ADHD Medications
The first medication doctors use to control symptoms is stimulants. They increase the levels of two chemical messengers called dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain.
I Am Psychiatry used stimulants are methylphenidate (branded Ritalin and Concerta) and lisdexamfetamine (brand name Vyvanse). They reduce appetite and can cause weight loss in children. They also increase blood pressure and heart rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate also referred to Ritalin, is the most well-known stimulant medication used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. It works by altering the quantities of certain natural substances in the brain. It is available in a liquid form, chewable tablet, or capsule. The long-acting tablets and orally disintegrating tablets deliver medicine immediately, while the capsules release a steady amount of medicine over time. You should not consume alcohol while taking these medicines.
Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate can stimulate areas of the brain that are inactive in people with ADHD such as the brain regions that deal with concentration. They increase concentration and make things easier to listen, follow instructions and paying attention. These medications can reduce physical aggression and some other antisocial behaviors.
Studies of methylphenidate's effect on the brain reveal that it raises levels of dopamine and noradrenaline in the prefrontal cortex and the nucleus accumbens. It does not, however, bind to the serotonin transporter and therefore does not affect serotonin levels. It is believed that this mechanism of action is the reason methylphenidate can help reduce symptoms of ADHD.
Methylphenidate should be taken as a part of a complete treatment program for ADHD that includes counseling and special education. It can cause unwanted side effects, such as stomachaches and headaches. It is not recommended to pregnant women. If the benefits of the medication outweigh the risks, it may be taken during pregnancy. Your doctor will give you advice.
Methylphenidate is a Schedule II drug, which means it has a very high potential for abuse and addiction. It can also be a central nervous stimulant and raise blood pressure and heart rates in certain people. These effects can be dangerous when you suffer from a medical condition that affects how your body utilizes blood pressure and heart rate-lowering medications for example, a fatty liver disease called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or an history of a heart attack. Some people might experience allergic reactions to methylphenidate. Tell your doctor that you suffer from allergies. He or she might be in a position to prescribe a new medication that doesn't cause these reactions.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines, which are a type of psychostimulant are used to treat ADHD. These drugs work by boosting levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to improve cognitive functioning and motivate behavior. They also help in treating narcolepsy, which is a condition which is characterized by excessive sleeping. Amphetamines can be purchased over the drugstore or through prescription from a physician. They are often given to children who don't respond to methylphenidate, the first option for treating ADHD in the US.
Researchers examined seven randomized controlled studies of amphetamines in children and adolescents who have ADHD (dextroamphetamine [Vyvanse] and lisdexamfetamine or mixed amphetamines salts). The results showed amphetamines to be superior to placebo in reducing the severity of primary ADHD symptoms. However, most of the studies were prone to a high chance of bias. This makes it difficult to know if the differences between different amphetamines are real.
The authors investigated different dosages of the drug, but found no difference between immediate-release and sustained-release formulations. The authors also looked into the effect of varying the amount of time taken per day however, there was no difference. The researchers also looked into whether the combination of d'amphetamine with lamphetamine, the primary ingredient in Adderall, was more effective than damphetamine alone. They discovered that the combination was slightly more effective than d'amphetamine, but not by much.
The authors concluded that the comparatively short duration of the study and the strict inclusion criteria limit their external validity. It would be helpful to conduct longitudinal RCTs with longer follow-up periods and use objective outcomes that are not affected by the failure of blinding. In addition the future RCTs should be considered using multiple comparator drugs in order to increase the power of their findings.
Current guidelines recommend lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate as the primary treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. If these medications don't produce sufficient benefits after a 6-week trial, doctors can opt for dexamfetamine that is broken down into d-amphetamine more quickly and requires it to be taken more frequently. Atomoxetine can be a second alternative in the event that lisdexamfetamine doesn't provide enough benefit for the patient.
Long-acting stimulants
Stimulant drugs ease ADHD symptoms in 70 to 80percent of children and adults who use them. These drugs cut down on hyperactivity, interruptions, fidgeting and other disruptive behaviors, improving concentration, academic performance, and social skills. They could be the first treatment your child's health care provider considers or they could be used with other therapies, like behavioral therapy. The medication is available in liquids, patches or pills that are applied to the skin. When your child begins taking these medications, your healthcare provider will monitor their bodily responses in order to determine the correct dose. They will also monitor for any side effects.
Long-acting stimulants are designed to alleviate symptoms throughout the day without the need to take repeated dosages. They have a delayed release component and the medication is absorbed into your body at different times. This provides consistent coverage for up 8 hours. They also have a lower hazard of abuse and diversion risk than short-acting stimulant drugs.
Amphétamines, also known as methylphenidates, are the two most commonly used classes of drugs that aid those suffering from ADHD improve focus, attention, and impulsivity. The medication affects the levels of dopamine in the brain. The full effect of these medications could take up to a week. Your doctor may begin you on a lower dose and gradually increase it.
The kind of stimulant your child uses depends on several aspects, such as age, weight and whether your child is allergic or not to the drug. It is important to inform your doctor if your child is taking other prescription or over-the counter medicines, as well as supplements and vitamins. Certain medications may have harmful effects when they are combined with other substances and therefore, your doctor has to know about everything you and your child take.
The stimulant medication can cause negative effects, like fatigue, sleepiness and headaches. These side effects usually disappear after a couple of weeks or months, however If you're still experiencing these symptoms, you should consult your doctor. In certain instances you may be able to reduce the side effects by taking the medication in conjunction with food or altering the dose.
Short-acting stimulants
If you or your child suffers from ADHD, there's a good chance that medication can help. Studies show that around 70%-80 percent of both children and adults with ADHD are improved by taking ADHD medications. These medications reduce symptoms such as hyperactivity, fidgeting and interruptions, and difficulties staying focused or working on tasks. People often have fewer problems at home and school and have more stable relationships.
The effects of 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, also known as Adderall and Ritalin, are two of most frequently prescribed stimulants. These medications are prescribed in extended-release forms by doctors and lasts for 6 to 16 hours. They may be taken once in the morning or at different times throughout the day to avoid peaks and valleys in blood levels.
You or your child might need to test different medications and dosages before you can find the best one. Some of the side effects include stomachaches, headaches and changes in heart rate or blood pressure. These are usually the case when a new medication is first introduced or when the dosage is increased. These effects typically disappear after a while as the body gets used to the medication.
All medications can cause adverse reactions. However, they are not experienced by most people very often or even at all. If you or your child have an adverse reaction consult your doctor immediately.
There are some cases where someone with ADHD doesn't require stimulant medication. This is especially true if they have very well-developed coping skills or are able to structure their lives so that the ADHD medication is only utilized in certain situations where they require it.
Doctors might also consider nonstimulant ADHD medications for some people which include antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin). These don't have FDA approval to treat ADHD, but are used "off label" for this purpose. Nonstimulant medications can cause less depression, sedation and anxiety than stimulants. However, it can still cause some side effects like agitation or sleeplessness.