What Is ADHD Medication And Why You Should Consider 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 medication regularly.
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 start you on a lower dose and observe how you react to the drug.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a stimulant can be used to treat Narcolepsy and ADHD symptoms. It does this by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration and improves mood. It is a controlled substance which means it can only be purchased on prescription and must be prescribed by a physician. Methylphenidate may be taken in capsules or tablets, either as an oral solution or as a transdermal patch. The type of methylphenidate prescribed will depend on the doctor's diagnosis and other factors.
Methylphenidate could cause side effects such as stomachache or headache, a dry mouth, a fast heartbeat, shakiness and nervousness. It can also trigger facial tics in certain people that are abrupt movements in the muscles of the face that can't be controlled. This can happen in less than 1 out of 100 people who take methylphenidate however, it is important to inform your doctor right away if you or your child start having this problem. It could also trigger an increase in heartbeat and blood pressure that your doctor will closely monitor during your treatment. Some people may also experience a skin reaction, like a rash which can be itchy, swollen or blistered. It can also affect the flow of blood to the fingers and feet (Raynaud’s disease). This is very serious and requires immediate treatment at a hospital.
Generally, methylphenidate is considered safe for the majority of people when taken as directed. It can cause a dangerous blood pressure drop if taken excessively or frequently. It can also cause you to feel dizzy and sleepy, 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 has the potential to be misused. It can also cause addiction in certain people. It is not recommended to give your medication away. The best way to avoid this is to keep your methylphenidate locked in a cupboard and use only the amount recommended by your doctor.
Amphetamines
Amphétamines are utilized in the treatment of ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They help by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, improving concentration and helping to control impulsive behaviour. They are also able to treat certain symptoms of Tourette's syndrome.
These medicines are available in tablets with immediate release and extended-release capsules, as being an oral solution. In the UK they are regulated medications (class C) which means that you must be enrolled by your doctor in order to get the pills. Most people take them once each week, however some people might take them twice.
Atomoxetine is a selective inhibitor of noradrenaline reuptake. It works in a different way to other stimulant medicines and is available to children and teenagers older than 5 if it's inaccessible to use methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine or for adults if the condition is identified within this category. It is typically consumed in the form of capsules, either once or twice daily.
Stimulant medications are widely abused. Keep your child's or teenager's medications out of reach and away from the sight of the children's friends. They should not be sold or shared. When you use the medication in the wrong manner such as crushing it and injecting it, could be very dangerous and even life-threatening. Some street drugs, including MDMA (ecstasy) and methamphetamine are derived from amphetamines.
Amphetamines are addictive and can cause negative side effects that are difficult to manage, especially for older people. These side effects may include extreme fatigue and irritation. how to treat adhd without medication in adults can also cause cravings for the drug, a desire to continue taking the drug, as well as an extreme fatigue. Consult your physician in the event that you or your child is experiencing any of these side-effects.
If you or your children are taking long-acting stimulant drugs, it is crucial to be aware that the blood pressure can drop suddenly after stopping the drug. If this happens, dial triple zero (000) to request an ambulance immediately. This can be dangerous and can lead to a stroke, heart attack, or death. You can seek support and advice from your physician by discussing with them the effects of stopping the medication or reducing it.
Long-acting stimulants
Many people suffering from ADHD discover that stimulants can help them stay focused, finish tasks and improve their relationships. However, not everyone responds to this kind of medication. And the side effects -such as heart palpitations, anxiety, and a negative impact on sleep and appetite -- are usually unpleasant. These issues can stop people from taking the medications they need.
There are many ways to reduce the effects of these side effects. Your doctor can reduce the dose of your medicine or change it to a different one and self-help strategies can help you to make a difference.
Most people who are taking an ADHD medication should be monitored by an expert in medical care. It can take up to a month before the medication takes its full effect, so it's crucial to find the correct dosage. The medical professional may ask about your or your child's routine and habits in order to help determine what works best for you and will examine any other health conditions that could be causing problems.
Some of the most common forms of long-acting stimulants include Concerta, Focalin and Ritalin SR, as well as Vyvanse. All of these are part of a class of drugs referred to as methylphenidates. They have been in use for many years. Some are available in liquid form and chewable tablets, while others are on skin patches for children who don't want swallow pills.
The other major kind of long-acting ADHD medication is the amphetamine category that includes Adderall and Dexedrine. These have a more potent and long-lasting effect than methylphenidates and can be taken in a variety of ways, such as a powder for some younger children who aren't able to take pills. These medicines 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 category of drugs known as selective Norepinephrine Resuptake Inhibitors. They work by increasing levels of norepinephrine, a brain chemical. They can also decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms.
Other medicines
If the stimulants do not work or have undesirable side effects, your doctor may prescribe non-stimulant drugs. These drugs take longer to effect but they can help improve your ability focus and control impulses. They also help reduce anxiety and depression that may occur with ADHD. Doctors might also suggest therapy to help you develop the skills to manage your symptoms and to improve your behavior. They may suggest that you stay away from certain drinks, foods or activities that are known to cause problems for people with ADHD.
Stimulants alter levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. Norepinephrine increases concentration, and dopamine helps to improve it. There are 12 prescription drugs that have been 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 drug to be approved as a nonstimulant for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which essentially means it increases the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. Other drugs in this group include guanfacine hydrochloride (Tenex and Intuniv) and clonidine hydrochloride (Catapres).
Doctors can also prescribe antidepressants, which boost the levels of dopamine, the chemical messenger in the brain. Bupropion is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant for adults with ADHD. It is prescribed "off-label" to treat ADHD when it occurs with depression or substance abuse disorders, including nicotine addiction and cannabis.
Some experts think that there is a connection between mood and ADHD, so antidepressants can help in treating ADHD symptoms as well as improving your mood. The NHS recommends talking to your GP before taking these medicines.
If your GP determines that medication is appropriate for you, they will prescribe a dose and begin you on small doses, which they will gradually increase over the course of a few weeks. Your GP will check on your health regularly to ensure the treatment is effective and to identify any adverse reactions that may develop. They might refer you to a specialist, such as psychologist or counselor for additional support.