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 dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are tightly controlled and can only prescribed by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate belongs to the stimulant family and increases brain activity. It boosts levels of certain chemicals like dopamine and noradrenaline that help to regulate attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate is used to treat ADHD and the condition known as narcolepsy. It is also prescribed to treat depression in adults, although this is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate is absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream rapidly and can be used within a few hours. It is available as an immediate-release tablet or chewable extended-release capsule or tablet. The doctor will prescribe a dosage that is appropriate for the patient's condition and the side effects.
The effects of methylphenidate tend to be minor and will disappear with time as the body adjusts to the medicine. If they persist, speak to the doctor who can lower the dosage or recommend another medication. It's important to take this medication as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dosage. This can reduce the chance for addiction or abuse. Methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means it has a high possibility of abuse. These stimulants can trigger dependence and withdrawal if not taken in the manner prescribed by a doctor.
Tell your doctor if you child has heart issues. This could include an irregular heartbeat, or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate may increase heart rate which is the reason why the doctor will examine their heart rhythm and blood pressure before they start treatment. It's also important to tell the doctor whether your child is taking any other medications, like supplements, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
The doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often, in addition to any other precautions. Methylphenidate is recommended to be taken twice a day, with meals. Certain brands of chewable tablets that methylphenidate is long-acting (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame which is a major source of phenylalanine, and should not be taken by those suffering from Phenylketonuria (an inherited condition that requires a low-protein diet to prevent severe intellectual impairment).
It's important to avoid alcohol and other drugs when taking this drug. Some sufferers may experience a decrease in appetite when taking methylphenidate. If your child is losing weight, try to encourage them to eat a regular diet and snacks. They may also have to drink lots of squash or water to keep hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is sold under the brand name Vyvanse, is a stimulant for the central nervous system that acts on chemicals in the brain and nerves. It helps improve concentration and control of impulses in adolescents, children and adults with ADHD. It also treats binge eating disorder (BED) by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which reduces instances of eating disorders that are uncontrolled.
Lisdexamfetamine belongs to the prodrug class, which is a modified medication that is inactive until it's metabolized within the body. It has shown efficacy and safety in both stimulant naive patients and stimulant exposed patients with ADHD. It is also thought to provide a longer-lasting effect than other stimulants and could have fewer rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the ADHD-RS-IV scores significantly improved in a 12-week controlled study. They also found that the majority of the patients who changed to placebo had a relapse within 2 weeks.28 Additionally, Brams et al29 used an innovative method for an uncontrolled withdrawal study in which they followed 116 adult patients for 12 weeks after stopping the lisdexamfetamine treatment. They found that the majority of patients who relapsed were not exposed to any other stimulants in the previous two-week period.
It is essential to inform your doctor if you suffer from any allergies to this medication or any other medication. Inform your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems or other heart-related conditions. These stimulants increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks or sudden deaths for people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine may be absorbed into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. You should not feed your baby while taking this medication. Some patients might experience dizziness, shakiness or stomach upset when taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved for use by children younger than 6 years old. Lisdexamfetamine is also not approved for use by people who are nursing or pregnant. Even if you feel better, you should not stop taking the medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Your doctor may want to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure while you're taking this medicine.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant that blocks the presynaptic norepinephrine transporter. It is highly specific for this transporter and a weak affinity for other neurotransmitter transporters and receptors [115,136and 136. In multiple placebo-controlled research studies, it helped improve inhibitory control in ADHD patients by inhibiting overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain et al., 2009). It also was shown to increase attention span and working memory in children suffering from ADHD. It has a slow rate of action, and it could take up to 12 weeks for its full effect to be observed. The dosage is based on weight and should be started at a low level, and gradually increased. A daily dose of once is common. A poor metabolizer of drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a greater exposure and a slower elimination of atomoxetine. Pharmacogenetic testing should be conducted prior to prescribing atomoxetine in these individuals.
In several controlled studies it has been demonstrated that it can be effective in decreasing symptoms of ADHD. It is typically utilized as the first line treatment. It is generally well tolerated and safe, and it does not increase the risk of suicidal behavior. adhd stimulant medication isn't as effective as stimulants in decreasing tics and anxiety, and it does not appear to help with sleep issues, but it has been proven to decrease aggression in children. Atomoxetine is more akin to the antidepressant fluoxetine. Therefore, they should not be taken at the same time.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two additional medications that can be prescribed as treatments of first-line for ADHD. These drugs were originally created to lower high pressure in adults. They are called alpha agonists. They function by stimulating specific receptors within the brain to release the neurotransmitter neopinephrine which reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications have a lengthy time to begin their action, and many children will require two to four weeks before they can see any benefits from them. Additionally they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the possibility of fatal and serious adverse events, such as severe hypothermia and rigidity, myoclonus, and autonomic instability.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that boost activity in the nervous system. They are a variety of substances, some legal and others illegal. They can be used to boost performance, keep you awake and alert, as well as treat certain medical conditions, such as ADHD or narcolepsy, as well as depression. Some examples of prescribed stimulants include amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term stimulant can also be applied to nonprescription medications like caffeine and some diet pills that are used for a variety reasons, but are not safe when used together with other medications or certain foods.
They don't create a habit in the doses used to treat people with ADHD however, they do have side effects. They can cause some people to feel shaky or jittery. They can cause a tense stomach and elevate blood pressure.
Some children and teens who are taking stimulants might experience the tics or repetitive sounds or movements, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. They may also experience an insignificant delay in growth.
A doctor will decide which stimulant is best for you or your child. They will also consider factors like weight and age as well as allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medications. Always follow the directions of your doctor. You should always go through the Medication Guide that is included with your medication.
Medicines aren't the only option to reduce symptoms of ADHD however they are usually the first treatment option. All ages of people are able to benefit from psychosocial interventions, such as family therapy and behavior modification.
People who are prescribed ADHD medication should be screened for the possibility of misuse and abuse evaluated and advised not to share their medication with anyone else. Additionally they should be urged to store any medication they do not use in a secure place and dispose of them appropriately. Health care professionals should also regularly assess and monitor patients for indications of abuse, misuse, or addiction. The FDA has mandated that more consistent information is included on the labeling of drugs in order to inform patients and their families about these serious dangers.