Everything You Need To Learn About ADHD Medication
ADHD Medicine For Kids Some children require multiple ADHD medications to get the best results. Children should be taking their medicines regularly. Stimulant medicines work to help normal brain chemicals improve concentration and control of impulses. They are available in form of liquid, pills, or extended-release capsules. The doctor will begin you with a low dosage and then monitor your reaction to the medication. Methylphenidate Methylphenidate, a stimulant is a treatment for narcolepsy and ADHD symptoms. It boosts the levels of dopamine, which can improve concentration and mood. It is a controlled substance which means it must be prescribed by a physician and can only be purchased by prescription (it is not available on the market). Methylphenidate can be taken as capsules or tablets, either as an oral solution or as a transdermal patch. The type of methylphenidate prescribed will depend on the diagnosis of the doctor as well as other factors. Methylphenidate can cause some adverse effects, including stomachache, headache, dry mouth, a rapid heartbeat, shakiness and nervousness. Some people may experience facial tics which are uncontrollable movements that occur in the muscles of the face. This happens in less than one out of 100 people taking methylphenidate. It's important to notify your doctor right away if your child or you are experiencing this type of problem. It also increases blood pressure and heart rate, which your doctor will closely monitor during your treatment. It may also trigger reactions to the skin in certain people, including an itch that is swollen and itchy, or raised or blistered, and a change in the way blood flows to the toes and fingers (Raynaud's disease). This is a serious condition and requires immediate treatment at a hospital. In general, methylphenidate can be considered safe by most people when taken according to the directions. However, it could cause a dangerous decrease in blood pressure in the event that the dose is too high or it's taken frequently. It may also cause people to feel dizzy or sleepy. It is not advised to drive or operate machinery when taking it. Methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II substance, meaning that it can be abused. It is also a habit-forming drug in some people, so you should be careful not to share your medication with anyone else. Keep your methylphenidate locked in a cabinet and only use the amount prescribed. Amphetamines Amphetamines are a class of drugs used to treat ADHD in children as well as adults. They work by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals, improving concentration and helping manage impulsive behavior. They may also help with certain symptoms of Tourette's. These medicines are available in immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules as well in an oral solution. They are controlled drugs in the UK (class C), meaning that you'll need to be enrolled by a doctor before you can collect these medications. They are most often taken once a day however some people may take them twice daily. Atomoxetine differs from other stimulant medications. It is available to children and teenagers who are over 5 if methylphenidate or Lisdexamfetamine aren't available. It works differently than other stimulant medications and is available to children and teenagers over the age of 5 if it's not possible to use methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine, or for adults if the condition is diagnosed within this category. It is typically taken as capsules, taken at least once or twice a day. Drugs that stimulate the brain are often abused. Keep your child's or teenager's medications out of away from the sight of the children's friends. They should not be shared or sold. If you take the medication in the wrong manner by crushing it, or injecting it, can be extremely dangerous and life-threatening. Some street drugs, such as MDMA (ecstasy) and methamphetamine, are made from amphetamines. Amphetamines can cause addiction and side effects that are difficult to cope with especially for older people. These side effects can include extreme fatigue and irritation. They could also include cravings, a desire to continue taking the drug, and a feeling of extreme fatigue. Talk to your doctor when you or your child suffers any of these side effects. If you or your child is taking long-acting stimulants, it's important to be aware of a sudden drop in blood pressure once the medication is stopped. If this happens, dial triple zero (000) to request an ambulance as soon as you can. This can be dangerous and lead to a stroke, heart attack, or even death. You can seek help and advice from your physician by discussing with them the effects of stopping the medication or decreasing the dosage. Long-acting stimulants Many people who suffer from ADHD discover that stimulants can aid in staying focused, complete tasks and improve their relationships. But not everyone responds to this type of medication. The side effects, such as heart palpitations and anxiety, and the negative effects on appetite and sleep are typically unpleasant. These issues can stop people from taking the medicines they need. There are ways to ease these side effects. Your doctor can reduce the dosage of your medication or switch you to a different one. Self-help strategies can make a big difference. The majority of people who take an ADHD medication will need to be closely monitored by a medical professional. This is due to the fact that it takes anywhere from a few weeks to a full month for the medication's effects to reach its full effect, and also because it is crucial to determine the right dosage for you. Medical professionals may inquire about your or your child's routine and habits in order to help determine what works for you, and will examine any other health issues that could cause problems. The most popular forms of long-acting stimulants include Concerta, Focalin and Ritalin SR, and Vyvanse. They belong to a class of drugs called methylphenidates, and all of them have been in use for a long time. Some are available as chewable tablets or liquid as well as put on a skin patch for kids who don't want to swallow pills. The other type of long-acting ADHD medication is the amphetamine group comprising Adderall and Dexedrine. They have a stronger and longer-lasting effect than the methylphenidates and can be taken in different ways, including in the form of a powder for younger children who aren't able to take pills. These medications can be mixed with juice or milk to help them taste better for some kids. Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree, (viloxazine), are stimulants with a long-acting effect that are not part of the methylphenidate group nor the amphetamine group. They belong to a class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors. They are able to increase the levels of a chemical in the brain called norepinephrine. They also help reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. Other medicines Non-stimulant medicines may be prescribed if stimulants do not work or cause unpleasant adverse effects. These drugs take longer to effect however they can enhance your ability focus and control impulses. They can also help reduce depression and anxiety that can be a problem with ADHD. Doctors may also suggest therapy to help you develop the skills to manage your symptoms and to improve behaviour, or they might recommend that you avoid certain drinks, foods or activities that are known to cause problems for those who suffer from ADHD. Stimulants regulate the levels of two chemical messengers in your brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. Norepinephrine increases concentration, and dopamine enhances it. 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 medicine to be approved as a non-stimulant for adults suffering from ADHD. add adhd medication is a selective inhibitor of norepinephrine uptake, which means that it increases the level of norepinephrine within the brain. Other drugs in this class include Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv), and clonidine (Catapres). Doctors might prescribe antidepressants, which boost the levels of the chemical messenger dopamine in the brain. Bupropion is usually prescribed as an antidepressant to treat adult ADHD. It is prescribed “off-label”, to treat ADHD when it is associated with depression or other substance abuse disorders, specifically cannabis and nicotine addiction. Some experts believe there is a connection between mood and ADHD and antidepressants could help with treating ADHD symptoms as well as improving your mood. The NHS suggests talking to your GP before taking these drugs. If your GP determines that medication is the best option for you, he'll prescribe a small dose which he will gradually increase over the course of several weeks. Your GP will be monitoring you regularly to ensure that the treatment is effective and to look for any adverse effects. They might also recommend you to specialists such as a psychologist or a counsellor, for additional support.