ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are medications that help people suffering from ADHD focus and manage their impulsive behavior. They can be either long- or short-acting and are prescribed by paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists (and doctors in certain situations).
Stimulants affect norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They are tightly controlled and only approved by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a drug that belongs to the family of stimulants and stimulates the activity of certain regions of the brain. It boosts the levels of certain chemicals, like dopamine and noradrenaline, which aids in controlling attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is a treatment for ADHD and the condition known as narcolepsy. It may also be prescribed to treat depression in adults, though this is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate enters the bloodstream rapidly from the gut, and starts working within a matter of hours. It is available as a chewable or immediate-release tablet. The doctor will prescribe a dosage that is suitable for the patient's symptoms and possible side effects.
The effects of methylphenidate are usually minor and will disappear with time, as the body gets used to the medicine. Speak to your doctor if they persist. You can reduce the dosage or suggest a different medicine. It is essential to take the medication as directed. Don't exceed the recommended dosage. This lowers the chance of addiction or abuse. Methylphenidate is categorized as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means it has a significant potential for abuse. The stimulants can lead to dependence and withdrawal when not taken in the manner prescribed by a doctor.
Tell your doctor if you child has heart issues. This could be due to an irregular heartbeat or a history heart attack. Methylphenidate can raise heart rate and that's why the doctor will examine their heart rate and blood pressure prior to starting treatment. Inform the doctor about any other medications your child takes, including herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will inform you how much medicine to take and how often, in addition to any other precautions. Methylphenidate is best taken twice daily during meals. Some brands 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 should not be consumed by those suffering from Phenylketonuria (an genetic condition that requires a low-protein diet to prevent severe intellectual disability).
Avoid drinking alcohol or other drugs when taking this medication. Some people may find their appetite declines when they take methylphenidate. If your child is losing weight, try to encourage them to eat a regular diet and snacks. They may also need to drink a lot of water or squash to keep well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine, sold under the brand name Vyvanse is a stimulant for the central nervous system that acts on chemicals in the brain and nerves. It helps improve concentration and impulse control in children, adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. It treats eating disorders that cause binge eating (BED) as well by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This helps to reduce uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine belongs to the prodrug class that is a modified drug that is inactive until it's metabolized in the body. It has been proven to be effective and safety in both stimulant naive patients as well as stimulant exposed patients with ADHD. It is also thought to have a longer-lasting effect than other stimulants, and may be less likely to trigger rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the ADHD-RS-IV scores significantly improved during a 12-week-long controlled trial. They also found that the majority of patients who switched to a placebo relapsed within two weeks.28 Brams et al29, however employed a unique method in a randomized withdrawal trial where they followed 116 adults for 12 weeks following stopping lisdexamfetamine. They found that the majority of patients who relapsed were not exposed to any other stimulants during the previous two weeks.
It is essential to inform your doctor if you have any allergies to this medication or any other medications. Tell adhd stimulant medication if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems or any other heart issues. Certain stimulants can increase the risk of stroke or heart attack as well as sudden death among people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. It is not recommended to feed your baby while taking this medication. This medication can cause dizziness, shakiness, or stomach upset in certain people. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for use by children less than 6 years old. Lisdexamfetamine is also not approved for use by women who are nursing or pregnant. Even if you are feeling better, do not stop taking the medication unless your physician tells you. While you're taking this medication, your doctor will likely check your blood pressure and pulse rate.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a non-stimulant which works by blocking presynaptic transporters that are part of norepinephrine. It has a high affinity for this transporter, but has a low affinity for any other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115-136]. In a variety of placebo-controlled studies it helped improve inhibitory control in ADHD patients by inhibiting overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain et al. 2009). It has also been shown to increase working memory and concentration in children suffering from ADHD. It has a slow rate of action, and it could take up to 12 weeks for the full effect to be evident. The dosage is based on weight and should be started at a low level and then gradually increased. A daily dose of once is common. A poor metabolizer of drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a greater exposure and a slow elimination of atomoxetine. Testing for pharmacogenetics should be conducted prior to prescribing atomoxetine for these individuals.
It has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD in several controlled studies, and is frequently utilized as a first-line treatment. It is generally well-tolerated and safe, and does not increase the risk for suicidal behavior. It is not as effective in reducing anxiety and tics as stimulants, and it doesn't appear to help with sleep issues. However it has been proven to reduce aggression in certain children. Atomoxetine interacts more with the antidepressant, fluoxetine. Therefore it is recommended that they not be taken at the same time.
Two other medications that are often prescribed as a first-line treatment for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). 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 neurotransmitters called norepinephrine, which can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications take time to work, and it may take up to four weeks in the case of many children before they can see any benefit. They are also not recommended to be used with MAOIs, e.g. phenelzine) due to the possibility of serious and potentially fatal adverse reactions, such as severe hypothermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability extreme agitation and disorientation, and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that boost activity in the central nervous system. They encompass a range of drugs that are legal and illegal. They are utilized for a variety of reasons, including performance improvement, to stay awake or alert and to treat certain medical conditions including ADHD, depression, and narcolepsy. Amphetamines, methylphenidate and other prescription stimulants can be utilized. The term"stimulant" can also be used to describe nonprescription medications such as diet pills and caffeine. These are often used for various reasons, but they can be dangerous when combined in conjunction with certain food items or medications.
Stimulants can trigger negative 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 cause upset stomach and raise blood pressure.
Some children and teenagers who take stimulants can experience tics or repetitive noises or movements, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. They could also experience a slight slowing in growth.
A doctor will determine which stimulant is suitable 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 directions of your doctor. You should read the Medication Guide that comes with your medication.
The first option for treating ADHD is typically medication. It's not the only option, but it is the most common. All ages of people can benefit from psychosocial interventions like family therapy and behavior modification.
People who take prescription ADHD medication should be evaluated for the risk of abuse and misuse and advised to avoid sharing their medication with anyone else. Additionally, they should be encouraged to store unused medications in a secure location and dispose of them appropriately. Health care professionals must also regularly assess patients and monitor them for indications of misuse, abuse or addiction. The FDA has demanded that more consistent information be provided on the labeling of drugs to help educate families and patients about these serious dangers.