ADHD Stimulant Medication
For many people suffering from ADHD, medication helps control symptoms and enhance their ability to function.1
Stimulants boost certain brain chemicals that allow nerves to communicate with each other. They can also reduce aggression and impulsiveness.
The medications are available in a variety of forms (eg tablets, tablets, liquids) and are available to children and adults. It may take a while to determine the right dosage for each individual.
Types
Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate or amphetamine reduce ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80percent of kids and adults (Spencer and co., 2005). These medications are believed to boost the levels of two brain chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine. They improve core symptoms of the condition, such as fidgeting, impulsivity and difficulty paying attention. These medications help people complete tasks and improve their social abilities. The medications are most effective when they are used in conjunction with a complete treatment program that incorporates skills training and behavioral therapy.
Doctors are unable to predict which medication is best for an individual, so they start with experimenting with different doses to find the one that is effective. It could take several weeks for medication to reach their maximum effectiveness. They might need to be adjusted over time based on the patient's reaction and adverse effects. The aim is to find the most minimal possible dose that still helps the patient manage their ADHD symptoms effectively.
The types of stimulant medicine available are immediate-release methylphenidate and amphetamine, intermediate release atomoxetine and long-acting guanfacine and dexamphetamine. The medication is available as a liquid, a capsule or a chewable tablet. Children who have trouble swallowing tablets or pills can sprinkle beads on their food to take three extended-release medications.
These medications can cause a drop in appetite and sleepiness, but they tend to improve after regular use. Insomnia can be a side effect of these medications however doctors attempt to avoid giving them at bedtime. Insomnia caused by methylphenidate or amphetamine tends to be more severe in preteens and teenagers Parents should be on the lookout for warning symptoms.
Heart patients or other health issues should talk about the use of these medications with a medical professional. They can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure or heart rate, and they shouldn't be taken by people who have a history of substance abuse or psychiatric disorders.
Teenagers who are taking stimulant medication to reduce weight or to get high are at risk of using them. Siu and Smith warn that this is a serious issue, as it puts teens at risk of a heart-related death. It's crucial to educate kids and teens about the dangers of taking someone else’s prescription or sharing one with their friends. It's also crucial to consult with a physician to discuss the possibility of abuse.
Dosage
Stimulant medication is usually taken in the form of pills. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage based on your medical condition, symptoms as well as other medications and their adverse reactions. Finding the right medicine can be a trial-and-error process for many people. Communication with your doctor can help you find the right medication.
A common type of ADHD stimulant is methylphenidates (MPH). These drugs can be prescribed in either long- or short-acting forms and are available in tablets, liquids, or chewable tablets. Long-acting formulations take longer to work but can last for as long as eight hours. The shorter-acting formulations have a quicker effect, but fade quicker. Doctors usually start patients with the lowest dose, and then gradually increase the dosage until they notice improvement in their symptoms.
Some adults may need to take several stimulant medications to control their symptoms. Based on the person, the medication may need to be taken in conjunction with other treatments, like behavior therapy.
Stimulants are considered first-line treatments for ADHD because they have been proven to reduce symptoms in 70-80% of adults and children. These medications can decrease hyperactivity, interruptions fidgeting, impulsive behavior and fidgeting. They also aid people to focus and finish tasks. They can enhance relationships and overall function.
The FDA has approved a number of amphetamines, methylphenidates and methylphenidates to treat ADHD. These medications are generally well tolerated and efficient. However it is important to note that these drugs are classified as Schedule II controlled substances by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration since they are susceptible to misuse and abused.
Stimulant medications can be used with medications to treat mood disorders or depression. These medications raise levels of norepinephrine which is an neurotransmitter that assists people to control their behavior and concentrate. They can help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve attention among certain people with ADHD however they're not as effective as stimulants when it comes to decreasing hyperactivity or inattention.
Some people who use these drugs experience a decrease in energy or feeling of being "on edge." This is referred to as the crash effect and can lead to depression, extreme hunger and other unpleasant adverse effects. This can also happen when someone is coming off an inactive stimulant particularly if they've not used for a long period of period of time or used an extremely high dose.
Side effects
Stimulant medicines work by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which can help increase attention and control over impulses. The majority of stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD are methylphenidates or amphetamines. The most common types of these medicines are Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin and Adderall. They are available in a variety of dosages and forms, from liquid to pills. These medications are used by a large number of children and adults to manage their symptoms along with other treatments such as therapy, skill training, and lifestyle change.
These drugs can cause side effects such as decreased appetite and trouble sleeping. If you or your child suffer from these side effects, you might require taking medication later in the day, eat a larger portion of the day, or add snacks. Also, avoid drinking caffeinated drinks. These side effects will usually disappear within several days as the body adjusts. It is essential to follow the doctor's recommendations about dosage and frequency.
The use of medication is not the only treatment for ADHD but they can help reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity in 70%-80 percent of people suffering from the condition. They can help you to get better sleep, focus on tasks and finish schoolwork, and improve relationships. Your doctor will go over the risks and benefits of the medication with you and monitor your response.
Stimulants are categorized as controlled substances, which means they are at risk of abuse and addiction. If taken as directed by a doctor stimulants aren't addictive. These medications are often abused by those who do not suffer from ADHD. They may abuse them to increase their alertness or to lessen their appetite to shed weight. When used for medical reasons stimulant medication are extremely effective and safe.
Nonstimulants do not increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the body. They generally take longer to get started however they can enhance your ability to pay attention and manage impulses. They are less likely than stimulants to be abused. However, they may result in side effects like less appetite and difficulty sleeping. Examples of nonstimulant medication include Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine). Antidepressants are often used as a single medication or in combination with a stimulant to treat ADHD symptoms.
Overdose
Stimulant medications have a potential to be misused or even abused even when prescribed to serve a legitimate medical need. People who don't have ADHD may abuse these medicines to boost their alertness or to curb their appetites in order to shed weight, or just to feel "high." People who suffer from ADHD who receive appropriate treatment from a physician aren't likely to develop an addiction to these drugs, but these drugs do carry the risk of overdose and even death.
Some of the most severe harms associated with nonmedical use involve the consumption of stimulants prescribed by a doctor which is usually done by mouth, but can be the case when these drugs are crushed and then dissolved in water to drink, snorted or injectable. According to adhd treatment medication from U.S. Poison Centers these types of harms are most common for teenagers who take their own prescription stimulant or medication prescribed by a different person who is not mentioned in the prescription instructions.
Many young children misunderstand their parents' or older siblings' prescription of a stimulant to be more alert and stay up longer to study for school tests or even become high. These are usually accidents however they can cause serious heart or kidney problems. Some children steal the tablets from their relatives or friends who have a prescription. The tablets can be particularly dangerous for children who have a preexisting heart condition or other health issues that can make them sensitive to the drugs' side effects.
The drugs are also available without a prescription in drug dealers or from illegal sellers on the Internet and contain fake pills that look like genuine prescription stimulants, but contain harmful illegal substances. These drugs also are a danger when taken in combination with alcohol or other controlled substances, such as opioids.
It is important for patients to read their Medication Guide, which will be included with their completed prescriptions. The guide provides details about the medication, including warnings and potential side effects. It will also outline how to store and dispose of unused prescriptions properly and that includes taking them back to a pharmacy or an authorized disposal facility or location. Also, urge them to contact FDA's MedWatch hotline should they have concerns or questions about their medicines or any adverse reactions they encounter.