What Is ADHD And Medication And Why Is Everyone Speakin' About It?
ADHD Medication ADHD medications can alleviate many symptoms of the disorder, but they cannot solve it. Typically, your doctor will prescribe medication in conjunction with education, counseling, and behavior therapy. Stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. They work by boosting and balancing the levels of brain chemicals that control attention and behavior. They include methylphenidates (Concerta, Ritalin) and amphetamines such as Dexedrine. Methylphenidate Methylphenidate is among the most extensively researched stimulant medications to treat ADHD. It has been proven safe and effective for children and adults. It is available in a variety of formulations, including tablets, liquid chewable tablets, as well as extended-release capsules. It is also available in a single-isomer form that only contains right-handed molecule and not the left-handed ones. (Brand name Focalin XR Generic name is dexmethylphenidate-ER). Certain people may experience side-effects from methylphenidate, such as headaches and loss of appetite. These side effects are usually minor, and disappear when the patient is accustomed to the medication. If the side effects persist consult your physician. They might suggest changing your dosage or prescribe another medication. In some cases, methylphenidate may result in mood changes like feeling depressed or aggressive. It is not common, but it could be serious if you have an existing mental illness, such as bipolar disorder. In rare instances methylphenidate could trigger the onset of a manic episode for those who suffer from bipolar disorder. Methylphenidate increases blood pressure and heart rate, which is detrimental for those with heart problems. The drug should be avoided by anyone who has a history of heart failure or structural heart disease particularly in young adults. Additionally, it should not be taken by people who suffer from Phenylketonuria (an genetic condition that requires you are required to adhere to the diet that is low in protein). Inform your doctor prior to taking this medication if you have a heart condition. Lisdexamfetamine Lisdexamfetamine, an FDA-approved drug, is used to treat attention hyperactivity disorder in children and adults. It is also an effective treatment for binge eating disorder (BED). It is an NS stimulant that increases the activity of specific regions of the brain. It is available by prescription only. When combined with other medications like anticholinergics and sedatives the drug may cause serious adverse effects. This combination can increase the risk of having seizures and heart problems. It is also a risk when driving or operating machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Vyvanse and don't drive until you understand the effects it has on your. Make use of a medication return program, or mix your medication with a nontoxic substance like cat litter or dirt before throwing it in the household trash. Studies on lisdexamfetamine have demonstrated that it's just as effective as long-acting methylphenidate and the non-stimulant Atomoxetine. A recent European study found that lisdexamfetamine could be more efficacious than methylphenidate. Studies on lisdexamfetamine have shown that it can improve performance in both workplace and school environments. Brown and colleagues37 conducted a small open-label trial that showed significant improvements in a simulation workplace. Another study by Wigal et al38 showed improvements in performance on a permanent Product Measure of Performance test. Atomoxetine Atomoxetine differs from stimulants such as Ritalin, Adderall (dextroamphetamine), and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine). It is not a central nerve system stimulant, but rather a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor. Noradrenaline is a chemical that sends messages from one nerve cell to another brain cell. After sending a message, noradrenaline gets reabsorbed by nerve endings in a process of recycling. Atomoxetine inhibits this recycling process and increases the levels of active noradrenaline inside the brain. This improves attention and decreases impulsive behavior. The medication is taken orally and comes in capsule form. The medication is usually given once or twice daily but it is also possible to give more frequently if required. It is crucial to follow the doctor's instructions closely, particularly at the beginning of treatment. Take the medicine after a meal and drink plenty of water. Do not mix it with hot drinks or any other medication, unless instructed otherwise. Despite studies showing that atomoxetine is more effective than methylphenidate and dexamfetamine in treating ADHD symptoms but it isn't as efficient. It's also less effective than nonstimulant medications, including tricyclic antidepressants, as well as Clonidine. Atomoxetine can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting. Avoid this by not getting up too quickly after lying down. Also, avoid alcohol and cigarette smoke while taking this drug. You should also talk to your doctor about the best diet you or your child should follow. Adderall Adderall is a drug used to increase alertness and concentration. It works by increasing the levels of dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain. Dopamine helps reinforce positive behaviors and norepinephrine regulates heartbeat, blood vessels, and blood pressure. Adderall does not cause high when taken in the dosage that is recommended by your physician. It can, however, cause side effects, such as dry mouth and insomnia. Speak to your doctor when you observe these signs in your child or teenager. The doctor may be in a position to switch medications or alter the dosage. Stimulant medications are a common treatment of ADHD but they may cause problems for certain children. These problems can range in severity from poor performance at school to social issues. The use of stimulants is also used by teenagers to get a “buzz.” They can even lead to addiction. Fortunately, the majority of these problems can be avoided. Children with ADHD have trouble sleeping at the night. The medication can aid them in sleeping better. It is essential to reduce the amount of time spent on screens and caffeine prior to bedtime. It's also a good idea to avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine. More suggestions is a controlled substance. It can cause false positives on drug tests. Therefore, it's crucial to disclose this information when you play or work in sports. The length of time that Adderall stays in the body varies from one person, so it's best not to take it in the last two to four days before your next test. Dexedrine Dexedrine, a powerful stimulant, affects the central nervous systems. It works in conjunction with other ADHD medications to increase the brain's neurotransmitters, decreasing impulsivity and hyperactivity, improving listening abilities, and altering how people feel. It is available as a short-acting tablet and extended-release capsules. It is a Schedule II drug, meaning it has the potential to create addiction. It can also increase heartbeat and blood pressure. If this occurs, consult your doctor right away. Many children with ADHD experience side effects when taking stimulant medications. They might experience an upset stomach, experience difficulty sleeping, or feel angry or irritable. These side effects can be controlled or eliminated by altering the dosage, formula, or kind of medication. The medications are not able to cure ADHD however they can assist a child to control their emotions and stay focused. They can also help them do better in school. However, ADHD symptoms will return when the medication is stopped. It is essential to take them exactly as prescribed by your physician. Stimulant medication can increase heart rate of some people, so doctors should keep an eye on blood pressure and heart rate. They can also trigger sleep issues and changes in appetite. The best way to manage ADHD is by combining therapy, medication and training. Children who receive treatment for ADHD typically have lower IQs on the full scale than children who don't. They are more likely than others to require special education or remedial academic services and to be slower to complete high school. They are also more likely to quit college. Ritalin When Ritalin was first developed to treat ADHD, it was designed for first-graders and kindergarteners in mind, as they only require the medication for three or four hours per day. As children grow older, their need to concentrate increases, which is why they require longer-lasting medicine. There are medications that act as stimulants, but they last for up to 12 hours. These medicines are called “methylphenidates,” and they increase the amount of two chemicals in the brain that influence concentration: dopamine and norepinephrine. The medications come in various forms, such as pills that can be swallowed, chewed on or dissolved and liquids that are squeezed into the mouth and a patch that adheres to the skin, similar to the band-aid. The medication can't cure ADHD however it can aid people in staying focused and less distracted at work or in class. It helps you follow directions and to listen. But it can cause adverse effects, such as difficulties sleeping, problems with appetite and abdominal pain. It can also cause a worsening of symptoms like anxiety or agitation. Psychosis can also be a trigger. Contact your doctor immediately in the event that you are experiencing any of these symptoms. The DEA classifies stimulant medications as Schedule II drugs due to the fact that they can be abused. They can only be purchased on prescription and must be kept out of reach from adults and children who might misuse them. Atomoxetine and guanfacine however, are not Schedule II drugs and have less adverse effects than stimulants.