ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants assist people with ADHD manage their focus and impulsive behavior. They can be short-acting or long-acting and are prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians and psychiatrists (and in some cases GPs).
Stimulants affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are tightly controlled and can only prescribed by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate belongs to the stimulant family and enhances brain activity. It increases levels of certain chemicals such as dopamine and noradrenaline that aid in controlling attention and behavior. Methylphenidate can be used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy and other conditions. It is also prescribed for depression in adults. However, this is not regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate enters the bloodstream rapidly through the gut and begins working within a matter of hours. It can be taken as a tablet that releases immediately or chewable extended-release tablet or capsule. The doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage based on the patient's symptoms and the possibility of side effects.
The adverse effects of methylphenidate are usually minimal and fade over time, as the body gets used to the drug. Speak to your doctor should you experience any issues. You can reduce the dosage or even try a different medication. It is essential to take the medication exactly according to the prescription. Do not overdose the dosage recommended. This helps reduce the potential for abuse or addiction. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified methylphenidate as a Schedule II substance, which means it is extremely susceptible to abuse. Stimulants can cause dependence and withdrawal when not taken as prescribed.
It's important to tell the doctor whether your child has heart issues, like an irregular heartbeat or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate can raise heart rate which is the reason why doctors will test their heart rate and blood pressure before they start treatment. It is also essential to inform the doctor whether your child is taking any other medicines, such as supplements, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
The doctor will provide you with instructions about how much and how often to take the medicine and any other precautions. Methylphenidate is recommended to be taken twice a day, with meals. Certain brands of the chewable methylphenidate tablets with a long-acting action (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine, and should not be taken by people with Phenylketonuria (an inherited condition that requires a low protein diet to prevent severe intellectual disability).
Avoid drinking alcohol or other drugs when taking this medication. Some sufferers may experience a decrease in appetite when taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to consume regular meals and snacks if they are losing weight. They may also need to drink a lot of squash or water to keep hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine, sold under the brand name Vyvanse, is a stimulant for the central nervous system that affects the chemical activity of the brain and nerves. It helps improve 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 norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, and reducing instances of uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine is part of the prodrug class of medications, which are modified to render them inactive until they are metabolized the body.27 It has been found to be safe and well-tolerated in 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 may have fewer rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the ADHD-RS-IV scores improved significantly during a 12-week-long controlled trial. They also noted that the majority of those who were switched to placebo relapsed after two weeks.28 Additionally, Brams et al29 used a novel design for an uncontrolled withdrawal study in which they followed 116 adults for 12 weeks after stopping the lisdexamfetamine treatment. They discovered that a majority of the patients who relapsed had not been exposed to any other stimulants during the two weeks prior to their relapse.
It is important to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to this medication or any other medicines. Also inform your doctor that you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or any other heart problems. The use of stimulants can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack or sudden death for those with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breast milk and could harm a nursing infant. It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking this medication. adult adhd medication uk may experience dizziness, shakiness or stomach upset while taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for use by children younger than 6 years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not a prescription drug for use by women who are breastfeeding or pregnant. It is not recommended to stop taking this medication unless your doctor tells you to stop even if you feel better. Your doctor will probably want to keep an eye on your heart rate and blood pressure while you're taking this medicine.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a non-stimulant that blocks presynaptic transporters of norepinephrine. It has a high affinity to this transporter, but has a low affinity for any other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115,136]. In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it improved inhibitory control in ADHD patients by inhibiting overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain and colleagues. 2009). It also was shown to increase working memory and attention span in children suffering from ADHD. It takes up to 12 weeks to experience its full effects. The dose is weight based and should be taken at a low dose and gradually increasing. A daily dose of once is common. The drug's poor metabolizers the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) have higher exposure and less efficient elimination of atomoxetine. it is recommended to conduct a pharmacogenetic test prior to prescribing atomoxetine to these individuals.
It has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in numerous controlled trials, and is frequently utilized as the first-line treatment. It is generally well-tolerated and safe, and it does not increase the risk for suicidal behavior. It's not as effective as stimulants in decreasing tics and anxiety and does not seem to reduce sleep problems however it has been demonstrated to reduce aggression in some children. adhd medication uk for adults is also more likely to interact with antidepressant fluoxetine, and therefore they should not be taken together [115, 37.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two other drugs that are available as treatments of first-line for ADHD. These drugs were initially developed to lower blood pressure in adults. These drugs are alpha agonists. They are able to stimulate receptors in the brain to release norepinephrine neurotransmitter, which reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs take time to work, and it may take up to four weeks for some children before they can see any benefits. In addition, they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the risk of fatal and serious adverse reactions, including extreme hypothermia and rigidity, myoclonus, and autonomic instability.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs which increase activity in the nervous system. They include a wide variety of drugs that are legal and illegal. They are used to improve performance, stay awake or alert and treat certain medical conditions such as ADHD or narcolepsy, as well as depression. Amphetamines, methylphenidate, and other prescription stimulants can be used. The term"stimulant" can also be used to refer to non-prescription drugs such as diet pills and caffeine. They are used for many reasons, but they can be harmful when used in conjunction together with certain medications or foods.
Stimants aren't habit-forming in the doses prescribed for patients with ADHD, but they can have side effects. They can make some people feel shaky or jittery. They can increase blood pressure and heart rate and can cause stomach upset and cause trouble sleeping.
Some children and teens who are taking stimulants might be prone to tics, or repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking and throat clearing. They could also experience a slight slowing in their growth.
A doctor will decide which stimulant is suitable for your child or you. They will also consider other factors, including age, weight and whether your child or you have any allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow the instructions of your doctor. Always go through the Medication Guide that is included with your medication.
The use of medication isn't the only method to treat symptoms of ADHD however they are usually the first treatment option. Everyone of any age can benefit from psychosocial interventions, like family therapy and behavior modification.
Patients who are taking prescription ADHD medication should be screened for the risk of abuse and misuse, and counseled to avoid sharing their medication with anyone else. They should also be encouraged to keep unused medication locked away and properly disposed. Health care professionals must also regularly monitor patients and check them for signs of abuse, misuse or addiction. The FDA is requiring more consistent information to be provided on drug labels to patients and their families be aware about the serious dangers.