The Unknown Benefits Of ADHD Stimulant Medication
ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants assist people with ADHD manage their focus and impulsive behavior. They are either short-acting, or long-acting, and prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians and psychiatrists (and in some cases GPs).
Stimulants influence dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. They are tightly regulated and only approved by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is part of the stimulant family and enhances brain activity. It increases the levels of chemicals, such as dopamine and noradrenaline, which help control attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate can be used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, among other disorders. It is also prescribed for depression in adults. However, this isn't regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate is absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream rapidly and can be used within a few hours. It is available as a tablet that releases immediately or chewable extended-release tablet or capsule. The doctor will recommend the most appropriate formulation based on the person's symptoms and the risk of adverse effects.
The adverse effects of methylphenidate are typically mild and disappear over time as the body becomes accustomed to the medication. Consult your physician should you experience any issues. He can lower the dosage or suggest a different medicine. It is essential to take the medication exactly as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dosage. This will reduce the risk of dependence or abuse. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified the drug methylphenidate as a Schedule II substance, which means it is extremely susceptible to abuse. These stimulants can trigger dependence and withdrawal if they are not taken in the manner prescribed by a doctor.
It is important to inform the doctor if your child has any heart issues, such as an irregular heartbeat or history of a heart attack. Methylphenidate may increase the rate of heartbeat and that's why doctors will test their heart rate and blood pressure before they start treatment. It is also essential to inform the doctor if your child is taking other medications, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
The doctor will provide you with guidelines on how much and how often to take the medicine, as well as any other precautions. Methylphenidate is typically taken two times a day with meals. medication for adhd and anxiety of the chewable methylphenidate tablets with a long-acting action (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame which is a major source of phenylalanine. It is not recommended for people with phenylketonuria (an inherited condition that requires a low-protein diet to prevent severe intellectual disability).
Avoid alcohol and other drugs when taking this medication. Some people may experience a decrease in appetite while taking methylphenidate. If your child is losing weight, try to encourage them to eat regularly and snacks. You may need to encourage them to drink a lot of squash or water to ensure they are well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nervous system stimulant sold under the name Vyvanse. It works by stimulating chemicals found in the brain and nerves. It improves concentration and control of impulses in children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD. It also treats BED, also known as binge eating disorder (BED) by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which reduces instances of eating disorders that are uncontrolled.
Lisdexamfetamine is a member of the prodrug class of drugs that are altered to make them inactive until they are metabolized by the body.27 It has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated by a variety of placebo-controlled studies, showing efficacy in both stimulant-naive as well as stimulant-exposed patients with ADHD. It is also believed to have a more lasting effect than other stimulants and could have less 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 the patients who changed to placebo had a relapse within 2 weeks.28 Additionally, Brams et al29 used an innovative design for an uncontrolled withdrawal study in which they followed 116 adult patients for 12 weeks after stopping the lisdexamfetamine treatment. They found that most of those who relapsed had not been exposed to other stimulants in the past two weeks.
Tell your doctor if there are any allergies you might have to this medication or any other medication. Inform your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems or any other heart issues. Certain stimulants can increase the risk of having a stroke heart attack, stroke, or sudden death in people with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine could be absorbed into breastmilk and harm a nursing infant. You should not breastfeed while taking this medication. Some people might experience dizziness, shakiness or stomach upset while taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine is not recommended for use by children less than 6 years old. Lisdexamfetamine is also not approved for use by people who are breastfeeding or pregnant. Even if you feel better, you should not stop taking the medication unless your doctor tells you. Your doctor may want to keep an eye on your heart rate and blood pressure while you're taking this medicine.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant that works by blocking the presynaptic norepinephrine transporter. It has high specificity for this transporter and minimal affinity for other neurotransmitter transporters and receptors [115, 136and 136. In a variety of placebo-controlled trials it enhanced the inhibitory control of ADHD patients by inhibiting the overactivation of the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and colleagues, 2009). It was also found to improve attention span and working memory in children with ADHD. It has a slow onset of action and can take up to 12 weeks for the full effects to be seen. The dosage is based on weight and should be gradually increased. A single dose per day is typical. A weak metabolizer of the drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a higher exposure and a slower elimination of atomoxetine. Testing for pharmacogenetics should be performed prior to prescribing atomoxetine to these patients.
It has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in several controlled studies, and is often employed as an initial treatment. It is generally safe and well-tolerated and does not increase the risk of suicidal behaviors. It is not as effective in reducing anxiety or tics as stimulants, and does not seem reduce sleep disorders. However it has been proven to reduce aggression in certain children. Atomoxetine is more akin to the antidepressant, the fluoxetine. Therefore, they should not be taken together.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two additional medications that can be prescribed as treatments of first-line for ADHD. adhd anxiety medication were originally developed to lower blood pressure in adults. These drugs are alpha agonists. They are able to stimulate receptors in the mind to release neurotransmitters called norepinephrine, which can reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications take time to take effect, and it may take up to four weeks in the case of many children before they can see any benefits. Additionally adhd anxiety medication are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. phenelzine) because of the risk of fatal and serious adverse events such as severe hypothermia, rigidity, myoclonus or autonomic instability extreme agitation and confusion, and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. They encompass a range of substances, some legal and others illegal. They are used to improve performance, stay awake or alert and treat certain medical conditions, such as ADHD and narcolepsy as well as depression. Amphetamines, methylphenidate, and other prescription stimulants are available. The term stimulant is also used to describe nonprescription medications such as caffeine and diet pills. They are utilized for a variety of reasons, but they can also be harmful when used in conjunction together with certain medications or foods.
Stimants can cause adverse effects, even if they're not habit-forming in dosages prescribed for ADHD. They can make people feel nervous or jittery. They can increase blood pressure and heart rate, cause an upset stomach and may cause trouble sleeping.
Children and teens who take stimulants may have antics or repetitive sounds or movements, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. They might also have an insignificant delay in growth.
A doctor will determine which stimulant is suitable for you or your child. They will also take into account factors such as weight, age, and allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medication. Always follow the doctor's prescriptions. You should always review the Medication Guide that is included with your medication.
The first option for treating ADHD is typically medication. This is not the only option, but it is the most commonly used. Psychosocial interventions, such as behavior modification and family therapy can also be used to aid people of all ages who suffer from ADHD.
Patients who are taking prescription ADHD medication should be evaluated for the risk of misuse and abuse, and advised not to share their medication with anyone else. Additionally it is recommended to keep any medications they no longer use in a secure place and dispose of them appropriately. Health care professionals should also regularly assess and examine patients for signs of abuse, misuse, or addiction. The FDA is now requiring more consistent information to be placed on the label of a drug to inform patients and their families about the dangers of these drugs.