The Step-By -Step Guide To Choosing Your ADHD Stimulant Medication
ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD manage their focus and 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 regulated and only approved by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a substance that belongs to the class of stimulants and enhances activity in certain areas of the brain. It increases the levels of chemicals such as dopamine and noradrenaline. These help control attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate is a treatment for ADHD and narcolepsy. It is also prescribed to treat depression in adults. However, it is not regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate enters the bloodstream rapidly through the gut and begins working within hours. It is available as a chewable tablet or an immediate-release tablet. The doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage based on the individual's symptoms and risk of side effects.
Side effects of methylphenidate tend to be mild and will go in time as the body adjusts to the medicine. If they are persistent, talk to the doctor who can lower the dosage or recommend another medication. It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dose. This reduces the risk for addiction or abuse. Methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, meaning it has a high risk of abuse. These stimulants can trigger dependence and withdrawal if not used as directed.
It is essential to inform the doctor whether your child has heart problems, such as irregular heartbeats or a history of a heart attack. Methylphenidate can raise the heart rate and that's why the doctor will examine their heart rate and blood pressure prior to starting treatment. It is also essential to inform the doctor whether your child is taking other medicines, such as herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
The doctor will provide you with instructions on how much and how often to take the medicine along with any other precautions. Methylphenidate is typically taken two times a day with meals. Certain brands of methylphenidate with long-acting tablets (Quillichew ER; Cotempla XR with -ODT and Adhansia XR), contain aspartame. Aspartame is a major source of phenylalanine and should not by taken by those with phenylketonuria.
It is essential to avoid alcohol and other drugs when taking this medication. Some people may experience a decrease in appetite when taking methylphenidate. If your child is losing weight, you should encourage them to eat regular meals and snacks. You may have to encourage them to drink plenty of water or squash in order to stay hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nervous system stimulant sold under the name Vyvanse. It works by stimulating chemicals in the brain and the 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 eating disorders that are uncontrolled.
Lisdexamfetamine is one of the prodrug class of drugs that are altered to render them inactive until they are metabolized by the body.27 It has been proven to be safe and well-tolerated in a number of placebo controlled trials that have demonstrated its 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 be less susceptible to rebound symptoms.
Adler et al27 reported that the ADHD-RS-IV scores improved significantly during a 12-week-long controlled trial. They also found that the majority of patients who switched to placebo relapsed within two weeks.28 Brams et al29, however utilized a new design in a random withdrawal study that monitored 116 adults for 12 weeks after stopping the drug lisdexamfetamine. They discovered that a majority of the patients who relapsed were not exposed to other stimulants in the two weeks prior to their relapse.
Discuss with your doctor if you have any reactions you may have to this medication, or any other medication. Inform your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart issues, or other heart conditions. 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 be absorbed into breast milk and could harm a nursing infant. You should not feed your baby while taking this medication. This medication can cause dizziness, shakiness, or stomach upsets in certain individuals. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for use by children less than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is also not approved for use by women who are breastfeeding or pregnant. You should not stop taking this medication unless your physician tells you to do so, even when you are feeling better. Your doctor is likely to be looking to check your heart rate and blood pressure when you take this medicine.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant that acts by blocking the presynaptic norepinephrine-transporter. It has a high affinity to this transporter, and minimal affinity for other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115,136]. In non prescription adhd medication -controlled trials, it enhanced the inhibitory control of ADHD patients by reducing overactivation on the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and coworkers, 2009). It also was shown to increase working memory and attention span in children with ADHD. It is slow in the onset of action and can take up to 12 weeks for the full effect to be evident. The dosage is determined by weight and should be increased gradually. A once-daily dosage is typical. Poor metabolizers of the drug Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) are more exposed and slower elimination of atomoxetine, so pharmacogenetic testing is recommended before prescribing atomoxetine to these individuals.
It has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in a variety of controlled trials, and is frequently employed as the 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 does not seem reduce sleep disorders. However it has been proven to increase aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with antidepressant fluoxetine, so they should not be taken together [115, 137].
Two other drugs that are frequently 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. They are known as alpha agonists. They work by stimulating specific receptors in the brain to release the neurotransmitter neopinephrine which can decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs have a long time to begin their action, and a majority of children will require two to four weeks before they see any benefit from them. They are also not recommended to be used with MAOIs(e.g. e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the risk of serious and potentially fatal adverse reactions, including severe hypothermia and rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instabilities.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that increase activity in the nervous system. They include a variety of substances - some of them legal, while others are illegal. They are used to improve performance, stay alert and alert, and treat certain medical conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy as well as depression. Amphetamines, methylphenidate, and other prescription stimulants are available. The term"stimulant" is also used to describe nonprescription drugs like diet pills and caffeine. They are used for many reasons, but they can be dangerous when combined together with certain medications or foods.
They don't create a habit in the doses prescribed to treat those suffering from ADHD however, they do have adverse effects. Some people may feel jittery or unstable. They can cause a tense stomach and increase blood pressure.
Children and teens who are taking stimulants may have tics or repetitive movements or noises, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. They could also have some minor delays in growth.
A doctor will determine the right stimulant for your child or yourself. They will also consider other factors, including age, weight, and whether you or your child has any allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medication. Always follow the instructions of your physician. You must study the Medication Guide that comes with the medication you are taking.
Medicines aren't the only method to treat symptoms of ADHD however they are usually the first step in treatment. Psychosocial interventions such as behavior modification and family therapy are also available to help those of all ages suffering from ADHD.
Patients who are prescribed ADHD medication should be assessed for their risk of abuse and misuse assessed and advised not to share their medication with others. Additionally they should be urged to store unused medications in a safe place and dispose of them appropriately. Health care professionals must also regularly monitor patients and check them for signs of misuse, abuse or addiction. The FDA has mandated that more consistent information is included on drug labeling to help inform patients and their families about the dangers of these drugs.