ADHD Medications
The first medicine doctors use to treat symptoms is stimulants. They boost the levels of two chemical messengers, dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain.
The most frequently used stimulants are methylphenidate (branded Ritalin and Concerta) and the lisdexamfetamine (brand name Vyvanse). They reduce appetite and can cause weight loss in children. They also raise blood pressure and heart rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate (brand name Ritalin) is the most commonly prescribed stimulant medication for ADHD in both adults and children. It works by altering levels of certain natural substances within the brain. It is available in a liquid form, chewable tablet, or capsule. The long-acting tablet and orally disintegrating tablets supply some of the medication right away, while the long-release capsule releases a steady dose over time. It is not recommended to consume alcohol while taking these medicines.
Medications like methylphenidate stimulate brain regions that are inactive in ADHD patients, for example those involved with concentration. They improve concentration and make it easier to do things to listen, follow instructions and paying attention. These medications can help decrease physical aggression as well as some other antisocial behaviors.
Studies of the effects of methylphenidate on the brain reveal that it raises levels of noradrenaline and dopamine in the prefrontal cortex and the nucleus accumbens. It does not however connect to the serotonin transporter and therefore doesn't affect serotonin levels. This mechanism of action is believed to explain the reason why methylphenidate lessens symptoms of ADHD.
Methylphenidate is recommended as part a comprehensive treatment program for ADHD, which includes counseling and other educational programs. It may cause undesirable adverse effects, including headaches and stomachaches. It is usually not advised for 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 drug, which means it has a significant possibility of addiction and abuse. It is also a central nervous stimulant, and raise blood pressure and heart rate in certain people. These effects can be hazardous if you have an illness that affects how your body processes blood pressure and heart rate-lowering medications like the fatty liver disease known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or a history of a heart attack. Some people might experience allergic reactions to methylphenidate. If you are prone to allergies, inform your doctor. He or she might be capable of prescribing a different medication that doesn't trigger these reactions.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines are a type of psychostimulant used to treat ADHD. They work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin in the brain. This improves cognitive performance and motivated behavior. They are also effective at treating narcolepsy, a condition which is characterized by excessive sleeping. Amphetamines can be purchased over the drugstore or through prescription from a doctor. Children who aren't responding to methylphenidate, the first line treatment for ADHD in the United States is often prescribed amphetamines.
In a new Cochrane review study, researchers reviewed seven randomized controlled trials of amphetamines (dextroamphetamine, Lisdexamfetamine [Vyvanse] or mixed amphetamine salts) in children and adolescents with ADHD. The results showed that amphetamines can be superior to placebo in reducing the severity of primary ADHD symptoms. The majority of studies were biased. It is difficult to determine if the differences between the amphetamines studied are genuine.
Different doses of the drug were examined, but no difference was found between immediate- and sustained-release formulations. The researchers also studied the effects of altering the duration of time that the drug is taken every day. There was no difference was found. The authors also investigated whether the combination of l-amphetamine and d-amphetamine was more effective than d-amphetamine alone which is what is typically used as the main ingredient in Adderall. They discovered that the combination was more effective than d'amphetamine, but not by much.
The authors concluded that their external validity was limited by the brief duration of the research and the restrictive inclusion criteria. It would be helpful to conduct longitudinal RCTs with longer follow-up periods and use objective outcomes that are not influenced by blinding failure. In addition future RCTs should consider using multiple comparator drugs to enhance the effectiveness of their findings.
The current guidelines recommend lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate for people with ADHD. If the six-week study of these medications does not provide enough benefits doctors may switch to dexamfetamine standard which breaks down quicker into damphetamine, and requires more frequent use. Atomoxetine can be used if dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine do not provide sufficient benefits to the patient.
Long-acting stimulants
Stimulant drugs ease ADHD symptoms in 70 to the 80% of adults and children who take them. These medications reduce the frequency of hyperactivity, interrupting fidgeting, fumbling and other disruptive behaviors, improving concentration, academic performance, and social skills. The doctor treating your child may prescribe them as a first-line treatment, or they may be used in conjunction with other treatments such as behavioral therapy. The medication is available in liquids, pills, or patches that are sprayed on the skin. When your child begins taking these medications, the healthcare provider will monitor their bodily responses in order to determine the correct dose. They'll also check for adverse effects.
that guy -acting stimulants ease symptoms throughout the day without the need to repeat dosages. They feature a delayed-release element which means that the medication is absorbed into the body at different times, providing consistent coverage for up to 8 hours. They may also have a lower abuse and diversion risk than short-acting stimulant drugs.
The medications that aid people suffering from ADHD improve their attention, focus and impulsivity generally fall into one of two drug classes that include amphetamines or methylphenidates. The medication affects the levels of dopamine in the brain. The full effects of these medications can take up to one week. Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose and gradually increase it.
The type of stimulant your child takes is based on a variety of factors such as age, weight and whether or not your child is allergic to the medication or other substances. Tell your doctor if you child is taking any other OTC or prescription medications, vitamins and supplements. Certain medicines can have hazardous effects when they are combined with other substances, so your doctor needs to be aware of everything you and your child take.
The effects of stimulant medications include insomnia, loss of appetite and headaches. Most of these side effects will go disappear after a few weeks or even a few months, but you should contact your doctor in the event that they do not. You might be able to reduce side effects by taking your medication with food or changing the dosage.
Short-acting stimulants
There's a high chance that medication could help when your child or you suffers from ADHD. Studies show that about 70%-80 percent of children and adults with ADHD are improved by taking ADHD medications. These medications ease symptoms such as hyperactivity, fidgeting, interruptions, as well as difficulties staying focused or performing tasks. People who take these medications have less trouble at school and home and have more stable relationships.
Stimulants work by changing the levels of chemicals in your brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. They're the first medication that doctors recommend for children and adults with ADHD. Methylphenidate (brand name Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (brand name Adderall) are two of the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Doctors can also prescribe extended-release forms of these medications that last between six and 16 hours. You can take them once in the morning, or at various times during the day to avoid peak and troughs of your blood levels.
You or your child might have to try a variety of different medications and dosages before you can find the best one. The side effects may include headaches, stomachaches, and changes in heart rate or blood pressure. These effects are usually experienced when the introduction of a new medication or the dosage is increased. They usually go away in time as the body adjusts to the medication.
While all medications have adverse effects, the majority of people don't experience them often or even at all. Consult your doctor immediately when you or your child has a bad reaction.
In certain situations the person suffering from ADHD is not required to take stimulant medication. This is particularly the case if they have good ability to manage their emotions or are able to structure their lives so that the ADHD medication is only utilized in certain situations where they require it.
There are some who may be prescribed non-stimulant ADHD medication, such as antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin). These drugs aren't FDA approved for treating ADHD however they can be used "off-label" to treat this condition. Nonstimulant medications can cause less sedation and depression than stimulants, but may still cause some adverse effects, such as insomnia and agitation.