ADHD Medications
The first treatment that doctors employ to control symptoms is stimulants. They increase the levels of two chemical messengers, dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain.
The most popular stimulants are methylphenidate (branded Ritalin and Concerta) and the lisdexamfetamine (brand name Vyvanse). They reduce appetite and can cause weight loss in children. They also increase blood pressure and heart rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also referred to as Ritalin, is the most commonly used stimulant medication used to treat ADHD in both children and adults. It works by altering quantities of certain natural substances within the brain. It is available in liquid, chewable tablet or capsule form. The long-acting tablets as well as the oral disintegrating tablet deliver some medication immediately, whereas the capsules release a steady dose of medicine over time. You should not consume alcohol while taking these medicines.
Stimulant medicines such as methylphenidate can stimulate areas of the brain that are not active when people suffer from ADHD such as the brain regions involved with concentration. They aid in improving concentration and make it easier to do things like listen, follow directions and pay attention. These medications also help reduce physical aggression and some other types of antisocial behavior.
Studies of the effects of methylphenidate on the brain reveal that it increases levels of noradrenaline and dopamine in the prefrontal cortex and the nucleus accumbens. It does not however bind to the serotonin transporter and therefore does not affect serotonin levels. This mechanism of action is thought to explain the reason why methylphenidate lessens symptoms of ADHD.
Methylphenidate is recommended as a part of a complete treatment plan for ADHD that includes counseling and special education. It may cause undesirable side effects, such as headaches and stomachaches. It is not recommended for pregnant women. However, if you feel that the benefits of the medication outweigh the dangers, it can be prescribed during pregnancy. Your doctor will give you advice.
Methylphenidate is classified as been classified as a Schedule II classification, which means that it is highly addictive and prone to abuse. It is also a central nervous system stimulant and can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate in a few people. These effects can be dangerous for those with medical ailments that affect how the body reacts to blood pressure and heart rate-lowering medications, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (fatty liver disease) or a history of stroke or heart attack. Methylphenidate may cause allergic reactions in some people. If you suffer from any allergies, tell your doctor. He or she may be in a position to prescribe a new medication that doesn't trigger these reactions.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines, which are a type of psychostimulant, are used to treat ADHD. These drugs work by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to enhance cognitive performance and motivational behaviors. They also help in treating narcolepsy, a condition which is characterized by excessive sleeping. Amphetamines are available over the counter or on prescription from a physician. They can be given to children who don't respond to methylphenidate, the first option for treating ADHD in the US.
Researchers conducted seven random controlled studies of amphetamines in children and adolescents suffering from ADHD (dextroamphetamine [Vyvanse], lisdexamfetamine, or mixed amphetamines salts). The results indicated that amphetamines are superior to placebo when it came to decreasing the severity of ADHD symptoms. Most of the studies were biased. This makes it difficult to know if the differences observed between the various amphetamines are genuine.
Different dosages of the drug were studied, but no difference was found between immediate- and sustained-release formulations. The authors also examined the effect of varying how long the drug was taken daily, but again no differences were observed. The researchers also looked into whether the combination of l-amphetamine and d-amphetamine was more effective than d-amphetamine by itself, which is what is typically used as the primary ingredient in Adderall. They found that the combination was more effective than d-amphetamine, but not significantly.
The authors concluded that their validity externally was limited by the short duration of the study and the restrictive inclusion criteria. It is beneficial to conduct longitudinal RCTs with longer time frames for follow-up and objective outcomes, which cannot be influenced if blinding failure occurs. Future RCTs could also make use of multiple comparator drugs to improve the accuracy of their findings.
Current guidelines recommend lisdexamfetamine as well as methylphenidate for adults with ADHD. If these medications fail to provide sufficient benefits after a six-week trial, doctors can try dexamfetamine that is broken down into d-amphetamine more quickly and requires that you take it more frequently. Atomoxetine is another alternative in the event that lisdexamfetamine does not provide enough benefit to the patient.
Long-acting stimulants
Stimulant medications ease ADHD symptoms in 70 - 80percent of children and adults who use these drugs. They reduce hyperactivity, interrupting and fidgeting behaviors and other disruptive behaviors. They also improve the focus, academic performance and social skills. Your child's physician may recommend them as the initial treatment, or they could be utilized alongside other therapies such as behavioral therapy. The medications are available as patches, liquids or pills that are sprayed on the skin. When your child starts taking these medications, their medical professionals will monitor their body's responses to determine the proper dosage. They will also look for any possible side effects.
Long-acting stimulants are designed to relieve symptoms throughout the day without the need for repeated doses. They have a delayed-release component which means that the medication is absorbed into your body at different times. This ensures consistent coverage for up 8 hours. They also be less prone to misuse and diverting than stimulants with short-acting effects.
Amphétamines or methylphenidates are the two most commonly used classes of drugs that help people with ADHD improve attention, focus and impulsivity. The medication affects dopamine levels in the brain. The full effects of these medications can take up to one week. Your doctor may begin you on a lower dose and gradually increase it.
The type of stimulant that your child is taking is contingent on several factors, including age, weight and whether your child is allergic or not to the drug. Inform your doctor if your child is taking any other prescription or OTC medications or vitamins, as well as supplements. Certain medicines can have hazardous effects when mixed with other substances which is why your doctor needs to know everything you and your child take.
These medications can cause negative effects, like fatigue, sleepiness and headaches. Most of these side effects go away after a few weeks or months, but it is important to consult your physician if they do not. You might be able to reduce the effects of your medication with food or altering the dosage.
Short-acting stimulants
There's a good chance that medication can be beneficial when your child or you suffers from ADHD. Studies have shown that 70%-80 percent of both children and adults with ADHD improve by taking ADHD medications. These medications help with symptoms like hyperactivity, fidgeting and interruptions, as well as problems staying focused or completing tasks. They have less difficulty at school and at home, and more stable relationships.
Stimulants alter the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in your brain. They're the first treatment most doctors recommend for children and adults with ADHD. Methylphenidate (brand name Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (brand name Adderall) are two of the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Doctors can also prescribe extended release forms of these medications that last from six to 16 hours. see this is possible to take them in the morning, or at different times during the day to avoid peak and troughs in your blood levels.
Your child or you may need to try different dosages and medications before you find the right one that helps. The side effects may include headaches, stomachaches, and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. These are the most common side effects when a new medication is introduced or the dosage is raised. They usually fade in time as the body adjusts to the medication.
All medications can have adverse effects. However they aren't experienced by most people very often, or even all the time. Consult your doctor immediately in the event that you or your child experiences an adverse reaction.
In certain situations people with ADHD does not need stimulant medications. This is particularly the case if they have competent coping skills or are able to organize their lives so that the ADHD medication is only used in special situations when they need it.
Certain people could also be prescribed nonstimulant ADHD medication, for instance antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin). These do not have FDA approval to treat ADHD however, they are often employed "off label" to treat this condition. Nonstimulant medications can cause less sedation and depression than stimulants, however they can still have some side effects such as agitation or insomnia.