Why ADHD Stimulant Medication Is Quickly Becoming The Hot Trend Of 2024
ADHD Stimulant Medication Stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD manage their hyper-impulsive behavior and focus. They can be long- or short-acting and are prescribed by psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists (and doctors in certain situations). Stimulants affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are tightly controlled and only ordered by a doctor. Methylphenidate Methylphenidate is a substance that is part of the class of stimulants and increases activity in parts of the brain. It increases the levels of certain chemicals, like dopamine and noradrenaline. This aids in controlling attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is used to treat ADHD and the condition known as narcolepsy. It is also prescribed for depression in adults. However, it is not approved or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate gets absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream rapidly and is effective within a matter of hours. It is available as an immediate-release tablet or an extended-release chewable capsule or tablet. The doctor will prescribe a formula that is most appropriate for the patient's symptoms and possible side effects. Side effects of methylphenidate tend to be mild and will go away over time as the body adjusts to the medication. If they continue to bother you, talk to your doctor who will lower the dose or try an alternative medication. It is crucial to take the medication according to the prescription. Do not overdose the dosage recommended. This helps reduce the potential for abuse or addiction. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified the drug methylphenidate as a Schedule II substance, which means it is highly susceptible to abuse. The stimulants can cause dependency and withdrawal when not taken in the prescribed manner. Tell your doctor if you child is suffering from heart issues. This could include an irregular heartbeat or a history heart attack. Methylphenidate can increase the rate of heartbeat and that's why the doctor will check their heart rhythm and blood pressure before starting treatment. Tell the doctor about any other medications your child is taking, including herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements. The doctor will inform you how much medication to take and how often, along with any other precautions. Methylphenidate is usually taken twice a day with meals. Certain brands of the chewable methylphenidate tablets with a long-acting action (Quillichew ER, Cotempla XR-ODT and Adhansia XR) contain aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine. It should not be consumed by people suffering from Phenylketonuria (an inheritable condition that requires a low protein diet to prevent severe intellectual disability). It's important to avoid drinking alcohol or other substances when taking this medication. Some people may experience a decrease in appetite when taking methylphenidate. If non stimulant adhd medication is losing weight, you should encourage them to eat regularly and snacks. They may also have to drink lots of water or squash to keep hydrated. Lisdexamfetamine Lisdexamfetamine is a central nervous system stimulant that is sold under the name Vyvanse. Our Site affects chemicals in the brain and the nerves. It improves concentration and control of impulses in children, adolescents and adults with ADHD. It also treats binge eating disorder (BED) by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, and reducing instances of eating disorder that is uncontrolled. Lisdexamfetamine is a member of the prodrug class of medicines, which are modified to render them inactive until they are metabolized by the body.27 It has been found to be safe and well-tolerated by a variety of placebo-controlled studies that have demonstrated its efficacy in both stimulant-naive and stimulant-exposed patients with ADHD. It is also believed to have a greater lasting effect than other stimulants and may have fewer rebound symptoms. Adler et al27 reported that the ADHD-RS-IV scores improved significantly in a 12-week controlled trial. They also reported that most of patients who changed to placebo had a relapse within 2 weeks.28 In addition, Brams et al29 used an innovative design for a randomized withdrawal study in which they followed 116 adult patients for 12 weeks after stopping treatment with lisdexamfetamine. They found that the majority of patients who relapsed were not exposed to any other stimulants in the previous two-week period. It is essential to inform your doctor if there are any allergies to this medication or any other medicines. Inform your doctor if suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems, or other heart conditions. Certain stimulants can increase the risk of having a stroke heart attack, stroke, or sudden death for those with these conditions. Lisdexamfetamine may pass into breastmilk and cause harm to a nursing infant. It is advised not to breastfeed when taking this medication. This medication can cause dizziness, shakiness, or stomach upsets in certain people. Lisdexamfetamine has not been approved for children younger than six years of age. Lisdexamfetamine is not a prescription drug for use by women who are nursing or pregnant. Even if you're feeling better, you should not stop taking the medicine unless your physician advises you. While you are taking this medication the doctor will keep track of your blood pressure and pulse rate. Atomoxetine Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant that blocks the presynaptic neuronal norepinephrine transporter. It is highly specific for this transporter and a weak affinity for other neurotransmitter transporters or receptors [115,136]. In a variety of placebo-controlled studies it helped improve inhibitory control in ADHD patients by reducing the overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain and co. 2009). It was also shown to increase working memory and attention span in children with ADHD. It can take as long as 12 weeks to see its full effects. The dosage is based on weight and should be gradually increased. A once-daily dosage is typical. 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 to these patients. In several 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. adhd medication list is generally well-tolerated and is safe, and does not increase the risk for suicidal behavior. It is not as effective as stimulants in reducing anxiety and tics, and it does not seem to reduce sleep problems however, it has been proven to decrease aggression in a few children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with antidepressant fluoxetine. Therefore, it is not recommended to take them together [115, 137). Two other medications that are often prescribed as a first-line treatment for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). These drugs were originally developed to lower blood pressure in adults. They are known as alpha agonists. They function by stimulating specific receptors within the brain to release the neurotransmitter neopinephrine which can decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications take time to take effect, and it may take up to four weeks for some children before they can see any benefits. Additionally, they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the possibility of serious and potentially fatal adverse reactions, including extreme hypothermia and rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instability. Other Stimulants Stimulants are substances that increase activity in the nervous system. They encompass a range of substances that are legal and illegal. They can be used to enhance performance, stay awake and alert, as well as treat certain medical conditions like ADHD, narcolepsy and depression. Some examples of stimulants prescribed by a doctor are amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term stimulant can also apply to nonprescription drugs like caffeine and some diet pills that are used for a variety reasons, but are not safe when taken in combination with other medications or certain food items. They don't create a habit in the doses used to treat people with ADHD, but they can cause side effects. They can make people feel anxious or nervous. They can increase blood pressure and heart rate and cause stomach upset, and can lead to sleep problems. Children and teens who are taking stimulants might have tics that are repetitive sounds or movements, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. They may also experience a minor growth delay. A doctor will determine the best stimulant for you or your children. They will also consider other factors, including weight, age and whether your child or you have any allergies. They will then prescribe the medication. Always follow the directions of your doctor. You must go through the Medication Guide that comes with your medicine. Medications are not the only option to reduce symptoms of ADHD however they are usually the first course of treatment. Psychosocial interventions such as behavior modification and family therapy can also be used to aid people of all ages who suffer from ADHD. Patients who are prescribed ADHD medication should be screened for the possibility of misuse and abuse evaluated, and be counseled not to give their medication to others. Additionally they should be urged to keep any medications they no longer use in a safe place and dispose of them in a safe manner. Health professionals should regularly monitor patients for signs of misuse, abuse or addiction. The FDA has mandated that more consistent information be included on the labeling of drugs in order to inform patients and their families about the serious risks.