ADHD Medication - How Ritalin Helps Kids Manage ADHD
ADHD medication can make a huge difference in helping children manage their symptoms. Doctors prescribe two main types of medications to treat ADHD including stimulants and nonstimulants.
Stimulants increase the amounts of two brain chemicals--norepinephrine and dopamine--that help kids focus. These medications are the best choice for children and teens with ADHD.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
Many people suffering from ADHD start treatment by taking stimulant drugs. They are highly effective at improving attention and concentration for 70-80% of those with ADHD. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting with a FDA-approved medication. Only prescription medications are available, and should be taken exactly as prescribed. Supplements or vitamins sold over-the-counter to treat ADHD are not backed by science and could cause adverse negative effects when used in conjunction together with prescription medications.
There are a variety of long-acting stimulant formulations each with a specific delivery system and a varying time-action profile. These medications allow clinicians the ability to pinpoint certain times of the day when patients are most impaired. For instance, patients who have trouble completing morning tasks can benefit from long-acting stimulants such as Dexedrine Spansules, Dextroamphetamine/AMPH patch (Xelstrym), or the newer extended-release oral medication Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
Long-acting ADHD medications enter the bloodstream slower and are less likely to cause side effects than short-acting ADHD medications. They last between 8 and 16 hours depending on the medication. The longer duration lets the medication provide a more consistent effect throughout the day and makes them a good choice for adults.
Some of the possible side effects of long-acting ADHD medications include changes in appetite, an upset stomach and an increase in heart rate. Other possible side effects include tics and minor slowing of growth. These are only temporary and typically disappear once the body adjusts.
Methylphenidate is one of the most popular long-acting ADHD medication. It is the active ingredient in Ritalin and other medications and it works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a crucial role in motivation, cognition and action.
The most commonly used stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD are methylphenidates (amphetamines), atomoxetine, amphetamines, and atomoxetine. All of these medications fall under the umbrella term "methylphenidates," but some are made differently than other. Some medications are absorbed through the skin, while others are administered either orally or intravenously.
Short-acting stimulant formulations
There are a variety of stimulant drugs that can be used to treat ADHD in adults. This includes all forms of methylphenidate including Ritalin Focalin Metadate and Metadate and amphetamines like Adderall, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse. A doctor may prescribe atomoxetine which is an stimulant that functions differently and lasts longer. There are also atypical antidepressants which work well for ADHD symptoms. They include Wellbutrin (bupropion), and the two antihypertensives, Catapres as well as Tenex.
Stimulant drugs work by increasing the neurotransmitter levels within the brain. This helps improve concentration and reduce restlessness in children and adults suffering from ADHD. The medication also reduces the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. However stimulants can cause side effects such as dry mouth and blurry vision. They can also cause increased irritability, anxiety and appetite for some people. Some people have difficulty sleeping after taking these medications.
A major issue with these drugs is that they may cause the "rebound effect" when the effects fade. There are some who have an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these drugs. They are safe and effective for adults when they are prescribed by their doctor.
The most effective type of stimulant medication for someone with ADHD is one that can be taken in the morning prior to school or work. These are known as long-acting stimulants. This form of the drug can reduce the risk of an effect of rebound and could reduce symptoms in the afternoon and evening as well.
If required, other forms of the medication may be taken throughout the day. Short-acting medications are absorbed rapidly and reach their peak in the body. People who require frequent doses of these pills may need to take more than one tablet each day. This is a problem for many adults with ADHD.
Stimulants are the most popular and widely-used treatment for ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They are considered the most effective drugs in reducing ADHD symptoms. However, they may cause life-threatening and serious side effects when used in a way that is not properly or in large doses. They also increase the risk of developing depression and other mental health disorders.
Nonstimulant drugs
Nonstimulant medicines are an alternative to stimulant medications, such as Ritalin in the event that they don't work or have side effects that are too extreme. These medications have a lower risk of addiction and abuse than stimulants. They increase the brain chemical norepinephrine. Doctors or psychiatrists who specialize in mental health are the most likely to prescribe these drugs. They may be used in conjunction with a treatment plan that includes psychosocial treatments and lifestyle changes.
Nonstimulant medicines can take longer to effect than stimulants. They may also require a greater dose to achieve the same level of effectiveness. They are available as tablets or capsules and are taken with or without food. They are more likely than other medications to cause stomach upset or alter heart rate and bloodpressure. They also have a higher chance of developing a drug interaction with other drugs.
Certain ADHD medications are available in patches which can be placed on the skin. These patches are great for those who forget or have trouble swallowing tablets. They can also be useful for children who are tactilely sensitive and do not like taking medicine through mouth. However, the patch has limited use for children due to its requirement for continuous application.
Finding the right dosage, schedule, and medication will take time. It is crucial to speak clearly and openly with your health care professional about how your child or you react to the medication. Keep a log of your symptoms or the symptoms of your child, as well as any changes in medication.
There are always adverse effects when taking any medication. Some sufferers experience stomach upset or sleep disturbances, as well as an increased heart rate, and weight loss. Children and adolescents who are taking stimulant medication may experience a reduction in their growth rate, although this is not usually significant. Some individuals may experience anxiety or tics. A small proportion of them may experience a severe reaction to the medication.
Consult a doctor as quickly when you or your child experience serious symptoms. The medication should be taken only according to the instructions of your physician. Ask your pharmacist if they have an exchange program for prescription medications. You can also mix the medication with cat litter or ground coffee and dispose of it.
Antidepressants
Many people who are prescribed stimulant medication for ADHD also use an antidepressant or a nonstimulant medicine. These medicines can help calm the mind and control some of the side effects of stimulants such as a decreased appetite or trouble sleeping. adhd medication adults uk are less likely to trigger depression. They can also help treat bipolar and anxiety disorders, which are sometimes linked to ADHD.
Stimulants that are used to treat ADHD have a great potential for misuse and abuse. adult adhd medication uk and teens who do not have ADHD may take them to increase their alertness or to curb their appetite to lose weight. Others may take them to feel "high." Stimulants are Schedule I drugs with a high chance of addiction. However, when they are correctly prescribed and taken by adults, they won't increase the risk for addiction.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication used to treat ADHD is a kind of stimulant. It increases activity in the brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. It's available in tablets that release immediately (small doses taken two to three times a day), and modified-release tablets that release the drug throughout the day. Also available in chewable and liquid form.
When stimulant medications are taken for ADHD, some sufferers experience a brief period of feeling tired or depressed and become more active. This is called the rebound effect. Changes in the time you take your medicine or adjusting your dosage can reduce these symptoms.
Intuniv, a medication that acts for a long time which contains guanfacine to treat people suffering from ADHD, is another alternative. This blood pressure medication is a kind of alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist has been proven effective in reducing hyperactivity among adults. It doesn't appear to be as effective in reducing symptoms of inattention.
Finding the appropriate ADHD medication for your child or you can take some time. Your doctor is likely to start with a low dose and increase them gradually to determine the right combination that will control your symptoms while causing the most minimal adverse negative effects. You should visit your GP regularly to have regular checkups, and to determine if the dosage needs to be adjusted.