The History Of ADHD Medication
ADHD Medicine For Kids
Some children need to take more than one ADHD medicine to get the best results. Children should take their medicines regularly.
The stimulant drugs work by helping normal brain chemicals improve concentration and also control impulses. They are available in form of liquid, pills, or extended-release capsules. The doctor will put you on a low dose and watch how you react to the drug.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant which aids in reducing ADHD symptoms and can be used to treat narcolepsy. It does this by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration and improves mood. It is a controlled drug, meaning that it must be prescribed by a doctor and can only be purchased on prescription (it is not available for purchase on the streets). Methylphenidate comes in tablets, capsules or oral solutions, as well as transdermal patches. The kind of methylphenidate prescribed will depend on the doctor's diagnosis and other variables.
Methylphenidate can cause side effects, such as a headache or stomachache, a dry mouth, a fast heartbeat, shakiness and nervousness. It may also trigger facial tics in certain people who experience sudden movements of the muscles of the face that aren't controlled. This can happen in less than 1 out of 100 people who take methylphenidate however, it is important to inform your doctor immediately in the event that you or your child starts having this problem. It can also raise blood pressure and heart rate which your doctor will monitor carefully during your treatment. It may also trigger an allergic reaction to the skin in some people, including an itch that is swollen, raised, itchy, or blistered, as well as a alteration in the way blood flows to the toes and fingers (Raynaud's disease). This is extremely serious and requires immediate treatment at a hospital.
In general, methylphenidate is able to be considered safe by the majority of people if taken as directed. However, it could cause a significant reduction in blood pressure if the dosage is too high or it's taken too often. It may also cause people to feel sleepy or dizzy. Therefore, it is not advised to drive or operate machinery when taking it.
Methylphenidate is rated as a Schedule II drug, which means it has the potential to be misused. It may also trigger addiction in certain people. It is best not to share your medication with anyone else. Keep your methylphenidate in a cupboard and only use the amount prescribed.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines, a class of medications, are used to treat ADHD in children and adolescents as well as adults. They help by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, improving concentration and helping to control impulsive behavior. They are also able to treat some of the symptoms of Tourette's syndrome.
They are available in immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules as well being an oral solution. They are controlled medicines in the UK (class C) which means that you'll need to be enrolled by a doctor before you can collect these medications. They are most often taken once a day however some people may use them twice per day.
Atomoxetine is different from other stimulant drugs. It is available to teenagers and children who are over 5 if methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine are not available. It is different from other stimulant medications. It can be prescribed to children and teenagers over 5 years old when methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine aren't available or to adults suffering from a medical condition that is diagnosed. It is usually taken as a capsule, once or twice daily.
Stimulant drugs are commonly abused. It's important to keep your child's or teen's medication secure, out of the reach of friends and family, and not shared or sold with other people. It can be dangerous to use the medication in the incorrect way. For instance, crushing the medication and injecting it. Some street drugs are based on amphetamines' structure, including methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy).
Amphetamines can trigger addiction and side effects that can be difficult to deal with especially for older people. They can include extreme exhaustion, irritability cravings and a desire take more. If you or your child suffers any of these symptoms consult your physician immediately.
If you or your child are taking long-acting stimulants, you need to be aware of a sudden decrease in blood pressure when the drug is stopped. If this occurs, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance immediately. This is extremely risky and can lead to an attack on the heart, stroke or death. Talking to your doctor can aid you in managing the effects of reducing or stopping the dose, and can offer support and guidance.
Long-acting stimulants
Stimulants can help people with ADHD focus, complete tasks and improve their relationships. Not everyone is able to take this kind of medication. The negative side effects, such as anxiety and heart palpitations, and the negative effects on sleep and appetite are typically unpleasant. These issues can prevent people from taking the medications they require.
There are methods to lessen these adverse effects. Your doctor can reduce the dose of your medication, or change you to a different one. Self-help strategies can make a huge difference.
The majority of people who take an ADHD medication need to be monitored by an expert in medical care. It can take up to one month before the medication takes its full effect, so it's crucial to find the right dosage. The doctor will inquire about your routine and habits and also any other health concerns you or your child may be suffering from.
Concerta, Focalin, Ritalin SR and Vyvanse are a few of the most popular stimulants that have a long-lasting effect. All of these are part of a class of drugs referred to as methylphenidates. They have been around for a number of years. Some are sold as liquids and chewable tablets, whereas others are available as skin patches for kids who do not want to swallow pills.
The other major kind of long-acting ADHD medication is the amphetamine group, which includes Adderall and Dexedrine. These are more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates. They can be used in various ways, including powder, for children who are too young to take pills. Some kids prefer to take these medicines in combination with juice or milk.
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are psychostimulants that have a long-lasting effect but are not in the amphetamine or methylphenidate groups. They belong to a category of drugs referred to as selective Norepinephrine Resuptake Inhibitors. They are able to increase levels of norepinephrine which is a brain chemical. They also help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms.
Other medicines
If the stimulants don't work or cause unpleasant side effects, your doctor may prescribe non-stimulant medication. These medications take longer to start working, but they can improve your ability to concentrate and control your impulses. They can also reduce anxiety and depression that can be a result of ADHD. Doctors may also recommend therapy to help you manage your symptoms and improve behaviour or suggest that you avoid certain foods drinks, food items, or other activities that can cause problems for people suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants alter the levels of two chemical brain-based messengers, norepinephrine and dopamine. Norepinephrine improves concentration, while dopamine enhances it. There are 12 medications that have been approved to treat ADHD. These include methylphenidate hydrochloride, lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, amphetamine sulfate, dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride/serdexmethylphenidate chloride, mixed amphetamine salts and atomoxetine (Strattera). Atomoxetine is the first medication to be approved as a nonstimulant in adults with ADHD. It is an inhibitor selective of norepinephrine production that means it increases the level of norepinephrine in the brain. Other drugs in this class include Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv), and Clonidine (Catapres).
Doctors can prescribe antidepressants that boost the levels of dopamine, a chemical messenger, in the brain. Bupropion is among the most commonly prescribed antidepressant for adult ADHD. It is typically prescribed "off-label" to treat ADHD if it appears alongside depression or substance abuse disorders, particularly nicotine addiction and cannabis.
Some experts believe there is a link between mood and ADHD. Antidepressants could help in treating ADHD symptoms, as well as improving mood. The NHS recommends that you talk to your GP prior to taking these medications.
If add adhd medication determines that medication is right for you, they will prescribe a dose and start you on small doses, which they will gradually increase over a couple of weeks. Your GP will monitor you on a regular basis to ensure the treatment is helping and to identify any adverse reactions that may develop. They can refer you to a specialist like a counselor or psychologist, for additional support.