10 ADHD Stimulant Medication Tricks All Experts Recommend
ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants help people with ADHD control their hyper-impulsive behavior and focus. They are either short-acting or long-acting and are prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians and psychiatrists (and in some cases GPs).
Stimulants influence dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. They are tightly controlled and can only be prescribed by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a drug that is part of the family of stimulants and increases activity in parts of the brain. It raises levels of certain chemicals, including dopamine and noradrenaline. This helps control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is a treatment for ADHD and the condition known as narcolepsy. It can also be prescribed for depression in adults. However, it isn't regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate gets absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream quickly and can be used within a few hours. It can be taken in the form of an immediate-release tablet or an extended-release chewable tablet or capsule. The doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage based on the patient's symptoms and the risk of adverse effects.
The side effects of methylphenidate tend to be minor and go away over time as the body adjusts to the medication. If they are persistent, talk with your doctor, who can lower the dosage or recommend an alternative medication. It is essential to take this medication exactly as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dose. This reduces the risk of addiction or abuse. Methylphenidate is categorized as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means it has a high potential for abuse. The stimulants can cause withdrawal and dependence if not taken in the prescribed manner.
Tell your doctor if you child has heart issues. dealing with adhd without medication includes an irregular heartbeat or a history heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will therefore examine their blood pressure prior to beginning treatment. Tell the doctor about any other medications your child is taking, including herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will give you instructions on how much and how often you should take the medication along with any other precautions. Methylphenidate should be taken twice a day during meals. Some brands of the long-acting methylphenidate chewable tablets (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame which is a source of phenylalanine and is not recommended for people suffering from phenylketonuria (an genetic condition that requires a low-protein diet to prevent the development of severe intellectual disabilities.).
Avoid alcohol and other drugs when taking this medication. Some people may find their appetite diminishes when taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to eat regular snacks and meals if they are losing weight. They may also have to drink lots of squash or water to keep well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine which is sold under the brand name Vyvanse is a stimulant for the central nervous system that acts on chemicals in the brain and nerves. It improves concentration and control of impulses in adolescents, children and adults with ADHD. It also treats binge eating disorder (BED) by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain, reducing instances of uncontrolled eating.
Lisdexamfetamine is a member of the prodrug class that is a modified medication that is inactive until processed 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 provide a longer-lasting effect than other stimulants and could have fewer rebound symptoms.
In a 12-week study that was placebo-controlled, Adler et al27 found significant improvements in the scores of ADHD-RS-IV. They also noted that the majority of patients who switched to placebo relapsed within two weeks.28 Brams et al29, however employed a unique design in a randomized withdrawal trial where they observed 116 adults for 12 weeks after the discontinuation of the drug lisdexamfetamine. They discovered that a majority of those who relapsed hadn't been exposed to any other stimulants during the two weeks prior to their relapse.
It is important to tell your doctor if you suffer from any allergies to this medication or any other medicines. Also, let your doctor know if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or any other heart problems. Stimulants can increase the risk of heart attacks or sudden deaths for people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine may be absorbed into breast milk and could harm a nursing infant. You should not breast-feed while taking this medication. This medication may cause dizziness, shakiness or stomach upset in some people. Lisdexamfetamine has not been approved for children younger than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not a prescription drug for use by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Even if you feel better, you shouldn't stop taking the medicine unless your physician tells you to. While you are taking this medication the doctor will keep track of your pulse rate and blood pressure.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera, is a nonstimulant that works by blocking the presynaptic receptors of norepinephrine. It has a high affinity this transporter, but has a low affinity for any other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115,136]. In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it enhanced the inhibitory control of ADHD patients by reducing overactivation on the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and coworkers, 2009). It has also been proven to improve working memory and the ability to focus in children with ADHD. It has a slow onset of action, and it could take up to 12 weeks for its full effect to be seen. The dosage is based on weight and should be increased gradually. A once-daily dose is typical. A poor metabolizer of the drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a higher exposure and a slower elimination of atomoxetine. Pharmacogenetic testing should be conducted prior to prescribing atomoxetine for these individuals.
It has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD in several controlled trials, and is often employed as a first-line treatment. It is generally well tolerated and safe, and does not increase the risk of suicidal behavior. It isn't as effective as stimulants in reducing tics and anxiety as well as it doesn't seem to reduce sleep problems however, it has been shown to help with aggression in 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 first-line treatments for ADHD. These drugs were originally developed to lower high blood pressure in adults. They are known as alpha agonists. They function by stimulating specific receptors within the brain to release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine which reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications have a lengthy onset of action, and most children will require between two and four weeks before seeing any benefits from them. They are not recommended to be used with MAOIs(e.g. e.g. phenelzine) because of the risk of fatal and grave adverse reactions like severe hypothermia, rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instability, extreme agitation and confusion and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that boost activity in the central nervous system. They comprise a variety of substances - some of them legal, while others are illegal. They are used to improve performance, stay awake or alert and treat certain medical conditions like ADHD or narcolepsy, as well as depression. Some examples of stimulants prescribed by a doctor are amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term"stimulant" can also be applied to nonprescription medications like caffeine and some diet pills that are utilized for a variety of reasons, but they may not be safe when used in combination with other medications or certain foods.
They don't create a habit in the doses prescribed for people with ADHD, but they can cause side effects. They can cause some people to feel nervous or jittery. They can raise blood pressure and heart rate and can cause stomach upset, and can lead to sleep problems.
Some children and teenagers who are taking stimulants may experience tics or repetitive noises or movements, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. They could also have some minor delays in growth.
A doctor will determine the best stimulant for your child or you. They will take into consideration other factors, including weight, age and if your child or you have any allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow the doctor's prescriptions. Always review the Medication Guide that is included with your medication.
The use of medication isn't the only way to improve symptoms of ADHD However, they're typically the first step in treatment. All ages of people are able to benefit from psychosocial interventions like family therapy and behavior modification.
Patients who are prescribed ADHD medication should be assessed for their risk of misuse and abuse assessed and advised not to share their medication with others. Also it is recommended to keep any medications they no longer use in a safe place and dispose of them appropriately. Health professionals should also regularly assess patients and monitor them for signs of abuse, misuse, or addiction. The FDA is requiring more consistent information to be provided on drug labels to help educate patients and their families about these serious risks.