ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are medications that help people with ADHD focus and control their impulsive behaviour. They can be short-acting or long-acting and are prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians, or psychiatrists (and in some cases, GPs).
Stimulants alter the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. They are strictly controlled and are only prescribed by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a drug that belongs to the family of stimulants and enhances activity in certain areas of the brain. It increases the levels of chemicals, such as dopamine and noradrenaline, which aid 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, but this is not endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate gets absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream rapidly and is effective within a matter of hours. It is available as a tablet that releases immediately or chewable extended-release tablet or capsule. The doctor will prescribe the most suitable dosage based on the patient's symptoms and the possibility of side effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate tend to be minimal and fade over time as the body gets used to the medication. If they continue to bother you, talk to the doctor who can lower the dose or try another medication. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dosage. This helps reduce the potential for addiction or abuse. Methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means it has a high possibility of abuse. Stimulants have the potential to cause dependency and withdrawal when not taken as prescribed.
Tell your doctor if you child has heart problems. This could include an irregular heartbeat, or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate can raise the heart rate, which is why the doctor will check their blood pressure and heart rhythm before starting treatment. Inform the doctor about any other medications your child is taking such as herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often, in addition to any other precautions. Methylphenidate is usually taken twice in the day, along with a meal. Certain brands of methylphenidate with long-acting tablets (Quillichew ER; Cotempla XR with -ODT and Adhansia XR), contain aspartame. Aspartame is a source Phenylalanine and should not be taken by those with phenylketonuria.
Avoid drinking alcohol and other substances when taking this drug. Some sufferers may experience a decrease in appetite while taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to eat regular snacks and meals in case they are losing weight. You may need to remind them to drink lots of water or squash in order to stay hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine, sold under the brand name Vyvanse, is a stimulant for the central nervous system that stimulates chemicals in the brain and nerves. It helps improve concentration and impulse control in children, adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. It treats the disorder of binge eating (BED) as well by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This helps to reduce uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine is a member of the prodrug class which is a modified drug that is inactive until it's transformed 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 believed to have a longer lasting effect than other stimulants, and may have less rebound symptoms.
In a 12-week placebo-controlled trial, Adler et al27 found significant improvements in the ADHD-RS-IV scores. They also found that the majority of those who changed to placebo had a relapse within 2 weeks.28 Additionally, Brams et al29 used a novel design for a randomized withdrawal study in which they followed 116 adult patients for 12 weeks after stopping lisdexamfetamine treatment. They found that most of those who relapsed had not been exposed to other stimulants in the past two weeks.
It is essential to inform your doctor if you have any allergies to this medication or any other medications. Also inform your doctor that you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or any other heart issues. The use of stimulants can increase the risk of having a stroke heart attack, stroke, or sudden death for those with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking this medication. Some sufferers may experience dizziness, shakiness or stomach upset while taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved for children younger than six years of age. Lisdexamfetamine is not a prescription drug for use by women who are nursing or pregnant. You should not stop taking this medication unless your doctor tells you to stop even when you are feeling better. While you are taking this medication and your doctor is likely to check your pulse rate and blood pressure.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera, is a nonstimulant which works by blocking presynaptic transporters that are part of norepinephrine. It is highly specific to this transporter and a weak affinity for other neurotransmitter transportation systems or receptors [115,136]. In a variety of placebo-controlled trials it enhanced the inhibitory control of ADHD patients by reducing the overactivation on the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and coworkers 2009). It was also shown to improve working memory and attention span in children with ADHD. It can take as long as 12 weeks to experience its full effects. The dosage is determined by weight and should be increased gradually. 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. The testing of the pharmacogenetics must be performed prior to prescribing atomoxetine in these individuals.
It has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in several controlled studies, and is often used as an initial treatment. It is generally safe and well tolerated and doesn't increase the risk of suicidal behaviors. It isn't as effective in reducing anxiety and tics as stimulants, and does not seem reduce sleep problems. However it has been proven to increase aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is more akin to the antidepressant fluoxetine. Therefore, they should not be taken at the same time.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two other drugs that are available as the first-line treatment for ADHD. These drugs were initially developed to lower blood pressure in adults. They are known as alpha agonists. They work by stimulating specific receptors in the brain to release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine which can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications have a lengthy time to begin their action, and many children require between two and four weeks before they see any benefit from them. In addition they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. phenelzine) due to the risk of serious and potentially fatal adverse reactions, like severe hypothermia rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instability extreme agitation and disorientation and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that increase activity in the nervous system. They comprise a variety of drugs, some legal, others illegal. They are utilized for a variety of reasons, such as performance improvement, to stay alert and awake, and to treat certain medical conditions like ADHD, depression, and narcolepsy. Examples of stimulants prescribed by a doctor are amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term"stimulant" is also used to describe nonprescription drugs such as diet pills and caffeine. They are utilized for a variety of reasons, but can be dangerous when taken with certain foods or medications.
Stimulants can cause negative side effects, even though they're not addictive at the doses prescribed to treat ADHD. They can make people feel anxious or nervous. They can increase the heart rate and blood pressure and cause stomach upset, and can lead to trouble sleeping.
Some teenagers and children who are taking stimulants may have tics or repetitive noises or movements, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. They might also experience a minor slowing in growth.
A doctor will determine the best stimulant for you or your child. They will also consider other factors, such as age, weight, and whether your child or you have any allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow the instructions of your physician. You should go through the Medication Guide that comes with your medication.
The first treatment for ADHD is generally medication. advice here is not the only option, but it is the most popular. All ages of people can benefit from psychosocial interventions, like family therapy and behavior modification.
Patients who are taking prescription ADHD medication should be screened for risk of abuse and misuse and advised to avoid sharing their medication with anyone else. Additionally they should be urged to store any medication they do not use in a safe place and dispose of them properly. Health professionals must also regularly assess and monitor patients for indications 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 these serious risks.