What You Need To Do With This ADHD Medication
ADHD Medicine For Kids
Some children need to take more than one ADHD medicine to get the most effective results. Children should take their medicine regularly.
The stimulant drugs work by helping normal brain chemicals improve concentration and regulate impulses. They are available in liquid, extended-release capsules, or pills. The doctor will begin with a low dosage and observe your reaction to the drug.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a stimulant, helps to reduce ADHD symptoms and can be used to treat narcolepsy. It works by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain, which boosts concentration and improves mood. It is a controlled drug which means that it has to be prescribed by a physician and is only available on prescription (it is not available on the market). Methylphenidate is available as tablets, capsules or oral solutions, as well as transdermal patches. The type of methylphenidate prescribed depends on the diagnosis of the doctor and other factors.
Methylphenidate can cause some side effects, such as a headache, stomachache dry mouth, fast heartbeat, shakiness, and nervousness. It can cause facial tics in some people who experience sudden movements of the muscles in the face that can't be controlled. This can happen in less than 1 in 100 people taking methylphenidate but it's crucial to inform your doctor right away in the event that you or your child starts having this problem. It can also increase the heart rate and blood pressure that your doctor will be monitoring carefully during your treatment. Some people may also suffer from a skin reaction like a rash, which is swollen, itchy or blistered. It may also affect the blood flow to the fingers and feet (Raynaud’s disease). This is a serious problem that requires immediate hospital care.
In general, methylphenidate may be considered safe by a majority of people if taken as directed. However, it could cause a dangerous reduction in blood pressure in the event that the dose is too high or taken too often. It may also make you feel dizzy and shaky, so it's not recommended to drive or operate machinery when you take it.
Methylphenidate is rated as a Schedule II drug, which means it could be misused. It is also known to cause addiction in certain people, so you should be wary to give your medication to anyone else. The best way to prevent this is to keep your methylphenidate in a locked cupboard and use only the dosage prescribed by your physician.
Amphetamines
Medications known as amphetamines are used to treat ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They help by increasing levels of certain brain chemicals, enhancing concentration and helping control impulsive behavior. They can also help with certain symptoms of Tourette's.
These medications are available in the form of immediate-release tablets, extended-release capsules and an oral solution. In the UK they are regulated medications (class C), which means that you have to be registered by your doctor to collect them. They are usually taken every day but some people will take them twice a day.
Atomoxetine is a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor. adhd adult medication IamPsychiatry works differently from other stimulant medications. It is available to teenagers and children over 5 years old if methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine aren't available or to adults suffering from an illness that has been diagnosed. It is typically taken as capsules, taken every day, either once or twice.
Stimulant medications are widely abused. Keep your child's or teenager's medication out of reach and sight of their friends. They should not be shared or sold. It is risky to take the medication the incorrect method. For example, crushing and injecting the medicine. Some street drugs, such as MDMA (ecstasy) and methamphetamine, are made from amphetamines.
Amphetamines can trigger addiction and have side effects that are difficult to manage particularly in older people. They can include feelings of extreme exhaustion, irritability, cravings and a desire to take more. Consult your physician if you or your child suffers any of these symptoms.
If you or your child are taking long-acting stimulants, it's important to be aware of the risk of a sudden decrease in blood pressure when the drug is removed. Call triple zero (000) or an ambulance, as soon as this happens. This can be dangerous and can lead to a stroke, heart attack, or even death. Talking with your doctor can assist you in managing the effects of reducing or stopping the dosage, and offer support and guidance.
Long-acting stimulants
Many people who suffer from ADHD find that stimulants aid in staying focused, finish tasks, and improve their relationships. It is not for everyone to take this kind of medication. The side effectssuch as heart palpitations, anxiety, and a negative effect on appetite and sleep--are often unpleasant. These issues can stop people from taking the medication they require.
There are many ways to ease these adverse effects. Your doctor can decrease the dose of your medication or move you to a different medication. Self-help strategies can make a big difference.
Most people who are taking an ADHD medication will need to be closely monitored by medical professionals. It can take up to a month before the medication has its full effect, therefore it's essential to find the correct dosage. The medical professional may ask about your child's or your own daily routine and habits to determine what works for you, and will look at any other health conditions that may be a problem.
The most popular forms of long-acting stimulants include Concerta, Focalin and Ritalin SR, and Vyvanse. They are part of a class of drugs called methylphenidates, and all of them have been in circulation for a long period of time. Some are available as chewable tablets and liquids as well as placed on skin patches for children who aren't keen on swallowing pills.
Adderall, Dexedrine and other amphetamine-based ADHD medications are also available. They are more potent and last longer than methylphenidates, and they can be taken in a variety of ways, such as powder form for younger children who can't take pills. These medications can be mixed with juice or milk to make them more enjoyable for certain children.
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are psychostimulants that have a long-lasting effect but are not in the methylphenidate or amphetamine groups. They belong to a class of drugs referred to as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and function by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain known as norepinephrine. They also help reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Other medications
If the stimulants don't work or have unpleasant adverse effects, doctors may prescribe non-stimulant medication. These drugs take longer to effect however they can enhance your ability to focus and control impulses. They can also help to reduce anxiety and depression, which may sometimes occur along with ADHD. Doctors may also recommend therapy to help you manage your symptoms and improve your behavior or may suggest to avoid certain foods drinks, foods, or activities that can cause problems for those with ADHD.
Stimulants alter the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. Norepinephrine aids in concentration and dopamine helps to increase this concentration. There are 12 drugs approved 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 medication to be approved as a non-stimulant for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which essentially means it increases the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. Other drugs in this class include guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv), and clonidine (Catapres).
Doctors can also prescribe antidepressants, which boost the levels of dopamine, the chemical messenger in the brain. Bupropion is most commonly prescribed as an antidepressant treatment for adult ADHD. It is prescribed "off-label" to treat ADHD when it occurs with depression or substance abuse disorders, including cannabis and nicotine addiction.
Some experts believe that there is a connection between mood and ADHD. Antidepressants may help in treating ADHD symptoms, and also in improving mood. The NHS suggests speaking with your GP prior to taking these medications.
If your GP decides that medication is right for you, they'll prescribe a dose and start you on small doses which they will gradually increase over a few weeks. Your GP will regularly monitor you to make sure that the treatment is effective and to examine any side effects. They might also refer you to an expert such as a psychologist or a counsellor to provide additional assistance.