Everything You Need To Be Aware Of ADHD Medication
ADHD Medicine For Kids
Some children require more than one ADHD medicine to get the most effective results. Children should take their medication on a regular basis.
The stimulant drugs work by helping normal brain chemicals improve concentration, and also control impulses. They are available in liquid, extended-release capsules, or pill form. The doctor will place you on a low dose and then observe how you react to the medication.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a stimulant, can be used to treat Narcolepsy and ADHD symptoms. It works by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration and improves mood. It is a controlled substance which means it can only be purchased on prescription and must be prescribed by a doctor. Methylphenidate may be taken in capsules or tablets, as an oral solution, or as a transdermal patch. The type of methylphenidate prescribed will depend on the diagnosis of the doctor and other factors.
Methylphenidate can cause some adverse effects, including stomachache, headaches, dry mouth, a fast heartbeat, shakiness, and nervousness. It may also trigger facial tics in certain people, which are sudden movements in the muscles of the face that aren't controlled. This occurs in less than one in 100 people who take methylphenidate. It is important to inform your doctor right away if your child or you begin to experience this issue. It also increases the heart rate and blood pressure that your doctor will be monitoring carefully when you are taking it. Some people may also suffer from a skin reaction such as a rash, which is swollen, itchy or blistered. It may also affect the blood flow to the feet and fingers (Raynaud’s disease). This is very serious and requires immediate treatment in hospital.
In general, methylphenidate is able to be considered safe by the majority of people, if used as directed. It can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure if taken in large quantities or over a long period of time. It can also cause people to feel dizzy or sleepy. It is not advised to drive or operate machinery while taking it.
Methylphenidate is rated as a Schedule II drug, which means it could be abused. It may also trigger addiction in some people. It is not recommended to give your medication away. Keep your methylphenidate safe in a cupboard and only use the amount prescribed.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines, a class of medications, are used to treat ADHD in children and adolescents as well as adults. They help by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain which improves concentration and helps to control impulsive behavior. They are also able to help with some symptoms of Tourette's syndrome.
These medications are available in the form of immediate-release tablets, extended-release capsules and an oral solution. In the UK they are controlled medications (class C), which means that you must be signed in by your doctor in order to get these medications. They are most often taken daily, although some people take them twice a day.
Atomoxetine works differently than other stimulant drugs. It is a prescription drug that can be given to teenagers and children older than 5 if methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine aren't available. adhd medication list functions differently as other stimulant drugs and is available to children and teenagers over the age of five if it's impossible to use methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine or for adults when the condition is recognized within this category. It's usually taken as a capsule once or twice a day.
Stimulant medications are widely abused. It is important to keep your child or teen's medication secure away from sight and reach of your friends and should not be shared or sold with other people. It can be dangerous to take the medication in the incorrect method. For instance crushing the medication and injecting it. Certain street drugs, like MDMA (ecstasy) and methamphetamine are derived from amphetamines.
Amphetamines can be addictive and cause negative side effects that are difficult to manage particularly for people who are older. These side effects may include extreme exhaustion and irritation. They can also cause cravings for the drug, a desire to continue taking the drug, as well as an extreme fatigue. If you or your child experiences any of these side effects, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
If you or your child are taking long-acting stimulants, you need to be aware of a sudden decrease in blood pressure after the medication is stopped. If this occurs, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance as soon as you can. This is extremely risky and could result in a heart attack, stroke or even death. You can seek help and advice from your physician by discussing with them the consequences of cutting down on the medication or reducing the dosage.
Long-acting stimulants
Many people with ADHD find that stimulants help them stay focused, finish tasks and improve their relationships. But not everyone responds to this type of medication. The side effects, such as anxiety and heart palpitations, and the negative effects on appetite and sleep are often uncomfortable. These issues can prevent people from taking the medicines they need.
There are ways to reduce these side effects. Your doctor can reduce the dose of your medicine or change it to a different one, and self-help strategies can be a huge help.
A majority of people who are taking an ADHD medication must be monitored closely by an expert in medical care. It can take up to a month before the medication has its full effect, so it's crucial to find the appropriate dosage. Medical professionals may inquire about your child's or your own routine and habits in order to determine what works best for you and will also look into any other health issues that could be causing problems.
The most popular forms of long-acting stimulants include Concerta, Focalin and Ritalin SR, as well as Vyvanse. All of these belong to a class of drugs referred to as methylphenidates. They have been around for a number of years. Some are available in liquid form and chewable tablets, while others are available as skin patches for kids who do not want to swallow pills.
The other type of long-acting ADHD medication is the amphetamine class, which includes Adderall and Dexedrine. These have a more potent and last longer than methylphenidates, and they can be taken in different ways, including in the form of a powder for younger children who can't take pills. These medications can be mixed with milk or juice to help them taste better for children who are sensitive to.
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are psychostimulants with a long-acting effect that aren't found in the amphetamine or methylphenidate groups. They are part of a class of drugs referred to as selective Norepinephrine Resuptake Inhibitors. They are able to increase levels of norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical. They can also lessen the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Other medicines
If the stimulants don't work or cause unpleasant side effects, your doctor may prescribe non-stimulant medications. These medications take longer to begin working, but they can improve your ability to concentrate and control your impulses. They can also reduce anxiety and depression that may occur with ADHD. Doctors may also recommend therapy to assist you in managing your symptoms and improve behaviour or suggest that you avoid certain food, beverages, or activities that can cause problems for those with ADHD.
Stimulants adjust the levels of two chemical messengers in your brain called dopamine and norepinephrine. Norepinephrine helps you concentrate and dopamine enhances your concentration. There are 12 approved drugs to treat ADHD. These include methylphenidate hydrochloride, lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, amphetamine sulfate, dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride/serdexmethylphenidate chloride, mixed amphetamine salts and atomoxetine (Strattera). Atomoxetine is the first medicine to be approved as a nonstimulant in adults with ADHD. It is a selective inhibitor of norepinephrine uptake, which means that it boosts the levels of norepinephrine within the brain. Other drugs in this class include guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv), and Clonidine (Catapres).
Doctors can prescribe antidepressants, which increase the amount of the chemical messenger dopamine in the brain. Bupropion is most commonly prescribed as an antidepressant to treat adult ADHD. It is often prescribed "off-label" to treat ADHD when it is associated with depression or substance abuse disorders, including nicotine addiction and cannabis.
Some experts believe there is a connection between mood and ADHD, so antidepressants can help in treating ADHD symptoms as well as improving your mood. The NHS suggests speaking with your GP prior to taking these medications.
If your GP decides that medication is suitable for you, they'll prescribe a dose, and begin you on small doses which they will then gradually increase over the course of a few weeks. Your GP will monitor you regularly to make sure the treatment is working and examine any side effects. They might also refer you to a specialist like a counselor or psychologist, for additional support.