ADHD Stimulant Medication
Many people suffering from ADHD discover that medication helps them control symptoms and improves their performance.
Stimulants boost certain brain chemicals that aid nerves communicate with one another. They can also reduce impulsiveness and aggression.
These drugs are available in various forms for children as well as adults (e.g. tablets and liquids). It may take time to find the right dosage for each individual.
Types
The stimulant medications like methylphenidate and amphetamine reduce ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80percent of kids and adults (Spencer and colleagues, 2005). These medications are believed to boost the levels of two brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine. These drugs help to reduce the primary symptoms of the disorder, like the tendency to fidget and impulsivity, as well as problems with paying attention. They also aid people to achieve their goals and develop better social skills. In general, the drugs work best when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates behavior therapy and training in skills.
Doctors cannot predict which drug is the best for a particular person, so they start by testing different doses to find the one that works. The effects of medications can take a few weeks to reach peak effectiveness. They might need to be adjusted in time, based on how the patient responds as well as side effects. The goal is to find a dosage that can help manage ADHD symptoms, but is as low as it is possible to be.
The different types of stimulant medicines available include immediate-release methylphenidate, amphetamine, intermediate release atomoxetine and long-acting guanfacine and dexamphetamine. The medication can be consumed in capsule, liquid or chewable tablet forms. Children who have trouble swallowing tablets or pills can sprinkle the beads on food to take the three extended-release drugs.
These medications can cause a decrease in appetite and sleepiness. However, they do improve with regular usage. Sleepiness can be a consequence of these drugs however, doctors try to avoid giving them at bedtime. The methylphenidate-related insomnia that is caused by amphetamine is more severe in teens and preteens, so parents should watch for warning symptoms.
If you have heart problems or other health issues it is crucial to discuss the medications you are taking with your doctor. They may cause an abrupt increase in blood pressure or heart rate and they shouldn't be taken by people who have an history of addiction to drugs or psychiatric disorders.
Teenagers who take stimulant medications to lose weight or get high are at risk of using them. This is a serious issue, Siu and Smith say, because it puts teens who have the right combination of conditions at risk of the possibility of a heart-related death. It's important to teach kids and teens about the risks of taking a prescription from someone else or sharing their own prescription with friends, and to talk with a physician about the possibility of abuse.
Dosage
Stimulant medicines are typically taken as pills. The dosage is determined by your doctor according to the severity of your symptoms, medical conditions or other medications you are taking as well as the drug's side effects. Finding the right medication can be a trial and error process for many people. Communication with your doctor will help you find the right medication.
A typical kind of ADHD stimulant is methylphenidates (MPH). These medications are available in long- or short-acting forms, and are available as tablets, liquids or chewable tablets. Long-acting formulas can last for up to eight hours. The formulations with a shorter duration have a quicker effect, but they wear off faster. Typically, doctors begin patients on a low dose and gradually increase the dosage until they see improvements in their symptoms.
Certain adults may have to take several stimulant medications to manage their symptoms. Depending on the individual, it could be required to take the medication in conjunction with other treatment options, such as behavioral therapy.
Stimulants are considered first-line treatments for ADHD, as they are proven to reduce symptoms in 70-80% of adults and children. They reduce the frequency of fidgeting, hyperactivity, interruptions and impulsive behavior. They also aid people to concentrate and finish tasks. They can also help improve relationships and overall functioning.
The FDA has approved a variety of amphetamines and methylphenidates as a treatment of ADHD. They are generally well-tolerated and have proven to be effective. However, it is important to remember that these drugs are classified as Schedule II controlled substances by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration because they are prone to misuse and abused.
Treatments for mood disorders or depression can be combined with stimulant medications. These medications increase the levels of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter which helps people manage their behavior and focus. They can enhance attention and decrease impulsivity in some people with ADHD. However they aren't as efficient as stimulants in decreasing hyperactivity and inattention.
Some people who use these medications experience a decrease in energy or a feeling of being "on edge." This is referred to as the crash effect and can lead to depression, extreme hunger, and other unpleasant adverse effects. This can also happen when someone is taking the effects of a stimulant that is short-acting, particularly if they haven't used it for a long time or were using a high dose.
Side effects
Stimulant medicines help by boosting levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which helps improve attention and control of impulses. The most common stimulants used for ADHD are amphetamines or methylphenidates. These include Ritalin Concerta Focalin Adderall. adhd and anxiety medication are available in different dosages and forms, such as liquids and pills. These medications are utilized by many adults and children to manage their symptoms with other treatments such as therapy, training for skills, and lifestyle change.
These medications can cause side effects, like a decrease in appetite or difficulty sleeping. If you experience these side effects, you or your child may need to take the medication at a later date or eat more food during the day, or include snacks, and avoid caffeine-based drinks. These side effects will usually subside within a few days as your body adjusts. It is crucial to follow the physician's advice regarding dosage and frequency.
Medications are not the only treatment for ADHD, but they can help reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity in 70% to 80 percent of people suffering from the condition. They can help you to get better sleep, focus on your work and complete schoolwork, and enhance relationships. Your doctor will go over the benefits and risks of medications with you and will monitor your reaction.
Stimulants are classified as controlled substances, which means they have a high risk of misuse and addiction. However, when taken as prescribed by your doctor they aren't habit-forming. These medications are often abused by people who do not suffer from ADHD. They might use them to increase their alertness or to curb their appetite to lose weight. If taken for medical reasons stimulant medications can be very effective and safe.
Nonstimulants are medicines that do not boost the levels of dopamine or norepinephrine in the body. They require more time to work, but can improve your ability of control and attention. They are less likely than stimulants to be abused. However, they can result in side effects like decreased appetite and difficulty in sleeping. Examples of nonstimulant medications include Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine). Antidepressants can be used by themselves or in conjunction with stimulants to treat ADHD symptoms.
Overdose
Even when prescribed to treat a legitimate medical issue, stimulant medications can be misused or abused. People who don't have ADHD could use these medications to feel more alert or reduce their appetite to lose weight, or just to feel "high." People who suffer from ADHD who receive appropriate treatment from a doctor aren't likely develop addictions to these drugs, but these drugs do carry the risk of overdose and death.
Some of the most severe harms caused by nonmedical use are the ingestion of prescription stimulants which is usually done by mouth but can also occur when these medications are crushed and dissolved in water to drink, snorted, or injectable. These types of harms are most prevalent among teenagers who have reported taking their own prescription of a stimulant or the medication of someone else not named on the prescribing information According to data from U.S. poison centers.
Many young children mistakenly take the stimulant prescribed by their parents or older siblings to be more alert or stay up later to study for exams or get high. These are often accidents however, they could cause serious heart or kidney problems. Children can also get the tablets by stealing them from relatives or friends with a prescription. The pills can be especially dangerous for kids who have an existing heart condition or other health issues that can make them sensitive to the drugs' adverse effects.
The pills are also available without a prescription through drug dealers or through illegal sellers on the Internet which could contain fake pills that appear like authentic prescription stimulants but in reality contain dangerous illicit substances. These drugs also are a danger when taken in combination with alcohol or other controlled substances, such as opioids.
Encourage patients to go through the Medication Guide that will be provided with their filled prescription(s) to know more about the medication, including warnings and adverse reactions. It will also provide instructions on how to store and dispose of prescriptions that are not used including taking them back to a pharmacy or another approved disposal facility or site. Encourage them to contact the FDA's MedWatch Hotline if you are concerned about their medicine or experiencing any adverse effects.