ADHD Stimulant Medication
For many people suffering from ADHD medications can help manage symptoms and enhance their ability to function.1
The effects of stimulants can increase certain brain chemicals which help nerves communicate. They can also reduce aggression and impulsiveness.
These medications come in various forms (eg tablets, tablets, liquids) and are available to both children and adults. It may take some time to find the correct dosage for each person.
Types
Stimulant medicines like methylphenidate and amphetamine help ease ADHD symptoms in 70 to 80% of kids and adults (Spencer and colleagues, 2005). These drugs seem to increase the levels of two brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine. These medications help alleviate the main symptoms of the disorder, such as the tendency to fidget and impulsivity, as well as problems with paying attention. The drugs also help people achieve their goals and develop better social skills. The most effective drugs are when they are used in conjunction with a complete treatment program that includes the use of behavioral therapy and skill development.
Doctors aren't able to predict which medication will be the best one for a particular person, so most start with a drug trial to figure out the dose that is effective. Medications can take several weeks to reach their maximum effectiveness. They might need to be adjusted in time, based on the patient's response and side effects. The objective is to find a dosage that is effective in managing ADHD symptoms, while remaining as low as possible.
There are three kinds of stimulant medications such as immediate-release amphetamine, Atomoxetine, intermediate-release and long-acting dexamphetamine as well as guanfacine. The medication can be consumed in capsule, liquid or chewable tablet forms. Children who have difficulty swallowing tablets or pills can sprinkle beads on their food to take the three extended-release medications.
These medications can cause an increase in appetite as well as sleepiness. However, they improve with regular usage. Sleepiness is a common side effect, but doctors usually try to not give people this kind of medication at the time of sleeping. Insomnia caused by methylphenidate or amphetamine is usually more severe in teenagers and preteens parents must be aware for warning symptoms.
Heart patients or other health issues should talk about the use of these medications with a doctor. These medications can cause a sudden rise in blood pressure and heart rate. People who have an history of using drugs or psychiatric disorders should not take them.
Stimulant medications have the potential to be misused, especially by teens who might take them to lose weight or achieve a high. This is a serious problem, Siu and Smith say that it puts teens who have the right combination of circumstances at risk of suffering the possibility of a heart-related death. It's crucial to educate kids and teens about the risks of taking someone else's prescription or sharing their own with their friends, and also to talk with a doctor about the possibility of abuse.
Dosage
Stimulant medications are usually taken as pills. The dosage is determined by your physician depending on the severity of your symptoms, medical conditions or other medications you're taking as well as the drug's side effects. Finding the right medicine can be a trial and error process for a lot of people. Communication with your doctor can aid you in locating the proper medication.
MPH is a common ADHD stimulant. These medications are available in long- or short-acting forms, and are available as tablets, liquids or chewable tablets. adhd stimulant medication -acting formulations can last up to eight hours. The shorter-acting ones are effective quickly however they wear off faster. Doctors typically start patients on the lowest dose gradually increasing it until they see improvements in their symptoms.
Certain adults require more than one stimulant medication to control their symptoms. Depending on the individual, it might be necessary to take the medication in conjunction with other treatment options, such as behavioral therapy.
Stimulants are often considered the first-line treatment for ADHD because they have been known to decrease symptoms in 70-80% of adults and children. These medications can reduce hyperactivity, interruptions, fidgeting and impulsive behaviors. They can also help people focus and finish tasks. They can enhance relationships and overall function.
The FDA has approved a number of amphetamines and methylphenidates to treat ADHD. They are generally well-tolerated and have been shown to be efficient. However it is important to remember that these drugs are classified as Schedule II controlled substances by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration because they can be misused and abused.
Stimulant medications can be used alongside medications to treat depression or mood disorders. These medications raise levels of norepinephrine, an neurotransmitter that assists people to control their behavior and concentrate. They can reduce the impulsivity of some people with ADHD, but they aren't as effective as stimulants at decreasing hyperactivity or inattention.
The crash effect can lead to depression, extreme appetite and other unpleasant side effects. This may also occur when someone is coming off the effects of a stimulant that is short-acting, particularly if they haven't used it for a long period of time or had a high dose.
Side effects
Stimulant drugs are effective by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which can help increase attention and control over impulses. The most commonly used stimulants for ADHD are amphetamines or methylphenidates. The most popular kinds of these medications are Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin and Adderall. They are available in a variety of forms and doses, from pills to liquids. These medicines are used by a lot of adults and children to manage their symptoms with other treatments like therapy, skill development, and lifestyle change.
These medications can trigger side effects such as decreased appetite and trouble sleeping. If you or your child experience these side effects, you might need to take medication later in the day, eat more throughout the day, or include snacks. It is also recommended to avoid drinking beverages with caffeine. These effects usually subside within a few days as the body adjusts. It is crucial to follow the doctor's recommendations about dosage and frequency.
The medications aren't the only option to treat ADHD, but they do reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity in 70-80% of those affected. They can also help you get better sleep, focus on your work and complete schoolwork, and improve relationships. Your doctor will go over the risks and advantages of medications with you and monitor your reaction.
The stimulants are classified under the controlled substance category, which means that they pose a risk of abuse and addiction. But, if taken as prescribed by your doctor they do not cause addiction. People who do not have ADHD often use these medications to increase their alertness and less hungry to reduce weight, or to experience the sensation of a "high." If taken for medical reasons, stimulant drugs are very secure and efficient.
Nonstimulants are drugs that do not boost the levels of norepinephrine or dopamine in the body. They require more time to work however, they can enhance your control and concentration. They are less likely to be misused, but they could cause adverse effects like decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping. Examples of nonstimulant medication include Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine). Antidepressants can be taken on their own or combined with stimulants to treat ADHD symptoms.
Overdose
Stimulant medications have a potential to be misused or even abused even when prescribed for a legitimate medical purpose. People who don't have ADHD could use these medications to boost their alertness or to curb their appetites in order to lose weight, or simply to feel "high." People who suffer from ADHD who receive proper treatment from a doctor aren't likely to develop addictions to these medicines, but these drugs do come with the risk of an overdose and even death.
Some of the most serious risks that are a result of nonmedical use include the consumption of stimulants prescribed by a doctor which is usually done by mouth, but can occur when these medications are crushed and then dissolved in water to drink, snorted, or injected. These kinds of harms are more common in teenagers who report using their own prescription of stimulants or the medication of a person who is not listed on the prescription according to research from U.S. poison centers.
Many young children mistakenly take the stimulant prescribed by their parents or older siblings to become more alert or stay up later to study for exams or get high. These incidents are usually accidental however, they can result in serious poisoning or even heart problems. Children may steal tablets from their relatives or friends who have a prescription. The tablets are particularly dangerous for kids who have a preexisting heart condition or other health problems that can make them sensitive to the drugs' adverse effects.
These drugs are also available without a prescription from drug dealers or illegal sellers online. They could contain fake pills which look like prescription stimulants, however they are dangerous illicit substances. These drugs can be a danger when combined with alcohol or other controlled substances, such as opioids.
Encourage patients to take the time to read their Medication Guide, which will be included with their completed prescriptions. The guide provides details about the medication, including warnings and potential side effects. The guide will also explain how to properly store and dispose unused prescriptions and return prescriptions to the pharmacy or other approved disposal facilities or sites. Encourage them to contact the FDA's MedWatch Hotline if they're concerned about their medicine or are experiencing any adverse side effects.