10 Healthy ADHD Stimulant Medication Habits
ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD control their focus and impulsive behavior. They are either 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 levels in the brain. They are tightly controlled and only prescribed by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a drug that is part of the class of stimulants and stimulates the activity of certain regions of the brain. It boosts the levels of certain chemicals, like dopamine and noradrenaline, which helps to regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate can be used to treat ADHD and the condition known as narcolepsy. It is also prescribed for depression in adults. However, this is not regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate enters the bloodstream rapidly from the gut and starts working within hours. It is available as a chewable tablet or an immediate-release tablet. The doctor will recommend the most appropriate dosage based on the patient's symptoms and the risk of adverse effects.
Side effects of methylphenidate tend to be mild and will go disappear over time as the body adjusts to the drug. If they persist, speak to the doctor who can lower the dose or try another medication. It is important to take the medication as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. This can reduce the chance for abuse or addiction. Methylphenidate is categorized as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means it has a significant possibility of abuse. The stimulants can cause withdrawal and dependence if not taken as prescribed.
It is essential to inform the doctor if your child has any heart problems, such as irregular heartbeats or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate can raise the heart rate, which is why the doctor will examine their blood pressure and heart rhythm before starting treatment. Tell the doctor about any other medications your child takes for health reasons, such as herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will give you instructions on how much and how often to take the medicine along with any other precautions. Methylphenidate is best taken twice a day in conjunction with meals. Certain brands of the long-acting methylphenidate chewable tablets (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame which is a major source of phenylalanine, and should not be taken by people suffering from phenylketonuria (an inheritable condition that requires a low protein diet to prevent severe intellectual disability).
Avoid drinking alcohol or other drugs when taking this medication. Some people might notice their appetite declines when they take methylphenidate. If your child is losing weight, you should encourage them to eat a regular diet and snacks. They may also require to drink lots of water or squash to stay well-hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine 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 enhances concentration and impulse control in children, adolescents and adults with ADHD. It also treats BED, also known as binge eating disorder (BED) by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, reducing instances of eating disorder that is uncontrolled.
Lisdexamfetamine is one of the prodrug class of medications, which are modified to render them inactive until they are metabolized by the body.27 It has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in a number of placebo-controlled studies, showing efficacy in both stimulant-naive and those exposed to stimulants with ADHD. It is also believed to have a greater lasting effect than other stimulants and may 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 reported that most of patients who were switched to placebo relapsed after 2 weeks.28 Additionally, Brams et al29 used an innovative method for an uncontrolled withdrawal study in which they followed 116 adult patients for 12 weeks after stopping lisdexamfetamine treatment. They found that the majority of patients who relapsed weren't exposed to any other stimulants over the previous two-week period.
It is essential to inform your doctor if you have any allergies to this medicine or any other medication. Tell your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart issues or any other heart issues. Stimulants can increase the risk of heart attacks or sudden deaths among people suffering from these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine may pass into breastmilk and cause harm to nursing infants. You should not feed your baby while taking this medication. This medication may cause shakiness, dizziness, or stomach upset in some people. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for use by children younger than 6 years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. Even if you're feeling better, you should not stop taking the medicine unless your physician tells you to. Your doctor will probably be looking to check your blood pressure and heart rate while you are taking this medication.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera, is a nonstimulant that works by blocking presynaptic transporters of norepinephrine. It has a high affinity this transporter, and minimal affinity for other neurotransmitter receptors and transporters [115,136]. In a variety of placebo-controlled trials it improved the inhibitory control of ADHD patients by reducing overactivation on the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and coworkers 2009). It has also been shown to increase working memory and the ability to focus in children with ADHD. adhd medication names can take as long as 12 weeks before you can see the full effects. The dose is weight based and should be started low, and then gradually increasing. A daily dose of once is common. A weak metabolizer of the drug cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) has a higher exposure and a slow elimination of the drug atomoxetine. Testing for pharmacogenetics should be performed prior to prescribing atomoxetine for these individuals.
In a number of controlled studies it has been demonstrated that it can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It is often used as the first-line treatment. It is generally safe and well-tolerated and doesn't increase the risk of suicidal behavior. It is not as effective in reducing anxiety and tics as stimulants and it does not appear to reduce sleep disorders. However it has been proven to improve aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with the antidepressant fluoxetine. Therefore, they should not be taken together [115, 137).
Two other medications that are sometimes prescribed as a first-line treatment option for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). These drugs were originally developed to reduce blood pressure in adults. They are known as alpha agonists. They function by stimulating specific receptors in the brain to release the neurotransmitter neopinephrine which can reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs take time to show results and it could take up to four weeks in the case of many children before they can see any benefits. In addition they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. phenelzine) due to the risk of fatal and serious adverse reactions, such as severe hypothermia, rigidity, myoclonus or autonomic instability, extreme agitation and confusion, and delirium.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that boost activity in the nervous system. They are a range of drugs, some legal, others illegal. They can be used to boost performance, stay alert and alert, and treat certain medical conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy as well as depression. Some examples of prescription stimulants are amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term"stimulant" could also apply to nonprescription drugs like caffeine and certain diet pills that are used for a variety reasons but may not be safe when used in conjunction with other medications or with certain foods.
Stimants aren't habit-forming in the doses used to treat patients with ADHD, but they can have side effects. They can cause some people to feel anxious or nervous. They can cause an upset stomach and increase blood pressure.
Some children and teens who are taking stimulants might experience antics or repetitive sounds or movements like eye blinking and throat clearing. They might also experience a slight slowing in growth.
A doctor will determine the best stimulant for you or your children. They will consider other factors, such as age, weight and whether your child or you have any allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medications. Always follow the directions of your physician. 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 treatment option. Psychosocial interventions, such as behavior modification and family therapy are also available to assist people of all ages who suffer from ADHD.
Patients who are taking prescription ADHD medication should be assessed for risk of misuse and abuse, and advised not to share their medication with anyone else. They should also be advised to keep unused medication locked away and properly destroyed. Health care professionals should also frequently check and examine patients for indications of abuse, misuse or addiction. The FDA is requiring more consistent information to be placed on drug labels to inform patients and their families about the serious dangers.