The Time Has Come To Expand Your ADHD Stimulant Medication Options
ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants assist people with ADHD control their hyper-impulsive behavior and focus. They can be short- or long-acting and are prescribed by paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists (and doctors in certain situations).
Stimulants affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are controlled tightly and only ordered by a doctor.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate belongs to the stimulant family and enhances brain activity. It increases the levels of certain chemicals, such as dopamine and noradrenaline. This helps control the attention span and behavior. Methylphenidate is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It can also be prescribed to treat depression in adults. However, it isn't regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate gets into the bloodstream fast from the gut, and starts working within a matter of hours. It is available in the form of an immediate-release tablet or chewable extended-release tablet or capsule. The doctor will prescribe a formulation that is suitable for the patient's condition and possible side effects.
The effects of methylphenidate are likely to be mild and will go disappear over time as the body adjusts to the medicine. If they are persistent, talk to the doctor who can reduce the dosage or suggest a different medicine. It's important to take this medication as prescribed and not 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, meaning it has a high risk of abuse. Stimulants have the potential to create dependence and withdrawal if not taken as prescribed.
Tell your doctor if you child has heart issues. This could be due to an irregular heartbeat, or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will examine their blood pressure prior to beginning treatment. It is also crucial to inform the doctor that your child is taking any other medications, including herbal remedies or vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will inform you how much medicine to take and how often, along with any other precautions. Methylphenidate is best taken twice a day with meals. Certain brands of the chewable tablets that methylphenidate is long-acting (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine. It should not be taken by people suffering from phenylketonuria (an genetic condition that requires a low-protein diet to prevent severe intellectual disability).
Avoid alcohol and other drugs while taking this medication. Some people may find their appetite decreases while taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to take regular meals and snacks when they are losing weight. You may have to encourage them to drink a lot of water or squash in order to stay hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nerve system stimulant sold under the brand name Vyvanse. It acts on chemical substances that are found in the brain as well as the nerves. It improves impulse control and concentration in adolescents, children and adults with ADHD. It treats binge-eating disorder (BED) in addition to increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This decreases the amount of food that is consumed.
Lisdexamfetamine is one of the prodrug class of drugs, which are modified to render them inactive until they are metabolized the body.27 It has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in a variety of placebo controlled trials and has shown efficacy for both stimulant-naive and those exposed to stimulants with ADHD. It is also believed to have a more lasting effect than other stimulants and may have fewer 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 patients who switched to placebo relapsed within 2 weeks.28 Brams et al29, however utilized a new method in a randomized withdrawal trial that monitored 116 adults for 12 weeks following stopping the drug lisdexamfetamine. They found that the majority of patients who relapsed weren't exposed to any other stimulants over the two weeks preceding.
Inform your doctor if there are any allergies you might have to this medication, or any other medication. Also, let your doctor know whether you suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease or any other heart problems. Stimulants may increase the risk of stroke heart attack, stroke, or sudden death among people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. You should not breastfeed while taking this medication. This medication may cause shakiness, dizziness, or stomach upset in certain individuals. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved for use by children less than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for women who are nursing or pregnant. You should not stop taking this medication unless your doctor advises you to stop even if you feel better. While you're taking this medication the doctor will monitor your blood pressure and pulse rate.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant that acts by blocking the presynaptic norepinephrine-transporter. It has a high affinity this transporter, with a minimal affinity for other neurotransmitter receptors and transporters [115,136]. In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it improved inhibitory control in ADHD patients by reducing overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain and colleagues., 2009). It was also 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 its full effect to be evident. dealing with adhd without medication is weight based and should be started low, and then gradually increased. A daily dose of one hour is common. 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 proven to be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in numerous controlled trials, and is often employed as an initial treatment. It is generally safe and well tolerated and doesn't increase the risk of suicidal behavior. It isn't as effective in reducing anxiety or tics as stimulants, and it doesn't appear to help with sleep problems. However, it has been shown to improve aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with the antidepressant fluoxetine, so it is not recommended to take them together [115, 137].
Two other medications that are often prescribed as a first-line treatment option for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). These drugs were originally created to reduce high pressure in adults. These are alpha agonists. They are able to stimulate receptors in the brain to release neurotransmitters called norepinephrine, which reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications have a long time to begin their action, and most children require between two and four weeks before they see any benefits from them. In addition they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. phenelzine) due to the possibility of serious and potentially fatal adverse events like severe hypothermia, rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instability extreme agitation and disorientation and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that boost activity in the central nervous system. They comprise a variety of substances - some legal, others illicit. They can be used to enhance performance, stay alert and alert, and treat certain medical conditions such as ADHD or narcolepsy, as well as depression. Amphetamines and methylphenidate as well as other prescription stimulants can be utilized. The term"stimulant" is also used to refer to non-prescription drugs like caffeine and diet pills. They are used for many reasons, but they can also be harmful when used in conjunction in conjunction with certain food items or medications.
Stimants aren't habit-forming in the doses prescribed to treat those suffering from ADHD, but they can have side effects. They can cause some people to feel anxious or nervous. They can cause a tense stomach and increase blood pressure.
Some teenagers and children who are taking stimulants may be prone to tics, repeated sounds or movements like eye blinking or throat clearing. They may also experience an insignificant delay in growth.
A doctor will decide the best stimulant for you or your child. They will also consider other factors, such as weight, age and if you or your child suffer from any allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow the doctor's prescriptions. Always go through the Medication Guide that is included with your medication.
Medicines aren't the only method to treat symptoms of ADHD However, they're typically the first course of treatment. All ages of people are able to benefit from psychosocial interventions, such as family therapy and behavior modification.
Patients who are taking prescription ADHD medication should be screened for the possibility of abuse and misuse and advised to avoid sharing their medication with anyone else. They should also be encouraged to keep their medication locked away and properly disposed of. Health professionals should also regularly check 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 inform patients and their families about the dangers of these drugs.