ADHD Stimulant Medication
Many people suffering from ADHD find that medication can help them control symptoms and improves their performance.
Stimulants boost certain brain chemicals which aid in the communication between nerve cells. They can also reduce aggression and impulsiveness.
These drugs are available in various forms for both children and adults (e.g. tablets and liquids). It could take a while to determine the appropriate dosage for each person.
Types
Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine can ease ADHD symptoms for 70 to 80percent of adults and children (Spencer et al. 2005). These drugs seem to increase the levels of two brain chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine. They improve core symptoms of the condition, such as fidgeting, impulsivity and difficulty paying attention. The drugs also help people complete tasks and develop better social skills. The most effective drugs are when utilized in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment program that includes behavioral therapy and skill training.
Doctors can't predict which drug will be best for each person, so they usually start with a medication trial to determine the dose that is effective. The effects of medications can take a few weeks to achieve their peak effectiveness. They may need to be adjusted as time passes, based on how the patient responds as well as adverse effects. The objective is to find a dose that can help manage ADHD symptoms, but is as low as is possible.
The different types of stimulant medicines available include immediate-release methylphenidate, amphetamine, intermediate release atomoxetine as well as long-acting guanfacine, dexamphetamine. The medication is available in liquid, capsule or chewable tablet forms. Children who are unable to swallow tablets or pills can sprinkle the beads onto food to take the three extended-release medications.
These drugs can cause a decrease in appetite and sleepiness. However, they can improve with continued use. Insomnia can be a consequence of these drugs, but doctors try to avoid giving them at the time of bed. Insomnia from methylphenidate or amphetamine is more prevalent in teens and preteens. Parents should be on the lookout for warning symptoms.
Heart patients or other health issues should talk about the use of these medications with a physician. They can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure or heart rate, and should not be taken by people who have a history of substance abuse or psychiatric disorders.
Stimulant medications have the potential to be abused, particularly by teens who may take them to lose weight or gain a high. This is a serious problem, Siu and Smith say that it puts teens with the right combination of conditions at risk of a heart-related death. It's crucial to educate kids and teens about the dangers of taking prescriptions from another or sharing their own prescription with friends, and to speak with a physician about the possibility of abuse.
Dosage
Stimulant medication is usually taken in the form of pills. Your doctor will determine the dosage according to your medical conditions, symptoms as well as other medications and their adverse reactions. Finding the right medication can be a trial-and-error process for a lot of people. Open communication with your doctor will help you find the right medication.
A typical type of ADHD stimulant is methylphenidates (MPH). These drugs are available in liquid, chewable tablets, or chewable forms and can be prescribed as short- or long acting. Long-acting formulations last up to eight hours. The shorter-acting ones are quick-acting however they wear off faster. Doctors typically start patients on an initial dose of a small amount and gradually increase it until they see improvements in their symptoms.
Some adults may need to take several stimulant medications to manage their symptoms. Depending on each person, the medication may need to be taken in conjunction with other treatments, for instance behavior therapy.
Stimulants are regarded as the first line treatment for ADHD because they have been tested to reduce symptoms in 70-80% of adults and children. These medications help decrease hyperactivity, interruptions, fidgeting and impulsive behaviors. They can also help people concentrate and complete tasks. They can improve relationships and overall functioning.
The FDA has approved a number of methylphenidates, and amphetamines to treat ADHD. In general, these drugs are well-tolerated and have proven to be effective. However it is important to know that these drugs are classified as Schedule II controlled substances by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration because they are prone to misuse and misused.
Treatments for mood disorders or depression can be combined with stimulant medications. These medications boost the levels of norepinephrine, an neurotransmitter that assists people to control their behavior and concentrate. They can boost attention and reduce impulsivity in some people with ADHD. However adhd medication adults uk as stimulants in decreasing hyperactivity and inattention.
The crash effect can cause depression, extreme appetite and other unpleasant side effects. It may also occur after a short-acting stimulant, especially when the person hasn't been taking it for a long time or was on an excessive dose.
Side effects
Stimulant medications work by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. This helps improve concentration and impulse control. The most commonly used stimulants for ADHD are methylphenidates and amphetamines. These medicines include Ritalin Concerta Focalin Adderall. They are available in different forms and dosages, ranging from liquid to pills. A lot of children and adults use these drugs to manage their symptoms, as well as other treatments such as therapy, skills training and lifestyle adjustments.
These drugs can result in negative side effects like a decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping. If you experience these side effects in your child or you, you may require taking the medication at a later time and eat more food throughout the day, or have snacks, and try to avoid caffeinated beverages. These symptoms will typically diminish within a few days as the body adjusts. It is essential to follow the physician's advice about dosage and frequency.
The medications are not the only way to treat ADHD but they can help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity in 70-80% of those who suffer from the condition. They can also help you get better sleep, concentrate on your work and complete schoolwork, and improve relationships. Your doctor will go over the risks and benefits of the medication with you and monitor your reaction.
Stimulants fall into the category of controlled substances, which means that they are at a high-risk of addiction and abuse. However, when taken according to the prescriptions of your doctor, they are not habit-forming. People who do not suffer from ADHD frequently use these drugs to boost their alertness and less hungry to shed weight, or to experience a "high." If taken for medical reasons, stimulant medications can be very efficient and safe.
Nonstimulants are not able to increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the body. They usually take longer to get started however they can enhance your ability to focus and control impulses. They are less likely than stimulants to be abused. However, they may cause adverse effects, such as decreased appetite and difficulty in sleeping. Nonstimulant medications include Strattera, Qelbree, and Intuniv. Antidepressants can be used by themselves or in conjunction with stimulants to treat ADHD symptoms.
Overdose
Even when prescribed for a legitimate medical reason, stimulant medications can be abused or misused. Some people who do not suffer from ADHD abuse these medications to increase their alertness or to curb their appetite to lose weight. Others might use these drugs to feel "high." People with ADHD who receive appropriate treatment from a doctor aren't likely develop addictions to these medicines, but these drugs do have the potential of causing overdose and death.
Some of the most serious harms that are a result of nonmedical use include the consumption of stimulants prescribed by doctors, which typically happens by mouth but can also be the case when these drugs are crushed and then dissolved in water to drink, snorted, or inhaled. According to research from U.S. Poison Centers, these types of harms are most common among teenagers who are using their own prescription stimulant or medication prescribed by a different person who is not named on the prescriptions.
Many children, especially young ones, take the stimulant prescribed by their parents or older siblings to become more alert or stay awake later to study for exams or to get high. These are usually accidents however, they could lead to serious heart or kidney problems. Some children steal the tablets from relatives or friends who have a prescription. The pills are especially dangerous for children who already have a heart condition or other health issues that make them more prone to their adverse effects.
These medications can also be purchased without prescription from dealers in the drug trade or from illegal sellers online. They may include fake pills that look like prescription stimulants, but contain dangerous illicit substances. These drugs can also pose a risk when taken with alcohol or other controlled substances, such as opioids.
Encourage patients to go through their Medication Guide, which will be included with their completed prescriptions. The guide provides information about the medicine including warnings and potential adverse reactions. It will also outline how to dispose of prescriptions that are not used, which includes returning them to a pharmacist or another authorized disposal site or facility. Additionally, you can encourage them to call FDA's MedWatch hotline should they have any questions or concerns about their medicines or any side effects they experience.