ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are drugs that aid those suffering from ADHD focus and control their impulsive behaviour. They can be either long- or short-acting and are prescribed by paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists (and GPs in some circumstances).
Stimulants alter dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are strictly controlled and are only prescribed by a physician.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is part of the stimulant family and increases brain activity. It increases the levels of certain chemicals, including dopamine and noradrenaline, which helps to regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It can also be prescribed for depression in adults. However, it is not regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate is absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream swiftly and can be used within a few hours. It is available as a chewable tablet or an immediate-release tablet. The doctor will determine the most appropriate formulation based on the person's symptoms and risk of side effects.
The effects of methylphenidate are likely to be minor and go away over time as the body becomes accustomed to the medication. If they are persistent, talk to the doctor who can lower the dosage or recommend a different medicine. It is crucial to take the medication as directed. Do not overdose the dosage recommended. This reduces the risk for abuse or addiction. Methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, meaning it has a high potential for abuse. The stimulants can lead to dependence and withdrawal if they are not used as directed.
Tell your doctor if your child is suffering from heart issues. This could be due to irregular heartbeats, or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate can increase heart rate which is the reason why the doctor will examine their heart rhythm and blood pressure prior to starting treatment. Discuss with the doctor any other medications your child is taking for health reasons, such as herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
The doctor will provide you with guidelines on how much and how often you should take the medication along with any other precautions. Methylphenidate is typically taken two times every day, 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 genetic condition that requires a low protein diet to prevent severe intellectual disability).
Avoid alcohol and other drugs when taking this medication. Some people may experience a reduction in appetite when taking methylphenidate. If your child is losing weight, you should encourage them to eat regularly and snacks. You may need to remind them to drink lots of water or squash in order to stay hydrated.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a central nervous system stimulant sold under the brand name Vyvanse. It acts on chemicals found in the brain and nerves. It improves concentration and impulse control in adolescents, children and adults with ADHD. It treats the disorder of binge eating (BED) as well by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This reduces uncontrolled eating.
add adhd medications belongs to the prodrug class that is a modified medication that is inactive until transformed in the body. It has shown efficacy and safety in both stimulant naive patients as well as patients exposed to stimulants with ADHD. It is also believed to have a more lasting effect than other stimulants and may have less rebound symptoms.
In a 12-week trial that was controlled by placebo, Adler et al27 found significant improvements in the ADHD-RS-IV scores. They also noted that the majority of patients who switched to placebo relapsed within 2 weeks.28 Brams et al29, on the other hand employed a unique design in a random withdrawal trial where they followed 116 adults for 12 weeks after stopping the drug lisdexamfetamine. They found that the majority of patients who relapsed weren't exposed to any other stimulants during the previous two weeks.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies you might have to this medication or other medications. Inform your doctor if suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems, or other heart conditions. Stimulants can increase the chance of having a stroke, heart attacks or sudden deaths in people with these conditions.
Lisdexamfetamine could be absorbed into breastmilk and harm a nursing infant. You should not take this medication while breastfeeding. Some people may experience dizziness, shakiness or stomach upsets while taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine is not approved for children under six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is also not approved for use by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should not stop taking this medicine unless your physician tells you to do so, even when you feel better. Your doctor is likely to want to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure when you take this medicine.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, is a nonstimulant which works by blocking presynaptic transporters that are part of norepinephrine. It is highly specific for this transporter, and has a low affinity for other neurotransmitter transportation systems or receptors [115,136136). In multiple placebo-controlled research studies, it helped improve inhibitory control in ADHD patients by inhibiting overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain et al., 2009). It has also been shown to increase working memory and concentration in children suffering from ADHD. It is slow in the onset of action and can take up to 12 weeks for the full effect to be seen. The dose is weight based and should be started low and gradually increased. A single dose per day is typical. Poor metabolizers of the drug the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) are more exposed and slower elimination of atomoxetine. pharmacogenetic testing is recommended before prescribing atomoxetine to those.
In a number of controlled studies it has been demonstrated that it is effective in decreasing symptoms of ADHD. It is frequently 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 problems. However it has been found to increase aggression in some children. Atomoxetine interacts more with the antidepressant Fluoxetine. Therefore it is not recommended to be taken at the same time.
Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine are two other drugs that can be prescribed as first-line treatments for ADHD. These medications were originally developed to lower high pressure in adults. They are called alpha agonists and work by stimulating certain receptors in the brain to release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. These drugs take time to take effect and can take up to four weeks in the case of many children before they can see any benefit. They are not recommended for use with MAOIs, e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the possibility of fatal and serious adverse reactions, including severe hypothermia and rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instabilities.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that increase activity in the nervous system. They encompass a range of substances including some that are legal, and others illegal. They can be used to boost performance, stay awake or alert and treat certain medical conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy as well as depression. Some examples of prescribed stimulants include amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term stimulant can also apply to nonprescription drugs like caffeine and certain diet pills, which are used for a variety of reasons, but are not safe when taken with other medications or with certain foods.
Stimants can cause side effects, even though they do not cause habit-forming at dosages prescribed for ADHD. Some people may feel jittery or shakey. They can raise the heart rate and blood pressure, cause an upset stomach and may cause sleep problems.
Some children and teens who are taking stimulants might have antics or repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking and throat clearing. They might also experience a minor slowing in their growth.
A doctor will determine the best stimulant for you or your children. They will take into consideration other factors, such as age, weight and whether your child or you have any allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow the directions of your doctor. You should always review the Medication Guide that is included with your medication.
The first option for treating ADHD is generally medication. This is not the only option, but it's the most common. People of all ages 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 evaluated, and be counseled not to share their medication with others. They should also be encouraged to keep their medication locked away and properly disposed. Health care professionals must also regularly monitor patients and check them for signs of abuse, misuse, or addiction. The FDA is requiring more consistent information to be included on the label of a drug to educate patients and their families about these serious risks.