ADHD Stimulant Medication
For many people with ADHD, medication helps control symptoms and enhance their ability to function.1
Stimulants boost certain brain chemicals that allow nerves to communicate with one another. They also decrease aggression and impulsiveness.
These medicines are available in a variety of forms for children as well as adults (e.g. tablets or liquids). It could take a while to find the right dosage for each individual.
Types
The use of stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine can ease ADHD symptoms for 70 to 80percent of adults and children (Spencer, et al. 2005). These medications increase levels of dopamine, as well as norepinephrine. These medications help alleviate the main symptoms of the disorder, including the tendency to fidget and impulsivity, as well as difficulty paying attention. They aid people to complete tasks and improve their social abilities. In general, the medications work best when utilized in conjunction with a treatment plan that incorporates behavior therapy and skills training.
Doctors aren't able to predict which medication is best for each person, so they usually start with a drug trial to determine the dosage that is effective. Some medications take several weeks to reach their maximum effectiveness. They may need to be adjusted in time, based on how the patient responds 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 drugs: immediate-release amphetamine and Atomoxetine, intermediate-release and long-acting dexamphetamine and guanfacine. Medication can be taken in liquid, capsule or chewable tablet form. Children who have trouble swallowing tablets or pills can sprinkle the beads on their food to take three extended-release medicines.
These medications can trigger a decrease in appetite and sleepiness. However, they improve with continued use. Sleepiness is a common side effect, but doctors typically avoid giving people this type of medication prior to the time of bed. Insomnia caused by methylphenidate or amphetamine is usually more severe in preteens and teenagers, so parents should watch for warning signs.
If you have heart problems or any other health concerns it is crucial to discuss these medications with your physician. These drugs can cause an abrupt increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People with a history of drug use or psychiatric issues are not advised to take them.
The stimulant drugs are likely to be misused, especially by teens who might take them to lose weight or to gain a high. This is a serious problem, Siu and Smith say, because it puts teens who have the right combination of circumstances at risk of an untimely death due to heart disease. It's crucial to educate kids and teens about the dangers of taking another's prescription or sharing it with a group of friends. Also, it's important to talk to a doctor to discuss the possibility of abuse.
Dosage
Stimulant medicines are typically taken as pills. Your doctor will determine the dose depending on your medical condition, symptoms, other medications and side effects. Many people find that finding the right medication is a trial-and-error process which is why being open with your doctor is essential.
A typical type of ADHD stimulant is methylphenidates (MPH). These medications are available in liquid, chewable tablets, or chewable forms and can be prescribed as short- or long-acting. Long-acting formulations last up to eight hours. The shorter-acting formulations are quick-acting but wear off more quickly. Doctors typically start patients with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage until they notice improvements in their symptoms.
Certain adults may have to take multiple stimulant drugs to treat their symptoms. According to the person, the medication might have to be taken conjunction with other treatments, like behavior therapy.
Stimulants are often considered the first-line treatment for ADHD, as they are proven to reduce symptoms in 70-80% of adults and children. They reduce hyperactivity, fidgeting, interrupting and an impulsive behaviour. They can also assist people focus and complete tasks. They can improve relationships and overall function.
The FDA has approved a number of amphetamines and methylphenidates as a treatment of ADHD. They are generally tolerated and effective. It is vital to keep in mind that these drugs can be abused and misused. They are classified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as Schedule II controlled drugs.
Medications to treat depression or mood disorders can be used in conjunction with stimulant medication. These medications boost the levels of norepinephrine - an neurotransmitter that assists people to control their behavior and concentrate. They can boost attention and reduce the impulsivity of some people with ADHD. However they aren't as effective as stimulants when it comes to reducing hyperactivity and inattention.
Some people who are taking these drugs experience a decrease in energy or feeling of being "on edge." This is referred to as the crash effect and can cause depression, severe hunger, and other unpleasant side effects. It can also happen after a stimulant that is short-acting, particularly if the person hasn't been using it for a while or was using a high dosage.
Side effects
Stimulant medication increases the levels of dopamine that are present in the brain. This improves the ability to focus and control impulses. The most popular stimulants used for ADHD are amphetamines or methylphenidates. The most commonly used forms of these drugs are Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin and Adderall. They are available in a variety of forms and doses, from liquid to pills. A large number of adults and children take these medicines to treat their symptoms, in addition to other treatments such as therapy, skills training and lifestyle adjustments.
These medications can trigger adverse effects, such as a decrease in 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 during the day, or add snacks. You should also avoid drinking beverages with caffeine. These symptoms will typically disappear within several days as the body adjusts. It is essential to follow the physician's advice regarding dosage and frequency.
Medications are not the only treatment for ADHD but they can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity in 70%-80 percent of those suffering from the condition. You can also improve your sleeping complete your schoolwork and concentrate on your work with the help of medication. Your doctor will assess your symptoms, talk about the benefits and risks of the medication, and track your response to the drug.
Stimulants are categorized as controlled substances, which means they have a high chance of abuse and addiction. But, if taken according to your doctor's prescription they do not cause addiction. These medications are often abused by people who don't suffer from ADHD. They might use them to feel more alert or to reduce their appetite in order to lose weight. When prescribed for medical reasons, stimulant drugs are extremely safe and effective.
Nonstimulants are not able to increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the body. They are more difficult to use, but can improve your ability of control and concentration. They are less likely to be misused, but they may cause side effects like decreased appetite and difficulties sleeping. Nonstimulant medications include Strattera, Qelbree, and Intuniv. Antidepressants are sometimes used alone or in conjunction with a stimulant to treat ADHD symptoms.
Overdose
Even when prescribed for a medical reason stimulant medication can be abused or misused. People who don't have ADHD may abuse these medicines to feel more alert or reduce their appetite to reduce weight, or just to feel "high." These drugs are not addictive for people suffering from ADHD who receive the proper treatment from a doctor. However, they can be deadly when used in excess.
Some of the most serious harms that are a result of nonmedical use include the consumption of stimulants prescribed by doctors that are typically consumed by mouth but can also occur when these medicines are crushed and dissolved in water to drink, snorted or injected. According to data from U.S. Poison Centers, these harms are most prevalent for teenagers who take their own prescription stimulant or medication prescribed by someone else that is not named in the prescription instructions.
Many young children misunderstand their parents or older siblings' prescription of a stimulant in order to feel more awake, stay up longer to study for school tests or even feel high. These are usually accidents however, they could cause serious heart issues or poisoning. Children can steal tablets from relatives or friends who have prescriptions. The pills are especially dangerous for children who already have a heart condition or other health issues that make them more sensitive to their side effects.
medication for inattentive adhd are also available without prescription in drug dealers or through illegal sellers on the Internet and contain fake pills that appear like genuine prescription stimulants, but in reality contain dangerous illegal substances. These drugs can also can be dangerous when used with alcohol or other controlled substances like opioids.
It is important for patients to go through their Medication Guide, which will be included with their filled prescriptions. The guide provides details about the medication, including warnings and potential side effects. It will also provide instructions on how to dispose of unused prescriptions properly and that includes returning them to a pharmacist or another approved disposal facility or site. Additionally, you can urge them to contact FDA's MedWatch hotline if they have concerns or questions about their medicines or any adverse reactions they encounter.