ADHD Medications
The first treatment that doctors employ to manage symptoms is stimulants. They increase the levels two chemical messengers, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
The most popular stimulants are methylphenidate (branded Ritalin and Concerta) and Lisdexamfetamine (brand name Vyvanse). They reduce appetite, leading to weight reduction in children. They also increase heart rate and blood pressure.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also referred to as Ritalin is the most well-known stimulant medication used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. It works by altering the amounts 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 tablets provide some medicine instantly, whereas capsules release a steady dose of medicine over time. It is advised not to drink alcohol while taking these drugs.
Stimulant medicines such as methylphenidate stimulate parts of the brain that are underactive for people suffering from ADHD such as the brain regions that are involved in concentration. They aid in improving concentration and help with things like listen, follow directions and pay attention. These medications can help decrease physical aggression, as well as other antisocial behavior.
Research on methylphenidate and its effects on the brain shown that it increases the levels of noradrenaline and dopamine in the nucleus of the accumbens and the prefrontal cortex. It does not bind to the serotonin transporter and does not alter the levels of serotonin. This mechanism of action is thought to explain why methylphenidate reduces symptoms of ADHD.
Methylphenidate is best taken as part of a comprehensive treatment program for ADHD that includes counseling and special educational programs. It may cause undesirable side effects like stomachaches and headaches. It is not recommended to pregnant women. If the benefits of the medication outweigh the risk, it can be used during pregnancy. Your doctor will give you advice.
Methylphenidate is a Schedule II classification, which means it is extremely dependent and susceptible to abuse. It is also a central nervous system stimulant and can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate in some people. These effects could be harmful when you suffer from a medical condition that affects the way your body processes blood pressure and heart rate-lowering medicines for example, a liver disease known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or a history of stroke or heart attack. Some people might have allergic reactions to methylphenidate. If you have any allergies, consult your physician. They may be able to prescribe a medicine that won't trigger these reactions.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines, a type psychostimulant are used to treat ADHD. They work by increasing the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. This improves cognitive performance and motivates behavior. These drugs also work in treating narcolepsy - a condition that is caused by excessive sleep. Amphetamines are available over the drugstore or through prescription from a doctor. Children who don't respond to methylphenidate, the first line treatment for ADHD in the United States is sometimes prescribed amphetamines.
Researchers looked at seven randomized controlled studies of amphetamines in children and adolescents suffering from ADHD (dextroamphetamine [Vyvanse] and lisdexamfetamine or mixed amphetamines salts). The results indicated that amphetamines are superior to placebo for reducing the severity of core ADHD symptoms. Most of the studies were biased. It is hard to tell if the differences between the amphetamines observed are real.
The authors investigated different doses of the drug, but found no distinction between sustained-release and immediate-release formulations. The authors also examined the effect of changing the amount of time the drug is taken every day. There was no difference was found. 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 normally used as the primary ingredient in Adderall. The researchers found that d-amphetamine by itself was not as effective as the combination.
The authors concluded that their validity externally was limited by the brief duration of the research as well as the strict inclusion criteria. It is recommended to conduct longitudinal RCTs that have longer follow-up periods and employ objective outcomes that cannot be influenced if blinding failure occurs. Future RCTs could also use multiple comparator drugs to enhance the power of their results.
Current guidelines recommend lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate for adults with ADHD. If the trial of six weeks of these drugs doesn't produce enough benefits, doctors can switch to dexamfetamine standard which breaks down quicker into damphetamine and requires more frequent use. Atomoxetine is a viable option in the event that dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine do not offer enough benefit to the patient.
Long-acting stimulants
Stimulant drugs ease ADHD symptoms in 70 to 80% of children and adults who use them. These medications reduce hyperactivity, interruptions fidgeting, fumbling and other disruptive behaviors, improving the focus of children, academic performance and social skills. They could be the first treatment your child's healthcare provider will try or they could be used in conjunction with other therapies, such as behavioral therapy. The medication comes in pills, liquids or patches that are placed on the skin. When your child begins taking these medications, the health professional will be monitoring their bodily responses in order to determine the appropriate dosage. They'll also be looking for adverse reactions.
Long-acting stimulants relieve symptoms throughout the day without the need for repeat dosages. They have a delayed release component and the medication enters your body at different times. This gives you a consistent dose for up to 8 hours. They also be less prone to misuse and diversion than short-acting stimulants.
Treatments that help people suffering from ADHD improve their attention, focus and impulsivity generally fall into one of two drug classes: methylphenidates or amphetamines. The medication affects the levels of dopamine within the brain. It could take up to a week to experience the full impact of these medications and your doctor will probably begin with a small dose and increase it gradually.
The kind of stimulant your child uses is dependent on a variety of factors, such as age, weight, and whether your child is allergic or not to the medication. Inform your doctor if your child is taking any other prescription or OTC medications or vitamins, as well as supplements. Certain medications can have dangerous effects when combined with other substances and therefore, your doctor has to know about everything you and your child are taking.
Side effects of stimulant medications include insomnia, loss of appetite, and headaches. The majority of these side effects go away after a few weeks or a few months, but you should contact your doctor if they do not. In some instances it is possible to reduce the side effects by taking the medication with food or altering the dose.
Short-acting stimulants
There's a good chance that medication could help whether or not your child suffers from ADHD. According to studies between 70% and 80% of adults with ADHD and children who take ADHD medications improve. These medications reduce symptoms like hyperactivity, fidgeting and interruptions, as well as difficulties staying focused or working on tasks. These people have less trouble at school and at home, and have more stable relationships.
Stimulants alter the levels of chemicals that are present in your brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. They're the first treatment most doctors recommend for children and adults with ADHD. Methylphenidate, also known as Adderall and Ritalin are two of the most commonly prescribed stimulants. These medications are prescribed in extended-release form by doctors that lasts from 6 to 16 hours. adhd treatment medication can take them once in the morning, or at different times throughout the day to avoid peaks and troughs in your blood levels.
You or your child might have to try a variety of different dosages and medications before you discover the right one. The side effects may include headaches, stomachaches and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. These effects usually happen when a new medicine is first introduced or the dosage is increased. These effects usually disappear with time, as the body gets used to the medication.
Although all medicines have side effects, most people don't suffer from them too often or even at all. If you or your child does have an adverse reaction consult your doctor immediately.
There are a few instances where an individual with ADHD does not require stimulant medication. This is especially relevant if the person is able to manage their ADHD with ease or is able to organize his or her life so that ADHD medication is only used in specific circumstances.
Some people may also be prescribed nonstimulant ADHD medication, like antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin). These drugs aren't FDA approved to treat ADHD however they can be utilized "off-label" to treat this condition. Nonstimulant medications may cause less sedation and depression than stimulants, but may still cause some negative effects like insomnia and agitation.