ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are medications that help people with ADHD focus and control their impulsive behaviour. They can be short- or long-acting and are prescribed by psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists (and doctors in certain situations).
Stimulants alter the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They are controlled tightly and can only be prescribed by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a drug that belongs to the family of stimulants. It stimulates the activity of certain regions of the brain. It boosts levels of certain chemicals like dopamine and noradrenaline. These aid in controlling attention and behavior. Methylphenidate can be used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy and other disorders. It may also be prescribed to treat depression in adults, though this is not endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate is absorbed into the bloodstream quickly from the gut, and starts working within hours. It is available as a chewable or immediate-release tablet. The doctor will determine the most appropriate formulation based on the person's symptoms and the risk of adverse effects.
The effects of methylphenidate are likely to be mild and go in time as the body becomes accustomed to the medicine. If they persist, speak to the doctor who can reduce the dosage or suggest a different medicine. It is essential to take the medication exactly according to the prescription. Don't overdose the dosage recommended. This helps reduce the potential for abuse or addiction. Methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means it has a significant possibility of abuse. The stimulants can lead to dependence and withdrawal if they are not used as directed.
Inform your doctor if your child has heart issues. This includes an irregular heartbeat or a history heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will therefore check their blood pressure before beginning treatment. It is also crucial to inform the doctor that your child is taking any other medications, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
The doctor will give you instructions about how much and how often to take the medicine, as well as any other special precautions. buy adhd medication online is best taken twice a day, in conjunction with meals. Some brands of long-acting methylphenidate tablets (Quillichew ER; Cotempla XR -ODT; and Adhansia XR), contain aspartame. Aspartame is an ingredient that contains Phenylalanine and should not be 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 sufferers may experience a decrease in appetite when taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to consume regular meals and snacks when they are losing weight. They may also have to drink a lot of squash or water to stay well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine, available under the brand name Vyvanse, is a central nervous system stimulant that affects the chemical activity of the brain and nerves. It helps improve impulse control and concentration in adolescents, children and adults with ADHD. It treats the disorder of binge eating (BED) as well by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This decreases the amount of food that is consumed.
Lisdexamfetamine is part of the prodrug class which is a modified medication that is inactive until metabolized within the body. It has shown efficacy and safety in both stimulant naive patients as well as stimulant exposed patients with ADHD. It is also believed to have a longer lasting effect than other stimulants, and may be less susceptible to 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 changed to placebo had a relapse within two weeks.28 In addition, Brams et al29 used a novel design for an uncontrolled withdrawal study which they followed 116 adult patients for 12 weeks after stopping treatment with lisdexamfetamine. They found that the majority of those who relapsed hadn't been exposed to other stimulants in the two weeks prior to their relapse.
Inform your doctor if you have any allergies you might have to this medication or any other medications. Also, let your doctor know that you have high blood pressure, heart disease or any other heart-related issues. The use of stimulants can increase the chance of having a stroke, heart attacks, or sudden deaths for people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking this medication. Some patients might experience shakiness, dizziness or stomach upset when taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for use by children younger than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine cannot be used by women who are nursing or pregnant. It is not recommended to stop taking this medication unless your doctor tells you to stop, even when you are feeling better. While you're taking this medication and your doctor is likely to check your blood pressure and pulse rate.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera, is a nonstimulant that blocks presynaptic transporters of norepinephrine. It has high specificity for this transporter and minimal affinity for other neurotransmitter transportation systems or receptors [115,136136). In multiple placebo-controlled trials, it improved the inhibitory control of ADHD patients by inhibiting the overactivation on the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and coworkers 2009). It was also shown to increase working memory and concentration in children suffering from ADHD. It has a slow onset of action, and may take up to 12 weeks for the full effects to be evident. The dosage is based on weight and should be gradually increased. A once-daily dosage is typical. A poor metabolizer of drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a higher exposure and a slow elimination of the drug atomoxetine. Pharmacogenetic testing should be done before prescribing atomoxetine to these patients.
It has been proven to be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in a variety of controlled trials, and 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 effective in reducing anxiety and tics as stimulants, and does not seem reduce sleep issues. 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].
Two other medications that are often prescribed as a first-line treatment for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). These medications were originally developed to reduce high pressure in adults. These drugs are known as alpha agonists. They work by stimulating receptors in the mind to release norepinephrine neurotransmitter, which reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications have a long time to begin their action, and many children will require two to four weeks before they can see any benefit from them. In addition they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. buy adhd medication online is not recommended due to the risk of fatal and serious adverse events, such as extreme hypothermia and rigidity, myoclonus, and autonomic instability.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that boost activity in the central nervous system. They include a wide variety of substances, some legal and others illegal. They are utilized for a variety of reasons, such as performance enhancement, to remain alert and alert, and to treat certain medical conditions including ADHD, depression, and narcolepsy. Examples of prescribed stimulants include amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term"stimulant" can also be used to refer to non-prescription drugs such as caffeine and diet pills. They are often used for various reasons, but they can also be harmful when used in conjunction together with certain medications or foods.
They don't create a habit in the doses prescribed for those suffering from ADHD however, they do cause side effects. They can make people feel nervous or jittery. They can increase the heart rate and blood pressure and cause stomach upset and cause difficulty sleeping.
Children and teens who take stimulants may have antics that are repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking and throat clearing. They could also experience a slight delay in their growth.
A doctor will determine the best stimulant for your child or you. They will consider other factors, including weight, age and if you or your child suffer from any allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medication. Always follow the doctor's prescriptions. You must go through the Medication Guide that comes with your medicine.
Medications are not the only option to reduce symptoms of ADHD however they are usually the first course of treatment. Psychosocial interventions like family therapy and behavior modification can also be used to aid people of all ages with ADHD.
People who take prescription ADHD medication should be screened for the risk of abuse and misuse and advised to avoid sharing their medication with anyone else. They should also be advised to keep unused medication locked away and properly destroyed. Health professionals should also regularly monitor patients and check them for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction. The FDA has mandated that more consistent information be provided on the labeling of drugs in order to educate families and patients about the dangers of these drugs.