Some sufferers might experience shakiness, dizziness or stomach upsets while taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved for children under six years old. adhd uk medication is not recommended for women who are nursing or pregnant. You should not stop taking this medication unless your doctor tells you to do so, even if you are feeling better. While you're taking this medication, your doctor will likely keep track of your pulse rate and blood pressure.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant that works by blocking the presynaptic neuronal norepinephrine transporter. It is highly specific to this transporter, and has a low affinity for other neurotransmitter transporters and receptors [115,136]. In a variety of placebo-controlled trials it enhanced the inhibitory control of ADHD patients by reducing the overactivation on the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and colleagues, 2009). It was also shown to increase working memory and attention span in children with ADHD. It has a slow rate of action, and may take up to 12 weeks for the full effect to be observed. The dosage is determined by weight and should be gradually increased. A daily dose of once is common. People who are not metabolizers of the drug Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) have greater exposure and less efficient elimination of atomoxetine. the pharmacogenetic test is recommended prior to prescribing atomoxetine to these individuals.
In a number of controlled studies it has been demonstrated that it is effective in decreasing symptoms of ADHD. It is frequently used as the first-line treatment. It is generally well-tolerated and safe, and it does not increase the likelihood of suicidal behavior. It is not as efficient as stimulants in reducing tics and anxiety, and it does not appear to help with sleep issues however, it has been demonstrated to decrease aggression in children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with the antidepressant fluoxetine. Therefore, it is not recommended to take them together [115, 137).
Two other medications that are often prescribed as a first-line treatment for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). These drugs were originally developed to lower high blood pressure in adults. They are known as alpha agonists and work by stimulating certain receptors in the brain to release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which can decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications have a long time to begin their action, and most children will require between two and four weeks before they can see any benefits from them. They are also not recommended for use with MAOIs(e.g. e.g. phenelzine) because of the risk of fatal and serious adverse events 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. They include a variety of substances - some legal, others illegal. They are used to improve performance, stay awake and alert, as well as treat certain medical conditions, such as ADHD and narcolepsy as well as depression. Amphetamines, methylphenidate and other prescription stimulants can be used. The term stimulant is also used to describe nonprescription drugs like caffeine and diet pills. These are used for many reasons, but can be dangerous when combined with certain foods or medications.
Stimants can cause negative side effects, even though they're not habit-forming in the doses prescribed to treat ADHD. Some sufferers may feel jittery, or shaky. They can cause upset stomach and elevate blood pressure.
Some children and teenagers who take stimulants may experience tics or repeated sounds or movements like eye blinking or throat clearing. They might also have an insignificant delay in growth.
A doctor will decide which stimulant is best for your child or you. They will also take into account factors like weight and age as well as allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow the instructions of your doctor. You should study the Medication Guide that comes with the medication you are taking.
The use of medication isn't the only option to reduce symptoms of ADHD however they are usually the first treatment option. People of all ages are able to benefit from psychosocial interventions like family therapy and behavior modification.
People who are prescribed ADHD medication should be screened for the possibility of misuse and abuse assessed and advised not to share their medication with anyone else. They should also be advised to keep any medication they no longer use away and properly disposed. Health care professionals must regularly monitor patients and check them for signs of misuse, abuse or addiction. The FDA has demanded that more consistent information be included on the labeling of drugs in order to educate families and patients about these serious dangers.