ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants assist people with ADHD control their impulsive behavior and focus. They are either short-acting, or long-acting, and are prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians, or psychiatrists (and in some cases GPs).
Stimulants affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are strictly controlled and can only prescribed by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate belongs to the stimulant family and increases brain activity. It increases the levels of chemicals like dopamine and noradrenaline that help to regulate attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate is a treatment option to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, among other conditions. It can also be prescribed for depression in adults. However, this is not approved or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate is absorbed by the gut into the bloodstream swiftly and works within hours. It can be taken as a tablet that releases immediately or an extended-release chewable tablet or capsule. The doctor will prescribe the most suitable dosage based on the patient's symptoms and risk of side effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate tend to be mild and disappear over time as the body gets used to the drug. Consult your physician should you experience any issues. adhd medication for adults uk may reduce the dosage or try another medicine. It is crucial to take the medication exactly as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. This lowers the chance of abuse or addiction. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified the methylphenidate drug as a Schedule II substance, which means it is highly susceptible to abuse. These stimulants could cause withdrawal and dependence if not taken as prescribed.
It is important to inform the doctor whether your child has heart issues, such as an irregular heartbeat or history of heart attack. Methylphenidate can increase the heart rate and that's why the doctor will examine their heart rate and blood pressure before starting treatment. Discuss with the doctor any other medications your child takes such as herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will advise you how much medication to take and how often, in addition to any other precautions. Methylphenidate is recommended to be taken twice daily during meals. Some brands of long-acting methylphenidate tablets (Quillichew ER; Cotempla XR with -ODT and Adhansia XR), contain aspartame. Aspartame is an ingredient that contains phenylalanine and should not by taken by people suffering from phenylketonuria.
It is important to stay clear of the use of alcohol and other substances while taking this medication. Some people might notice their appetite decreases while taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to eat regular snacks and meals if they are losing weight. You may need to remind them to drink lots of squash or water to ensure they are well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nerve system stimulant sold under the name Vyvanse. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves. It enhances concentration and control of impulses in adolescents, children and adults with ADHD. It treats the disorder of binge eating (BED) as well as increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps to reduce uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine is part of the prodrug class, which is a modified medication that is inactive until transformed within the body. It has shown efficacy and safety in both stimulant naive patients as well as patients exposed to stimulants with ADHD. It is also believed to have a more lasting effect than other stimulants and may have fewer rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the scores for ADHD-RS-IV improved significantly in a 12-week controlled trial. They also reported that most of patients who changed to placebo had a relapse within 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 patients who relapsed were not exposed to any other stimulants over the two weeks preceding.
Discuss with your doctor if there are any reactions you may have to this medication, or any other medication. Tell your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems, or other heart conditions. The use of stimulants can increase the risk of having a stroke, heart attack or sudden death among people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. You should not breastfeed while taking this medication. This medication may cause shakiness, dizziness, or stomach upset in certain people. Lisdexamfetamine is not recommended for use by children younger than 6 years old. Lisdexamfetamine is also not approved for use by women who are breastfeeding or pregnant. You should not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor advises you to stop, even if you feel better. Your doctor is likely to be looking to check your heart rate and blood pressure when you take this medication.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera, is a nonstimulant that blocks presynaptic transporters of norepinephrine. It has a high affinity to this transporter, and minimal affinity for any other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115,136]. In a variety of placebo-controlled studies it improved inhibitory control in ADHD patients by reducing overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain and co. 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 dose is weight based and should be started at a low level, and then gradually increased. A once-daily dosage is typical. A poor metabolizer of drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a greater exposure and a slower elimination of atomoxetine. Testing for pharmacogenetics should be performed prior to prescribing atomoxetine in these individuals.
In a number of controlled studies it has been proven that it can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It is often utilized as the first line treatment. It is generally safe and well-tolerated, and doesn't increase the risk of suicidal behaviors. It isn't as efficient as stimulants in reducing anxiety and tics as well as it doesn't appear to help with sleep issues however, it has been demonstrated to help with aggression in children. Atomoxetine is more compatible with the antidepressant, Fluoxetine. Therefore it is recommended that they not be taken in conjunction.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two other medications that are available as the first-line treatment for ADHD. These drugs were originally developed to lower blood pressure in adults. These drugs are known as alpha agonists. They operate by stimulating receptors within the brain to release norepinephrine neurotransmitter which can decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. These drugs have a long time to begin their action, and a majority of children will require two to four weeks before they can see any benefits from them. In addition they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. phenelzine) due to the risk of fatal and grave adverse reactions like severe hypothermia rigidity, myoclonus or autonomic instability, extreme agitation and confusion and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs which increase activity in the nervous system. They are a variety of substances, some legal and others illegal. They can be used for a number of reasons, such as performance enhancement, to stay alert and alert, and to treat certain medical conditions including ADHD, narcolepsy, and depression. Amphetamines and methylphenidate as well as other prescription stimulants are available. The term stimulant can also apply to nonprescription drugs such as caffeine and certain diet pills, which are used for a variety reasons, but they may not be safe when used in combination with other medications or certain food items.
Stimulants can trigger side effects, even though they do not cause addictive at the doses prescribed for treating ADHD. They can make some people feel nervous or jittery. They can increase the heart rate and blood pressure and can cause stomach upset and cause sleep problems.
Some children and teens who take stimulants may experience antics, or repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking and throat clearing. They may also experience some minor delays in growth.
A doctor will determine the most effective stimulant for your child or yourself. They will also consider factors such as weight and age as well as allergies. adhd medication uk for adults will then prescribe medications. Always follow the doctor's prescriptions. You must go through the Medication Guide that comes with the medication you are taking.
The first treatment for ADHD is typically medication. It's not the only option, but it is the most popular. Psychosocial interventions, such as behavior modification and family therapy are also available to assist people of all ages with ADHD.
Patients who are taking prescription ADHD medication should be assessed for the possibility of abuse and misuse and advised to avoid sharing their medication with anyone else. Also they should be urged to keep any medications they no longer use in a safe place and dispose of them appropriately. Health care professionals must also regularly check patients and monitor them for indications of misuse, abuse, or addiction. The FDA has mandated that more consistent information be included on the labeling of drugs in order to educate families and patients about the dangers of these drugs.