10 Top Books On ADHD Stimulant Medication
ADHD Stimulant Medication Stimulants are drugs that aid people suffering from ADHD focus and control their impulsive behaviour. They can be long- or short-acting and are prescribed by paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists (and GPs in some circumstances). Stimulants influence dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They are strictly controlled and only approved by a physician. Methylphenidate Methylphenidate is a substance that is part of the family of stimulants. adhd medication uk for adults stimulates the activity of certain regions of the brain. It increases the levels of certain chemicals, like dopamine and noradrenaline, which aids in controlling attention and behavior. Methylphenidate can be used to treat ADHD as well as narcolepsy and other disorders. It can also be prescribed for depression in adults. However, it is not approved or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate is absorbed into the bloodstream quickly from the gut, and starts working within hours. It is available as a chewable tablet or an immediate-release tablet. The doctor will prescribe the most suitable dosage based on the patient's symptoms and risk of side effects. The effects of methylphenidate are usually minor and will disappear with time, as the body adjusts to the medicine. If they persist, speak to your doctor who will reduce the dosage or suggest an alternative medication. It's important to take the medication exactly as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dose. This will reduce the risk of addiction or abuse. Methylphenidate is categorized as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means it has a significant risk of abuse. Stimulants have the potential to cause withdrawal and dependence if not taken as prescribed. Tell your doctor if your child is suffering from heart issues. This includes an irregular heartbeat or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will therefore examine their blood pressure prior to beginning treatment. It's also important to tell the doctor whether your child is taking any other medications, like supplements, vitamins, or herbal supplements. The doctor will provide you with instructions on how much and how often to take the medication, as well as any other precautions. Methylphenidate is typically taken twice every day, with meals. Certain brands of long-acting methylphenidate chewable tablets (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine, and is not recommended for people with phenylketonuria (an inherited condition that requires a low protein diet to prevent severe intellectual impairment). Avoid alcohol and other drugs when taking this drug. Some sufferers may experience a decrease in appetite while taking methylphenidate. Encourage your child to take regular meals and snacks if they are losing weight. They may also have to drink a lot of water or squash to keep well-hydrated. Lisdexamfetamine Lisdexamfetamine is a central nervous system stimulant sold under the brand name Vyvanse. It acts on chemical substances that are found in the brain and nerves. It improves concentration and impulse control in children, adolescents and adults with ADHD. It treats binge-eating disorder (BED) as well as increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This helps to reduce uncontrolled eating. Lisdexamfetamine is one of the prodrug class of medicines that are modified to make them inactive until they are metabolized by the body.27 It has been proven to be safe and well-tolerated in a variety of placebo controlled trials, showing efficacy in both stimulant-naive and stimulant-exposed patients with ADHD. It is also thought to provide a longer-lasting effect than other stimulants, and may have less rebound symptoms. Adler et al27 reported that the ADHD-RS-IV scores significantly improved in a 12-week controlled study. They also reported that the majority of patients who switched to placebo relapsed within two weeks.28 Brams et al29, on the other hand employed a unique method in a randomized withdrawal trial that followed 116 adults for 12 weeks following stopping lisdexamfetamine. They found that most of the patients who relapsed hadn't been exposed to any other stimulants during the past two weeks. It is important to tell your doctor if you suffer from any allergies to this medicine or any other medicines. Also inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or any other heart problems. These stimulants increase the chance of having a stroke, heart attacks, or sudden deaths among people suffering from these conditions. Lisdexamfetamine can be absorbed into breastmilk and cause harm to a nursing infant. You should not breast-feed while taking this medication. This medication can cause dizziness, shakiness, or stomach upset in certain individuals. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for use by children less than 6 years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not suitable for women who are pregnant or nursing. Even if you are feeling better, you should not stop taking the medication unless your doctor tells you. Your doctor will probably want to keep an eye on your blood pressure and heart rate when you take this medication. Atomoxetine Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, is a nonstimulant which works by blocking presynaptic transporters that are part of norepinephrine. It has a high affinity to this transporter, but has a low affinity for any other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115-136]. In a variety of placebo-controlled trials it improved the inhibitory control of ADHD patients by inhibiting the overactivation on the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and colleagues, 2009). It has also been proven to improve working memory and attention span in children with ADHD. It can take up to 12 weeks before you can see the full effects. The dose is based on weight and should be increased gradually. A daily dose of once is common. Poor metabolizers of the drug Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) have higher exposure and a slower elimination of atomoxetine. it is recommended to conduct a pharmacogenetic test prior to prescribing atomoxetine to these individuals. In a number of controlled studies, it has been shown that it is effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It is typically used as the first-line treatment. It is generally well tolerated and safe, and does not increase the likelihood of suicidal behavior. It isn't as effective in reducing anxiety and tics as stimulants, and it doesn't appear to help with sleep issues. However, it has been shown to increase aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is more akin to the antidepressant fluoxetine. Therefore it is recommended that they not be taken in conjunction. 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 lower blood pressure in adults. These drugs are alpha agonists. They are able to stimulate receptors in the mind to release norepinephrine neurotransmitter which can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications have a long onset of action, and a majority of children will require two to four weeks before they see any benefit from them. In addition, 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 medications that boost activity in the central nervous system. They are a variety of substances including some that are legal, and others illegal. They can be used to enhance performance, remain awake or alert and treat certain medical conditions such as ADHD, narcolepsy and depression. Amphetamines, methylphenidate, and other prescription stimulants can be used. The term”stimulant” can also be applied to nonprescription medications like caffeine and some diet pills that are used for a variety of reasons, but are not safe when used in combination with other medications or certain foods. Stimants can cause side effects, even though they're not habit-forming in the doses prescribed to treat ADHD. They can make some people feel anxious or nervous. They can raise blood pressure and heart rate and can cause stomach upset and may cause trouble sleeping. Some children and teenagers who take stimulants can have tics or repetitive movements or noises, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. They could also experience a slight delay in growth. A doctor will determine which stimulant is suitable for you or your child. They will take into consideration other factors, such as age, weight and whether you or your child suffer from any allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medications. Always follow the instructions of your doctor. You should go through the Medication Guide that comes with your medicine. The first option for treating ADHD is typically medication. It's not the only option, but it is the most commonly used. Psychosocial interventions such as family therapy and behavior modification are also available to help people of all ages who suffer from ADHD. People who take prescription ADHD medication should be screened for the possibility of abuse and misuse and counseled to avoid sharing their medication with anyone else. Also it is recommended to keep any medications they no longer use in a secure place and dispose of them appropriately. Health care professionals should also frequently check and examine patients for signs of misuse, abuse or addiction. The FDA is now requiring more consistent information to be provided on the label of a drug to patients and their families be aware about the serious dangers.