ADHD Medications
The first treatment that doctors employ to control symptoms is stimulants. They raise levels of two chemical messengers within the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine.
The most frequently used stimulants are methylphenidate (branded Ritalin and Concerta) and lisdexamfetamine (brand name Vyvanse). They can reduce appetite and cause weight loss in children. They also increase heart rate and blood pressure.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate (brand name Ritalin) is the most commonly used stimulant medication to treat ADHD in both adults and children. It works by altering quantities of certain natural substances in the brain. It is available in liquid form, chewable tablet, or capsule. The tablets that are long-acting and the orally disintegrating tablet deliver some medicine instantly, whereas capsules deliver a steady dose of medicine over time. It is not recommended to consume alcohol while taking these medications.
Methylphenidate is a medication that stimulates brain regions that are inactive within ADHD patients, like those involved with concentration. They boost concentration and make things easier, like listening, following instructions and paying attention. These medications also help reduce physical aggression and some other forms of antisocial behaviour.
Research on methylphenidate and its effect 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 connect to the serotonin transporter and therefore doesn't affect serotonin levels. This mechanism of action is thought to be the reason methylphenidate decreases symptoms of ADHD.
Methylphenidate is recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment program for ADHD that includes counseling and special education. It can cause unwanted side effects, like stomachaches and headaches. It is not recommended for pregnant women. However, if the advantages of the medication outweigh the dangers, it can be given during pregnancy. Your doctor will provide suggestions.
Methylphenidate is a Schedule II drug, which means it has a very high potential for abuse and addiction. It can also be an antagonist of the central nervous system and raise blood pressure and heart rates in certain people. These effects could be harmful when you suffer from a medical condition that affects how your body utilizes blood pressure and heart rate lowering drugs for example, a fatty liver disease called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or an history of stroke or heart attack. Methylphenidate can trigger allergic reactions in some people. If you are prone to allergies, tell your doctor. He or she might be able to prescribe a different medication that doesn't trigger these reactions.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines, which are a type of psychostimulant, are used to treat ADHD. They work by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which can improve cognitive functioning and motivated behaviors. These drugs also work in treating narcolepsy, a condition that is characterized by excessive sleeping. Amphetamines are widely available and can be purchased over-the-counter or through prescription from a physician. Children who do not respond to methylphenidate - which is the first treatment of the first line for ADHD in the United States is sometimes prescribed amphetamines.
Researchers conducted seven random controlled studies of amphetamines in children and adolescents who have ADHD (dextroamphetamine [Vyvanse] or lisdexamfetamine, or mixed amphetamines salts). The results showed amphetamines to be superior to placebo in reducing severity of core ADHD symptoms. However, the majority of studies had a high risk of bias. It is hard to tell if the differences between the amphetamines found in the studies are real.
Different doses of the drug were investigated however no differences were found between immediate- and sustained-release formulations. The authors also looked into the effects of varying how long the drug was taken daily and, again, no differences were observed. The authors also investigated whether the combination d-amphetamine and lamphetamine which is the primary ingredient in Adderall is more effective than just damphetamine. They discovered that the combination was more effective than d'amphetamine, however, not significantly.
The authors concluded that their external validity was limited by the brief duration of the study and the restrictive inclusion criteria. It would be beneficial to conduct longitudinal RCTs that have longer follow-up intervals and employ objective outcomes that cannot be affected by blinding failure. Additionally the future RCTs should consider using multiple comparator drugs to increase the power of their findings.
Current guidelines recommend lisdexamfetamine as well as methylphenidate for people with ADHD. If these medications don't produce enough benefits after a six-week trial, doctors can opt for dexamfetamine that is broken down into d-amphetamine more quickly and requires it to be taken more often. Atomoxetine is a different alternative if dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine doesn't provide enough benefit for the patient.
Long-acting stimulants
Stimulant medicines ease ADHD symptoms for 70% to 80percent of adults and children who are taking these medications. They reduce hyperactivity, interrupting fidgeting, fidgeting, and other disruptive behaviors, enhancing focus, academic performance and social skills. Your child's doctor may use them as the first treatment, or be used alongside other therapies such as behavioral therapy. The medications are available as patches, liquids or pills that are applied to the skin. When your child starts taking these medications, your healthcare provider will monitor their bodily reactions to determine the appropriate dosage. They'll also look for any side effects.
Long-acting stimulants relieve symptoms throughout the day without the need for repeat dosages. They contain a delayed-release element, so that the medication is introduced into your body at different times. This gives you a consistent dose for up to 8 hours. They also have a lower hazard of abuse and diversion risk than short-acting stimulation drugs.
Medications that help people with ADHD improve their attention, focus and impulsivity usually fall into one of two drug classes: methylphenidates or amphetamines. The medication affects dopamine levels in the brain. The full effect of these drugs can last up to one week. Your doctor will likely begin you on a lower dosage, and gradually increase it.
The kind of stimulant your child is taking depends on a variety of factors such as age, weight and whether or not your child is allergic to the medication or other substances. Info rm your doctor if your child is taking any other OTC or prescription medications or vitamins. Certain medications can have dangerous side effects when taken with other substances. Your doctor should know what medications you and your child are taking.
The stimulant medication can cause adverse effects, including nausea, sleepiness and headaches. The majority of these side effects will go disappear after a few weeks or months, but you should consult your physician when they aren't. You could be able to lessen side effects by taking your medication with food or changing the dosage.
Short-acting stimulants
There's a good chance medication could help if you or your child suffers from ADHD. According to research, between 70% and 80percent of adults with ADHD and children who take ADHD medications improve. These medications help with symptoms such as hyperactivity, fidgeting and interruptions, as well as problems staying focused or working on tasks. People who take these medications have less trouble at school and home and have more stable relationships.
Stimulants work by changing the levels of the chemicals in your brain that are known as norepinephrine or dopamine. They're the first medication that doctors recommend for children and adults with ADHD. Methylphenidate (brand name Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (brand name Adderall) are two of the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Doctors can also prescribe extended-release versions of these drugs that last between six and 16 hours. You can take them in the morning, or at different times during the day to avoid peaks and troughs in blood levels.
Your child or you may require a variety of medications and doses before finding the one that works best for you. Some of the side effects include headaches, stomachaches, and changes in heart rate or blood pressure. These symptoms are typically experienced when an atypical medication is introduced or the dosage is raised. These effects typically disappear after a while as the body becomes used to the medication.
While all medications have adverse effects, the majority of people don't suffer from them too often or even at all. If you or your child have a bad reaction discuss it with your doctor immediately.
There are a few instances where a person who has ADHD does not require stimulant medication. This is especially applicable if the individual has excellent coping skills or is able to structure their life in a way that ADHD medication is only taken in specific circumstances.
Certain people could also be prescribed non-stimulant ADHD medication, such as antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin). These do not have FDA approval to treat ADHD however, they are often used "off label" for this purpose. Nonstimulant medicines can cause less sedation and depression than stimulants, but may still cause some adverse effects, such as insomnia and agitation.