ADHD Medications
The first treatment that doctors employ to treat symptoms is stimulants. They raise levels of two chemical messengers within the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine.
The most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine, which are sold under the brand names Ritalin (Vyvanse) and Concerta (Ritalin). They suppress appetite, causing weight loss in children. They also increase blood pressure and heart rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin is the most well-known stimulant medication used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. It works by altering amounts of certain natural substances within the brain. It can be taken in a liquid form, chewable tablet or capsule. The long-acting tablet and orally disintegrating tablets provide some of the medicine immediately, whereas the capsule with long-release releases an ongoing dose over time. It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking these medicines.
Medications like methylphenidate stimulate brain areas that are underactive in ADHD patients, such as the ones involved in concentration. They improve concentration and aid in doing things such as listen, follow instructions, and pay attention. These medications can also help reduce physical aggression and some other types of antisocial behavior.
Studies of methylphenidate's effects on the brain show that it raises levels of dopamine and noradrenaline in the prefrontal cortex as well as the nucleus accumbens. It does not bind to the transporter of serotonin and does not alter levels of serotonin. It is believed that this mechanism of action is the reason methylphenidate can help reduce symptoms of ADHD.
Methylphenidate should be taken as part of a comprehensive treatment program for ADHD that includes counseling and specialized educational programs. It can cause unwanted adverse effects, including headaches and stomachaches. It is not recommended to pregnant women. If the benefits of the medication outweigh the risk, it could be taken during pregnancy. Your doctor will give you advice.
Methylphenidate is a Schedule II drug, which means it has a significant possibility of addiction and abuse. It can also be an antagonist of the central nervous system and raise blood pressure and heart rates in certain individuals. These effects can be dangerous in the event of an illness that affects how your body uses blood pressure and heart rate lowering drugs, such as the fatty liver disease known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or a history of a heart attack. Methylphenidate may cause allergic reactions in certain people. Inform your doctor that you suffer from allergies. They may be in a position to prescribe a new medication that doesn't trigger these reactions.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines are a psychostimulant type, are used to treat ADHD. These drugs work by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to enhance cognitive performance and motivational behavior. They also aid in treating narcolepsy which is a disorder that is characterized by excessive sleepiness. Amphetamines can be purchased over the counter or on prescription from a doctor. They are sometimes prescribed to children who do not respond to methylphenidate. It is the first line of treatment for ADHD in the US.
In a brand new Cochrane review, researchers looked at seven controlled, randomized trials of amphetamines (dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine [Vyvanse] or mixed amphetamine salts) in children and adolescents with ADHD. The results showed that amphetamines were superior to placebo when it came to reducing the severity of core ADHD symptoms. However, most of the studies showed a high risk of bias. This makes it difficult to establish whether the differences between different amphetamines are real.
The authors examined different doses of the drug, but found no differences between sustained-release and immediate-release formulations. The authors also investigated the effects of varying how long the drug was taken per day and, again, there was no difference. The researchers also examined whether the combination of l- and d-amphetamine was more effective than d-amphetamine alone which is what is typically used as the primary ingredient in Adderall. get redirected here discovered that the combination was slightly more effective than d'amphetamine, but not by much.
The authors concluded that the brief duration of the study and the strict inclusion criteria limit their external validity. It would be beneficial to conduct longitudinal RCTs that have longer time frames for follow-up and objective outcomes, which can't be affected if a blinding failure occurs. Future RCTs could also make use of multiple comparator drugs to increase the accuracy of their findings.
Current guidelines recommend lisdexamfetamine, or methylphenidate as the primary drug treatment for adults with ADHD. If the six-week study of these drugs doesn't produce enough benefits doctors may switch to dexamfetamine standard, which breaks down faster into damphetamine and requires more frequent use. Atomoxetine is a viable option when dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine fail to not provide enough benefit to the patient.
Long-acting stimulants
Stimulant medications ease ADHD symptoms for 70 - 80percent of children and adults taking these medications. They reduce hyperactivity, interrupting and fidgeting behaviors and other disruptive behavior. They also enhance concentration, academic performance, and social skills. Your child's physician may recommend them as the first treatment, or they may be used in conjunction with other therapies such as behavioral therapy. The medications are available in liquids, patches or pills that are sprayed on the skin. If your child is beginning to take these medications, your health professional will be monitoring their bodily reactions to determine the appropriate dosage. They'll also be looking for adverse effects.
Long-acting stimulants are designed to relieve symptoms throughout the day without the need for frequent dosages. They contain a delayed-release component that means that the medication enters the body at different times, giving consistent coverage for up to 8 hours. They also be less prone to abuse and diversion than stimulants with short-acting effects.
Treatments that help people suffering from ADHD improve their attention, focus and impulsivity typically are classified into two drug classes that include amphetamines or methylphenidates. The medication alters the levels of dopamine within the brain. It can take a week or more to experience the full effects of these drugs and therefore your doctor will likely begin with a small dosage and increase it gradually.
The type of stimulant your child consumes is based on a variety of factors, including age, weight and whether or your child is allergic to the medication or other substances. It is essential to inform your doctor whether your child is taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines and vitamins and supplements. Certain medications may cause adverse effects if taken together with other substances. Your doctor should know what you and your child are taking.
Side effects of stimulant medications include sleepiness, loss in appetite, and headaches. Most of these side effects go disappear after a few weeks or months, but it is important to contact your doctor in the event that they aren't. You might be able to reduce side effects by taking your medication with food or altering the dosage.
Short-acting stimulants
There's a good chance that medication could help when your child or you suffers from ADHD. Studies show that around 70%-80 percent of children and adults with ADHD are improved by taking ADHD medication. These medications ease symptoms such as excessive stimulation, interruptions fidgeting, fumbling, and having trouble staying focused or finishing tasks. People with ADHD typically have less trouble at school and home and have more stable relationships.
Stimulants alter the levels of the chemicals in your brain that are known as norepinephrine or dopamine. Many doctors recommend stimulants as the initial treatment for ADHD in children and adults. Methylphenidate (brand name Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (brand name Adderall) are two of the most frequently prescribed stimulants. These medications can be prescribed in extended-release by doctors that lasts from 6 to 16 hours. They can be taken in the morning, or at different times throughout the day to prevent peaks and valleys in blood levels.
Your child or you may need to try several different dosages and medications before you discover the right one. Some of the side effects include headaches, stomachaches, and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. These effects are usually experienced when the introduction of a new medication or the dosage is increased. They usually fade in time as the body adjusts to the medication.
While all medications have adverse effects, the majority of people don't suffer from them too often or even at all. Consult your doctor immediately if you or your child experiences a bad reaction.
There are some cases where a person who has ADHD doesn't require stimulant medication. This is particularly true if the person has excellent coping skills or is able to organize his/her life so that ADHD medication is only required in specific situations.
There are some who may be prescribed nonstimulant ADHD medication, such as antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin). These don't have FDA approval to treat ADHD but they can be utilized "off label" for this purpose. Nonstimulant medication can cause less depression, sedation and anxiety than stimulants. However, they can have some negative side effects, such as insomnia or agitation.