ADHD Medications
The first medication doctors use to manage symptoms is stimulants. They increase levels of two chemical messengers within the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine.
The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine. They are available under the brand names Ritalin (Vyvanse) and Concerta (Ritalin). They suppress appetite and cause weight loss in children. They also increase blood pressure and heart rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate (brand name Ritalin) is the most frequently used stimulant medication to treat ADHD in children and adults. It works by altering the levels of certain natural substances within the brain. It is available in liquid, chewable tablet, or capsule form. The tablets that are long-acting and the orally disintegrating tablet deliver some medicine immediately, while the capsules deliver a steady dose of medication over time. You should not consume alcohol while taking these medications.
Medications like methylphenidate stimulate brain areas that are underactive for ADHD patients, for example those involved with concentration. They boost concentration and make things easier, like listening, following instructions and paying attention. These medications can reduce physical aggression and some other antisocial behaviors.
Studies on methylphenidate's effects on the brain have demonstrated that it raises the levels of dopamine and noradrenaline in the nucleus of the accumbens and the prefrontal cortex. It is, however, unable to bind to the serotonin transporter and therefore doesn't affect serotonin levels. It is believed that this mechanism explains why methylphenidate helps reduce symptoms of ADHD.
Methylphenidate must be taken as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for ADHD that includes counseling and special education. It could cause unwanted side effects, like stomachaches and headaches. It is not recommended for pregnant women. If the benefits of the medication outweigh the risk, it could be used during pregnancy. Your doctor will offer advice.
Methylphenidate has an Schedule II classification, which means it is highly addictive and prone to abuse. It is also a central nervous stimulant and increase blood pressure and heart rates in some people. These effects can be dangerous for those suffering from medical conditions that affect the way the body utilizes blood pressure and heart rate lowering medications, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (fatty liver disease) or a history of stroke or heart attack. Certain people may suffer from allergic reactions to methylphenidate. Inform your doctor whether you are allergic to. He or she might be able to prescribe a different medication that doesn't cause these reactions.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines, a type psychostimulant, are used to treat ADHD. These drugs help by increasing levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. This improves cognitive functioning and motivational behavior. They also help in treating narcolepsy, which is a condition that is characterized by excessive sleepiness. Amphetamines are readily available and can be purchased over the counter or on prescription from a doctor. They can be given to children who don't respond to methylphenidate. It is the first line of treatment for ADHD in the US.
In a brand new Cochrane review the researchers examined seven controlled studies that were randomized to amphetamines (dextroamphetamine, the lisdexamfetamine derivative [Vyvanse] and mixed amphetamine salts) in children and adolescents with ADHD. The results revealed that amphetamines were superior to placebo for reducing the severity of core ADHD symptoms. However, the majority of studies were prone to a high chance of bias. This makes it difficult to establish whether the differences observed between the various amphetamines are genuine.
The authors investigated different dosages of the drug, but did not find any difference between immediate-release and sustained-release formulations. The authors also examined the effects of varying the amount of time taken daily and, again, no difference was found. The researchers also examined whether the combination of l-amphetamine and d-amphetamine was more effective than d-amphetamine alone which is what is typically used as the main ingredient in Adderall. They found that the combination was slightly more effective than d-amphetamine however, not significantly.
The authors concluded that their validity externally was limited by the brief duration of the research and the strict inclusion criteria. It would be helpful to conduct longitudinal RCTs with longer follow-up periods and use objective outcomes that are not affected by the failure of blinding. Additionally future RCTs should consider using multiple comparator drugs in order to improve the validity of their findings.
Current guidelines recommend lisdexamfetamine, or methylphenidate as the primary treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. If these drugs don't provide sufficient benefits after a 6-week trial, doctors may opt for the standard dexamfetamine, which is broken down into d-amphetamine more quickly and requires it to be taken more often. Atomoxetine is another option if lisdexamfetamine or dexamfetamine does not provide enough benefit to the patient.
Long-acting stimulants
Stimulant drugs ease ADHD symptoms in 70% to the 80% of adults and children who take these drugs. They reduce hyperactivity, interrupting and fidgeting behaviours and other disruptive behavior. They also improve the focus, academic performance and social skills. They could be the first treatment your child's health care provider considers or they could be used with other therapies, such as behavioral therapy. The drugs are available in patches, liquids or pills that are applied to the skin. When your child starts taking these medications, the healthcare professional will monitor their bodily reactions to determine the right dosage. They'll also check for adverse effects.
Long-acting stimulants are designed to relieve symptoms throughout the day without the need for frequent dosages. They feature a delayed-release element that means that the medication enters the body at different times, providing consistent coverage for up to 8 hours. They also may be less prone to misuse and diverting than short-acting stimulants.
Amphétamines or methylphenidates are two most commonly used classes of drugs that aid people suffering from ADHD improve their focus, attention and impulsivity. The medication alters the levels of dopamine in the brain. adhd medication uk can take up to a week to experience the full effects of these medications and your doctor will probably begin with a small dose and gradually increase it.
The type of stimulant your child uses is contingent on several factors, such as weight, age, and whether your child is allergic or not to the drug. It is important to inform your doctor whether your child is taking other prescription or non-prescription medications and supplements and vitamins. Certain medications may have harmful effects when combined with other substances, so your doctor needs to be aware of everything you and your child are taking.
Side effects of stimulant medications include sleepiness, loss of appetite and headaches. These side effects typically disappear after a few weeks or months, but should you still experience them, then you should consult your physician. You may be able reduce side effects by taking your medication with food, or altering the dosage.
Short-acting stimulants
There's a high chance that medication can help whether or not your child suffers from ADHD. According to studies between 70% and the majority of adults suffering from ADHD and children who take ADHD medications see improvements. These medications help with symptoms like hyperactivity, fidgeting, interruptions, and difficulties staying focused or completing tasks. They have less difficulty at home and school and have more stable relationships.
Stimulants alter the levels of chemicals that are present in your brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. Most doctors recommend stimulants as the initial treatment for ADHD in both adults and children. Methylphenidate (brand name Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (brand name Adderall) are two of the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Doctors may also prescribe extended-release versions of these drugs which last between six and 16 hours. It is possible to take them in the morning, or at various times during the day to prevent peaks and troughs in blood levels.
Your child or you may need to try several different dosages and medications before you can find the best one. Some of the side effects include headaches, stomachaches and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. These effects are usually experienced when an atypical medication is introduced or the dosage is increased. They usually fade in time as the body adjusts to the medication.
Although all medications can cause side effects, most people don't suffer from them too often or even at all. If you or your child does experience a reaction that is not pleasant consult your doctor immediately.
In some cases the person suffering from ADHD does not need stimulant medication. This is especially true if the person has excellent coping skills or is able to structure his/her life so that ADHD medication is only required in special situations.
Certain people could also be prescribed non-stimulant ADHD medication, for instance antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin). These do not have FDA approval to treat ADHD but they can be employed "off label" for this purpose. Nonstimulant medications can cause less sedation, depression and anxiety than stimulants. However, it could have some negative side effects, such as insomnia or agitation.