Why We Our Love For ADHD Medication Ritalin (And You Should Also!)
ADHD Medication - How Ritalin Helps Kids Manage ADHD
ADHD medications can help children manage their symptoms. Doctors prescribe stimulants and nonstimulants for treating ADHD.
Stimulants increase the amounts of two brain chemicals--norepinephrine and dopamine--that help kids focus. These are the first choice for children and teenagers with ADHD.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
Many people with ADHD start treatment with stimulant medication. They help around 70-80 percent of those suffering from the disorder and are extremely efficient in boosting concentration and attention. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting with a medication that is FDA-approved. Only prescription medications are available and should be taken exactly according to the prescription. Supplements or vitamins that are sold over-the-counter to treat ADHD are not backed by scientific evidence and could cause adverse side effects if used in conjunction with prescription medications.
There are a variety of long-acting stimulant formulations each with a unique delivery system and a varying time-action profile. These medications allow clinicians the ability to determine the certain times of the day when patients are most impaired. For instance, patients who have trouble completing morning tasks can benefit from long-acting stimulants such as Dexedrine Spansules, Dextroamphetamine/AMPH patch (Xelstrym), or the newer extended-release oral medication Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
Long-acting ADHD medication is absorbed into the bloodstream slower and is less likely to cause adverse effects than short-acting ADHD medication. They last between 8 and 16 hours based on the dosage. The longer time frame allows for an extended and consistent effect, which is ideal for adults.
A few possible side effects associated with long-acting ADHD medications include changes in appetite, upset stomach and an increase in heart rate. Other side effects include tics as well as minor slowing of growth. These are temporary and usually go away as the body adjusts.
The most common type of long-acting ADHD medication is methylphenidate. It is the active component in Ritalin as well as other similar medications. It works by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters are crucial chemical messengers that play an important role in the process of motivation, action and cognition.
The most common stimulant medications used to treat ADHD are methylphenidates (amphetamines), atomoxetine, amphetamines and atomoxetine. All of these medications fall under the umbrella of "methylphenidates," but some are formulated differently than others. Certain are absorbed into the body through the skin, while others are consumed orally or administered intravenously.
Short-acting stimulant formulations
There are a variety of stimulant drugs available to treat ADHD. They include all forms of methylphenidate, including Ritalin, Focalin and Metadate, as well as amphetamines like Adderall, Dexedrine and Vyvanse. Doctors can prescribe atomoxetine, which is a stimulant that works differently and lasts longer. There are also atypical antidepressants which work well for ADHD symptoms. They include Wellbutrin (bupropion), and the two antihypertensives, Catapres and Tenex.
Stimulant drugs are effective in increasing neurotransmitter levels in the brain. This helps improve concentration and reduce restlessness in kids and adults with ADHD. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. However stimulants can cause negative side effects, such as dry mouth and blurry vision. They can also increase anxiety, irritability and appetite in some people. Some people experience difficulty sleeping when they take these medications.
The "rebound effect", which can occur when the effects of the drug wear off is a major issue. There are some who have high blood pressure or a heart rate when taking these drugs. When taken as prescribed by a doctor, however, these drugs are safe and effective for adults.
The most effective stimulant medication for someone with ADHD is a dose taken in the morning, before going to school or work. They are referred to as long-acting stimulants. This type of medication can help reduce symptoms and prevent the possibility of a rebound.
Other types of the medication can be taken during the day as required. Short-acting tablets are absorbed quickly and reach their peak in the body. A person who needs regular doses may have to take more than one tablet every day. This can be inconvenient for people with ADHD.
Stimulants are among the most popular and widely used treatment for ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They are regarded as the most effective medication for the reduction of ADHD symptoms. However, they can have life-threatening and serious adverse effects if used improperly or in excessive doses. They may also increase the chances of developing depression and mental health disorders.
Nonstimulant medications
If stimulant medications like Ritalin do not work, or have intolerable adverse effects, nonstimulant medications can be used to treat ADHD symptoms. These drugs have lower risks of abuse and addiction than stimulants. They boost the chemical in the brain called norepinephrine. Doctors or psychiatrists who specialize in mental health are the most likely to prescribe these drugs. They can be used in conjunction with other treatments such as psychosocial treatment and lifestyle changes.
Nonstimulant medicines may require a longer time to start working than stimulants. It could also be necessary to take a higher dosage to attain the same level of effectiveness. They are usually prescribed in a tablet or capsule form, and can be consumed with or without. They are more likely to cause stomach upset or change heart rate and blood pressure. They also have greater chance of developing a drug interaction with other drugs.
Some ADHD medications are available in patches which can be placed on the skin. These patches are ideal for people who forget or have difficulty swallowing tablets. They are also useful for children who are tactilely sensitive and do not like to take medicine by mouth. However, the patch is limited use for children due to its need for constant application.
It can take time to determine the best dosage, combination of medications and schedule. It is crucial to be open and honest with your physician about the way your child reacts to the medication. It's helpful to keep a record of your or your child's symptoms, as well as any changes that occur with the medication.
There are always some side effects when taking any medication. Some sufferers experience stomach upset, difficulty sleeping, an increased heart rate, and weight loss. Children and adolescents who take stimulant medications can experience a decrease in their growth rate. This is typically not significant. Certain people may experience anxiety or antics, and a small number of people may have a severe reaction to the medication.
Consult a doctor as soon when you or your child experience severe symptoms. Medicines should only be taken according to the instructions of your physician. If you've got leftover medication, consult your pharmacist about a prescription drug take-back program or mix it with cat litter or coffee grounds and dispose of it.
Antidepressants
Many people who take stimulant medication for ADHD also use an antidepressant or a nonstimulant medicine. These medicines can help calm the mind and control some of the side effects of stimulants like a decrease in appetite or difficulty sleeping. In general, nonstimulant medications are less likely to trigger depression than stimulants. They also aid in treating anxiety and bipolar disorders which can be linked to ADHD.
The stimulants used to treat ADHD are prone for misuse and abuse. Teens and children with ADHD may use stimulants to boost their alertness or curb their appetites to lose weight. Others may take them to get "high." They are included in Schedule I drugs, which pose a risk of addiction. However, when they are correctly prescribed and taken by adults, they won't increase the risk for addiction.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. It increases activity in the brain areas that control behavior and attention. It's available as tablets with immediate release (small doses taken twice to three times a day) and modified-release tablets that release the drug throughout the day. Also available in liquid and chewable form.
When stimulant medication is taken to treat ADHD, some people experience a brief period of fatigue depressed, irritable, and active. This is referred to as the rebound effect. The symptoms can be reduced by altering the time at which you take your medication or altering your dosage.
Intuniv, a drug that has a long-acting effect that contains guanfacine for people suffering from ADHD is another alternative. This blood pressure medication is a type of alpha-2 adrenergic agonist and it has been found to be extremely effective in decreasing impulsive and hyperactive behaviors in adults. for beginners doesn't appear to be as effective in reducing symptoms of inattention.
Finding the appropriate ADHD medication for your child or yourself can take some time. Your doctor is likely to start with a low dose and increase them gradually to find the combination that controls your symptoms while causing the least side effects. You'll need to visit your GP regularly for regular checkups, and to determine if the dosage should be adjusted.