ADHD Medication
ADHD medications can relieve many symptoms of the disorder, but they don't solve it. Typically, your doctor will prescribe medication along with counseling, education, and behavior therapy.
The most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulant drugs. They work by boosting or stabilizing brain chemicals that regulate behavior and attention. They comprise methylphenidates (Concerta, Ritalin) and amphetamines, such as Dexedrine.
Methylphenidate
One of the most extensively studied stimulant medications for ADHD, methylphenidate has shown to be both safe and effective for children as well as adults. It is available in a variety of formulations, including pills, liquid chewable tablets, and extended-release capsules. It is also available in a single-isomer formulation that only contains right-handed molecules and not the left-handed ones. (Brand name Focalin XR Generic name dexmethylphenidate).
There are people who suffer from side effects of methylphenidate, such as headaches or loss of appetite. These side effects are typically minor, and disappear once the patient has become accustomed to the medication. If these side effects persist consult your physician. They may change your dosage, or prescribe a new medication.
In some instances methylphenidate can cause mood changes, such as feeling aggressive or depressed. This isn't common however it can be a serious issue for those suffering from a mental illness such as bipolar disorder. In rare cases methylphenidate could trigger a manic episode among people with bipolar disorder.
Methylphenidate can raise your blood pressure and heart rate which is not a good thing for those with heart issues. The drug should be avoided by anyone with a history of heart failure or structural heart disease, especially in children and young adults. It should also not be taken by people who suffer from phenylketonuria (an genetic condition that requires you are required to adhere to a low-protein diet). Inform your doctor prior to taking this medication if you suffer from an issue with your heart.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medication that has been approved by the FDA that treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children. It also serves as an option for treating binge-eating disorder (BED). It is a central nervous system stimulant that works by increasing the activity in specific areas of the brain. It is available on prescription only.
The drug can cause serious side effects when taken in combination with other medications, like sedatives or anticholinergics. This combination can increase your risk of developing heart problems and seizures. This can be dangerous when driving or operating machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol when taking Vyvanse and ensure not to drive until you are aware of how the drug affects you. If you have to dispose of your medication, you can use an online program for taking back your medicine or mix it with a nontoxic substance such as cat litter or dirt, and throw it away in the trash of your home.
Studies on lisdexamfetamine have demonstrated that it is as effective as methylphenidate, a long-acting drug and the non-stimulant Atomoxetine. A recent European study also revealed that lisdexamfetamine was more effective than the methylphenidate.
The studies of lisdexamfetamine show that the drug can improve functioning in both school and work environments. Brown et al37 conducted a small open-label trial that showed significant improvements in a simulation workplace. Wigal and co. conducted a study that revealed significant improvements in performance when compared to a permanent Product Measure of Performance.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is distinct from stimulants like Ritalin, Adderall (dextroamphetamine) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine). It is not a centrally-nervous system stimulant but a noradrenaline-reuptake inhibitor. Noradrenaline is a chemical found in the brain that transmits messages between nerves, is a chemical. Noradrenaline is recycled by nerve endings after sending messages. Atomoxetine inhibits this recycling process and boosts the levels of active noradrenaline in the brain. This improves the ability to focus and reduce impulsive behavior.
The medication is consumed orally and comes in capsule form. The medication is typically prescribed once or twice daily, but can be given more frequently if required. It is essential to follow the doctor's directions carefully, especially at the beginning of treatment. Consume the medicine with meals and drink plenty of fluids. Do not mix it with hot drinks or any other medicine unless directed otherwise.
Despite research that shows that atomoxetine is more effective than dexamfetamine and methylphenidate in treating ADHD symptoms, it is still less efficient. It's also less effective than non-stimulant medication, like tricyclic antidepressants and Clonidine. Atomoxetine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. To avoid this, it is recommended to not be able to get up too quickly from a position of lying down. You should also avoid smoking cigarettes or alcohol when you are taking this drug. You should also talk to your doctor regarding the best diet that you or your child could follow.
Adderall
Adderall is a medication used to improve alertness and concentration. It does this by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. Dopamine boosts positive behavior while norepinephrine regulates blood pressure, heart rate, and blood vessels.
If taken in the recommended dosages prescribed by a doctor, Adderall doesn't cause a feeling of being high. It can, however, cause side effects like dry mouth and insomnia. Talk to your doctor if you notice these symptoms in your child or teenager. The doctor could be in a position to switch medications or alter the dosage.
Stimulant medication is a popular treatment of ADHD, but they can cause issues for children. These issues can be a result of poor school performance to social issues. Teens also take stimulants to get a buzz. They can lead to addiction. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be prevented.
Certain children with ADHD are unable to sleep at the night. The medication could aid them in sleeping. It is essential to limit screen time and caffeine close to bedtime. It's also an excellent idea to avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
Adderall contains amphetamine, an illegal substance. It can cause a false positive in drug screening tests. It's important that you provide this information to your coach or employer when you participate in sports. The duration of Adderall's effects in the body can vary from individual to individual. It is best to avoid taking it for two to four days before your next test.
Dexedrine
Dexedrine, a powerful stimulant, affects the central nervous system. It works in conjunction with other ADHD medications to boost the brain's neurotransmitters, reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity, improving listening abilities, and altering how people feel. I Am Psychiatry is available in both short-acting tablet and extended-release capsules. It is classified as a Schedule II substance, which means it is able to cause addiction. It can also raise the heart rate and blood pressure. If this occurs, consult your doctor immediately.
Many children with ADHD suffer side effects from stimulant medications. They may experience an upset stomach or sleep issues or become aggressive or irritable. These adverse effects can be reduced or eliminated by changing the dosage and formula or the type of medication.
The medication does not cure ADHD however they can assist a child to control their emotions and stay focused. They can also improve their performance at school. However, ADHD symptoms will return after discontinuation of the drug. Therefore, they must be taken as directed by the doctor.
Doctors should monitor blood pressure and heart rhythm. They can also trigger sleep problems and changes in appetite. The best way to manage ADHD is by combining medication, therapy and skills training. Children who suffer from ADHD have lower full-scale IQs than those who do not have. They are more likely than other children to require special education or remedial academic services and to be slower to complete high school. They are more likely to leave college.
Ritalin
Ritalin, the first medication used to treat ADHD in children, was developed with kindergarteners and 1st graders in mind. They only required it for three or four hour periods every day. As kids age get older, they are less able to concentrate, and so require a longer-lasting drug. There are some medications that act as stimulants, but they last for as long as 12 hours. These are referred to as "methylphenidates," and they increase the quantity of two substances in the brain that influence concentration: dopamine and norepinephrine. The medicines come in different forms, including pills that can be chewed, swallowed or dissolved and liquids that are squeezed into the mouth and patches that sticks to the skin, similar to an adhesive bandage.
The medication does not cure ADHD however it can aid in staying focus and less tense at school or work. It helps people follow directions and listen. It can also cause negative side effects such as abdominal pain, insomnia and appetite problems. It can also worsen symptoms of anxiety, agitation, or psychosis. Tell your doctor immediately when you notice any of these symptoms.
The DEA classifies stimulant drugs as Schedule II drugs because they are abused. They can only be purchased with a prescription and should be kept away from children and adults who may misuse them. Atomoxetine and guanfacine however, aren't Schedule II drugs and have less adverse effects than stimulants.