ADHD Medication - How Ritalin Helps Kids Manage ADHD
ADHD medication can make a big difference in helping kids manage their symptoms. Doctors prescribe stimulants and nonstimulants to treat ADHD.
Stimulants increase the amounts of two brain chemicals--norepinephrine and dopamine--that help kids focus. These medications are the first choice for children and teens with ADHD.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
Stimulant medications are the first treatment option for many people with ADHD. They are highly effective in improving concentration and attention for 70-80% of those with ADHD. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests starting with an FDA-approved medication. Only prescription drugs are available, and should be taken according to the prescription. Vitamins and supplements sold over the counter to treat ADHD are not backed by science and could cause adverse side effects if used together with prescription medications.
There are several different long-acting stimulant products that offer customized delivery systems and varying time-action profiles. These medications allow clinicians to target specific times of day that are most impairing for a patient. 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 bloodstream more slowly and are less likely to cause adverse effects than short-acting ADHD drugs. They last between 8 and 16 hours based on the medication. The longer duration allows the medication to provide a more consistent effect throughout the day and makes them a good option for adults.
Long-acting ADHD medication can cause adverse effects, such as changes in appetite, stomach upset, or an increase in heartbeat. Other side effects include tics as well as minor slowing of growth. These are not permanent 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 an important role in motivation, cognition and action.
The most common stimulant medications used to treat ADHD are methylphenidates (amphetamines), atomoxetine, and amphetamines. All of these drugs are classified as "methylphenidates," although some are made in different ways. Certain are absorbed into the body through the skin, while others are consumed by mouth or injected intravenously.
Short-acting stimulant formulations
There are many formulations of stimulant drugs that can be used to treat ADHD in adults. They include all forms of methylphenidate, such as Ritalin, Focalin and Metadate and amphetamines like Adderall, Dexedrine and Vyvanse. Doctors can also prescribe atomoxetine, which performs a bit differently from the stimulants and lasts longer. There are even antidepressants with atypical properties that can be used to control ADHD symptoms, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) and the two antihypertensives Catapres as well as Tenex (clonidine).
Stimulant drugs help by increasing neurotransmitter levels inside the brain. This improves concentration and reduce restlessness for children and adults with ADHD. The medication also reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity of children and adults. However stimulants can cause adverse effects like dry mouth and blurred vision. They can also increase irritability, anxiety and appetite in certain people. Some people have difficulty sleeping when taking these drugs.
A major issue with these drugs is that they may cause an "rebound effect" when the effects fade. The drugs can also cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate in certain people. If taken as directed by a doctor they are safe and effective in adults.
The most effective type of stimulant medication for someone who suffers from ADHD is one that can be taken in the morning prior to school or at work. These are known as long-acting stimulants. This form of drug can help avoid a rebound effect and may decrease symptoms in the evening and afternoon as well.
If required, other types of the medication can be taken throughout the day. Short-acting tablets are absorbed quickly and reach their peak in the body. People who require frequent doses of these pills may need to take more than one tablet per day. This is a problem for people with ADHD.
Stimulants have been the most widely utilized treatment for ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. They are regarded as the most effective medications for decreasing ADHD symptoms. However, they can cause serious and life-threatening adverse effects if taken in the wrong way or with excessive dosages. They also increase the risk of depression and other mental health issues.
Nonstimulant medicines
If stimulant medications like Ritalin aren't effective or cause unacceptable side effects, nonstimulant medications can be used to treat ADHD symptoms. These medications have a lower risk of addiction and abuse than stimulants. They boost the chemical in the brain called norepinephrine. Doctors or psychiatrists who specialize in mental disorders are the most likely to prescribe these drugs. They may be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates psychosocial treatments and lifestyle changes.
Nonstimulant medications may take a longer time to start working than stimulants. adult adhd medication uk may also require a higher dose to achieve the same degree of effectiveness. They are typically prescribed in a tablet or capsule form and can be taken with food or without. They are more likely to cause stomach upset or change heart rate and blood pressure. They are also at an increased risk of developing interactions with other drugs.
Certain ADHD medications can be applied as patches on the skin. They are beneficial for those who forget to take their medication, or have difficulty swallowing tablets. They are also useful for children who are sensitive and don't want to take medicine by mouth. The patch is only suitable for children who are able to apply it constantly.
Finding the right dosage and schedule may take some time. It's important to be able to communicate clearly and transparently with your health care professional about how you or your child responds to the medication. Keep a journal of your symptoms or those of your child and any changes in medication.
When taking any medication there are always some side effects. Some people experience stomach upsets or sleep disturbances, as well as an increased heart rate, and weight loss. Children and adolescents who take stimulant medication may notice a decrease in their growth rate, although this is generally not significant. Some people may develop anxiety or tics, and a tiny number of people may have a severe reaction to the medication.
If you or your child experiences serious symptoms, consult an emergency physician immediately. Medicines should only be taken as directed by your doctor. If you have any leftover medication, talk to your pharmacist about the possibility of a prescription drug take-back program or mix it with coffee grounds or cat litter and eliminate it.
Antidepressants
Many people who are prescribed stimulant medication for ADHD also receive nonstimulant or antidepressant medications. These medicines can help calm the mind and control some of the side effects of stimulants, such as decreased appetite or difficulty sleeping. In general, medications that are not stimulant are less likely to cause depression than stimulants. They can also be beneficial in treating anxiety and bipolar disorder, which can be associated with ADHD.
Stimulants used to treat ADHD are prone for misuse and abuse. Kids and teens without ADHD might use them to increase their alertness or to curb their appetites in order to shed weight. Others may use them to get "high." Stimulants are Schedule I drugs with a high risk of addiction. If they are prescribed appropriately and taken by adults, they do not increase the risk of addiction.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. It stimulates activity in the brain areas that control attention and behavior. It's available in tablets that release immediately (small doses that are taken 2 to 3 times a day) as well as a modified-release tablets that release the drug throughout the day. It's also available as a chewable and liquid medicine.
Some people who take stimulant medications for ADHD have a brief period of fatigue, negative mood, and an increase in activity when the medication is gone. This is called the rebound effect. These symptoms can be reduced by altering the time at which you take your medication or altering your dose.
Intuniv, a long-acting medication which contains guanfacine to treat people suffering from ADHD, is another option. This blood pressure medication is a type alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist has been proven to be effective in reducing hyperactivity in adults. It doesn't appear to be as effective in reducing the symptoms of inattention, though.
Finding the best ADHD medication for your child or yourself will take time. Your doctor will likely start with low doses, and then increase them gradually until you discover the dosage that is most effective in controlling your symptoms while causing the least side negative effects. You will need to see your GP regularly to have regular checkups and determine if the dosage needs to be adjusted.