ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are medications that help people with ADHD focus and manage their impulsive behavior. They can be long- or short-acting and are prescribed by psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists (and GPs in some circumstances).
Stimulants affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are strictly controlled and can only be prescribed by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a drug that is part of the family of stimulants and increases activity in parts of the brain. It increases the levels of certain chemicals, like dopamine and noradrenaline. This helps control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate may be used to treat ADHD as well as narcolepsy and other disorders. It can also be prescribed to treat depression in adults, but this is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate is absorbed into the bloodstream quickly from the gut, and starts working within hours. It can be taken as a tablet that releases immediately or chewable extended-release capsule or tablet. The doctor will prescribe a dosage that is suitable for the patient's needs and possible side effects.
The effects of methylphenidate are likely to be mild and go away over time as the body adjusts to the medication. If they continue to bother you, talk with your doctor, who can lower the dosage or recommend a different medicine. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dose. This lowers the chance of dependence or abuse. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified the drug methylphenidate as a Schedule II substance, which means it is highly susceptible to abuse. The stimulants can lead to dependence and withdrawal if they are not taken as prescribed.
It is important to inform the doctor if your child has any heart issues, such as an irregular heartbeat or a history of a heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. how to get adhd medication uk will check their blood pressure before starting treatment. It's also important to tell the doctor if your child is taking any other medicines, such as herbal remedies or vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will give you guidelines on how much and how often you should take the medicine along with any other precautions. Methylphenidate is recommended to be taken twice daily in conjunction with meals. Certain brands of long-acting methylphenidate tablets (Quillichew ER; Cotempla XR with -ODT; and Adhansia XR), contain aspartame. Aspartame is a major source of phenylalanine and should not by taken by people suffering from phenylketonuria.
It's important to avoid alcohol and other drugs when taking this medication. Some people may notice that their appetite declines when they take methylphenidate. Encourage your child to eat regular snacks and meals in case they are losing weight. You may need to encourage them to drink plenty of water or squash to ensure they are well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nerve system stimulant, sold under the brand name Vyvanse. It affects chemicals in the brain and the nerves. It improves concentration and control of impulses in children, adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. It also treats the disorder of binge eating (BED) by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain, which reduces instances of uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine belongs to the prodrug class, which is a modified drug that is inactive until it's metabolized in the body. It has demonstrated efficacy and safety in both stimulant naive patients as well as patients exposed to stimulants with ADHD. It is also believed to have a greater lasting effect than other stimulants and may have fewer rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the scores for ADHD-RS-IV improved significantly during a 12-week-long controlled trial. They also noted that the majority of those who switched to placebo relapsed after 2 weeks.28 Additionally, Brams et al29 used an innovative design for an uncontrolled withdrawal study which they followed 116 adults for 12 weeks after stopping the lisdexamfetamine treatment. They discovered that a majority of the patients who relapsed were not exposed to any other stimulants during the previous two weeks.
It is important to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to this medication or any other medicines. Inform your doctor if suffer from high blood pressure, heart issues or any other heart issues. The use of stimulants can increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks or sudden deaths for people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. It is not recommended to breastfeed when taking this medication. This medication can cause dizziness, shakiness or stomach upset in some people. Lisdexamfetamine is not recommended for use by children younger than 6 years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not a prescription drug for use by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Even if you are feeling better, you should not stop taking the medicine unless your physician advises you to. While you're taking this medication, your doctor will likely keep track of your blood pressure and pulse rate.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant that works by blocking the presynaptic norepinephrine transporter. It has a high affinity for this transporter, but has a low affinity for other neurotransmitter receptors and transporters [115,136]. In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it improved the inhibitory control of ADHD patients by reducing overactivation of the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and colleagues, 2009). It was also shown to improve working memory and attention span in children with ADHD. It has a slow onset of action, and may take up to 12 weeks for the full effect to be evident. The dose is weight based and should be taken at a low dose and gradually increased. A once-daily dose is typical. A poor metabolizer of the drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a higher exposure and a slower elimination of atomoxetine. Pharmacogenetic testing should be performed prior to prescribing atomoxetine to these patients.
It has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in several controlled studies, and is often used as the first-line treatment. It is generally well-tolerated and is safe, and does not increase the likelihood of suicidal behavior. It is not as effective in reducing anxiety and tics as stimulants and it doesn't appear to help with sleep disorders. However it has been proven to reduce aggression in certain children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with the antidepressant fluoxetine, and therefore it is not recommended to take them together [115, 137).
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two other medications that can be prescribed as the first-line treatment for ADHD. These medications were originally developed to lower high pressure in adults. These drugs 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 take effect and it could take up to four weeks for some children before they can see any benefits. They are also not recommended for use with MAOIs, e.g. phenelzine) due to the risk of fatal and grave adverse reactions like severe hypothermia rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability extreme agitation and confusion, and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs which increase activity in the nervous system. They include a variety of substances - some of them legal, while others are illicit. They are employed for a variety of reasons, including performance enhancement, to remain awake or alert, and to treat certain medical conditions like ADHD, depression, and narcolepsy. Amphetamines and methylphenidate as well as other prescription stimulants are available. The term stimulant can also apply to nonprescription drugs like caffeine and some diet pills, which are used for a variety reasons, but they may not be safe when used together with other medications or certain food items.
Stimants aren't habit-forming in the doses prescribed to treat those suffering from ADHD, but they can cause side effects. Some people may feel jittery or unstable. They can raise the heart rate and blood pressure, cause an upset stomach and cause sleep problems.
Children and teens who take stimulants may have antics, or repetitive movements or sounds, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. They may also experience a minor growth delay.
A doctor will determine the right stimulant for your child or yourself. They will also consider factors such as weight, age, and allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow your doctor's instructions. You should study the Medication Guide that comes with your medicine.
The first option for treating ADHD is typically medication. It's not the only option, but it is the most common. Psychosocial interventions such as behavior modification and family therapy are also available to assist people of all ages with ADHD.
People who take prescription ADHD medication should be evaluated for risk of misuse and abuse, and counseled to avoid sharing their medication with anyone else. Also it is recommended to store any medication they do not use in a safe place and dispose of them appropriately. Health professionals must also regularly assess and examine patients for signs of abuse, misuse, or addiction. The FDA is now requiring more consistent information to be included on drug labels to help inform patients and their families about the serious dangers.