ADHD Medication
ADHD medications can ease many symptoms but they don't cure the disorder. Typically, your physician will prescribe medication along with education, counseling, and behavior therapy.
Stimulant drugs are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. They function by increasing or the brain's chemical balance that controls behavior and attention. They comprise methylphenidates (Concerta, Ritalin) and amphetamines, such as Dexedrine.
Methylphenidate
Among the most widely studied stimulant medications for ADHD, methylphenidate has been proven to be safe and effective in children and adults. This medication is available in a variety including pills, liquid chewable tablets, as well as extended-release capsules. It is also available in a single-isomer form that only contains right-handed molecules, not the left-handed ones. (Brand name Focalin XR Generic name dexmethylphenidate).
Certain people may experience side-effects from methylphenidate, such as headaches and a loss of appetite. These effects are typically minor, and disappear once the patient has become used to the medication. Consult your doctor if these adverse reactions persist. They may change your dosage, or prescribe an entirely new medication.
In certain instances methylphenidate can trigger mood changes, for example, being depressed or angry. This isn't common, but it can be serious if you have an existing mental illness such as bipolar disorder. In rare instances methylphenidate could cause a manic episode in those with bipolar disorder.
Methylphenidate can increase your heart rate and blood pressure and is not recommended for people with heart problems. Anyone with a history of structural heart disease should stay away from the medication, especially young people and children. Also, it should not be used by those with Phenylketonuria (an inheritable condition in which you have to follow the diet that is low in protein). Tell your doctor before taking this medication if you are suffering from a heart disease.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medication that has been approved by the FDA used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. It is also an option for treating binge-eating disorder (BED). It is a central nerve system stimulant that increases the activity in certain areas of the brain. It is only available on prescription.
When combined with other medications such as sedatives and anticholinergics, the drug can cause serious adverse side effects. This combination may increase the risk of having seizures and heart issues. It can also be dangerous when driving or operating machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol when taking Vyvanse, and be careful not to drive until you know how the drug affects you. If you need to dispose of your medication, you can use a program to take back medicine or mix it with a nontoxic substance like dirt or cat litter and dispose of it in household trash.
The studies on lisdexamfetamine's effects have proven that it's just as effective as methylphenidate, a long-acting drug and Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant. uk adhd medication revealed that lisdexamfetamine was more efficient than methylphenidate.
Studies on lisdexamfetamine show that it can improve performance in both classroom and work environments. A small open-label study conducted by Brown et al37 demonstrated significant improvement in a simulation workplace environment. Another study conducted by Wigal et al38 showed improvements in performance when taking a permanent Product Measure of Performance test.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is different from stimulants such as Ritalin, Adderall(dextroamphetamine), or Vyvanse(lisdexamfetamine). It is not a centrally nervous system stimulant but a noradrenaline-reuptake inhibitor. Noradrenaline is a chemical that sends messages from one nerve cell to another brain cell. After sending a message, noradrenaline gets reabsorbed by the nerve endings in a process of recycling. Atomoxetine inhibits this recycling process and increases the levels of active noradrenaline within the brain. This helps to improve attention and reduce impulsive behaviour.
The capsules are available in oral form. It is generally prescribed twice or once a day, however it can be given more often if necessary. It is essential to follow the doctor's prescription closely, particularly at the beginning of treatment. It is best to take the medicine with food and drink a large glass of water. Do not mix with hot drinks or other medicines unless you are told otherwise.
Despite research that shows that atomoxetine is more effective than methylphenidate and dexamfetamine in treating ADHD symptoms, it is still less effective. It is less effective than nonstimulant medications such as tricyclic antidepressants, or Clonidine. Atomoxetine can cause dizziness, fainting, and lightheadedness. Avoid this by not rising too quickly after lying down. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking while taking this medication. It is also recommended to consult your doctor about the best diet that you or your child can have.
Adderall
Adderall is a drug used to increase alertness and concentration. It works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. Dopamine enhances positive behavior, while norepinephrine regulates blood pressure, heart rate and blood vessels.
When taken at doctor-recommended dosages, Adderall doesn't cause a feeling of being high. Nonetheless, it can cause side effects such as dry mouth and insomnia. If your child or teenager experiences these symptoms, talk to their doctor. The doctor could be able to change medications or the dosage.
The use of stimulant medications is a typical treatment for ADHD however it can cause problems in certain children. These problems can be a result of poor school performance to social issues. Stimulants are also abused by teenagers to get a "buzz." They may even lead to addiction. Fortunately, many of these issues can be avoided.
A few children with ADHD are unable to sleep at the night. The medication may help them sleep. It is important to restrict the use of screens and caffeine close to the time of bed. It's also a good idea to avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.
Adderall includes amphetamine, which is an illegal substance. It can result in false positives on drug tests. It's important that you inform your coach or employer if you play sports. The duration of Adderall in the body varies from one person to another. It is best to avoid taking it for two to four days prior to your next test.
Dexedrine
Dexedrine, a potent stimulant can affect the central nervous system. It works like other ADHD medications to boost the neurotransmitters in the brain, reducing impulsivity and hyperactivity, improving listening abilities, and altering how people feel. It is available as a short-acting tablet and extended-release capsules. It is classified as a Schedule II drug, meaning it is able to cause addiction. It also increases heartbeat and blood pressure. Tell your doctor immediately in the event of this.
Many children with ADHD suffer from side effects when taking stimulant medication. They may suffer from stomach issues, sleep problems or become aggressive or irritable. These side effects can either be minimized or eliminated when the dosage, formula or type of medication is changed.
The medication does not cure ADHD however they can assist a child to control their emotions and stay focused. They can also help them do better in school. However, ADHD symptoms will return after discontinuation of the drug. Therefore, they must be taken as prescribed by the doctor.
Doctors should monitor the heart rhythm and blood pressure. They can also cause sleep issues and changes in appetite. The best way to treat ADHD is to use a combination of medications therapy, therapy, and training. Children who receive treatment for ADHD tend to have lower full-scale IQs than those who do not. They are more likely than others to require special education or remedial academic services and to be slower to complete high school. They are also more likely to leave college.
Ritalin
When Ritalin was first used to treat ADHD it was developed with kindergarteners and first-graders in mind, since they only require the medication for three or four hours each day. As kids age and become less able to focus, and thus require longer-lasting medications. There are medications available that function as stimulants, but last for as long as 12 hours. These drugs are known as "methylphenidates" and they increase two chemicals that influence concentration in the brain which are norepinephrine and dopamine. The drugs come in a variety of forms, such as pills that can be swallowed, chewed or dissolved, liquids that are sucked into the mouth and patches that sticks to the skin similar to an adhesive bandage.
The medication cannot cure ADHD however it can aid in staying focused and less fidgety at school or work. It helps you follow directions and listen. It can also trigger adverse effects such as abdominal pain, sleep problems and eating disorders. It can also worsen symptoms of anxiety, agitation or psychosis. It's important to tell a doctor right away when you experience any of these symptoms.
The DEA classifies stimulant drugs as Schedule II drugs because they are abused. They are only available with a prescription and should be kept away from anyone who may misuse them. Atomoxetine and Guanfacine, however, are not Schedule II drugs and have less adverse effects than stimulants.