Ten ADHD Medication That Will Change Your Life
Wiki Article
ADHD Medicine For Kids
Some children need to take multiple ADHD medicines to achieve the most effective results. Children should be taking their medication regularly.
Stimulant drugs work by helping normal brain chemicals improve concentration and also control impulses. They are available in liquid form extended-release capsules or pill form. The doctor will place you on a small dose and watch how you react to the medication.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a stimulant is a treatment for the symptoms of narcolepsy as well as ADHD symptoms. It increases the levels of dopamine, which improves mood and concentration. It is a controlled drug which means it can only be purchased by prescription and must be prescribed by a physician. Methylphenidate can be taken as tablets or capsules, as an oral solution, or as transdermal patches. The type of methylphenidate prescribed depends on the doctor's diagnoses and other factors.
Methylphenidate can cause side effects such as a headache or stomachache dry mouth, a rapid heartbeat, shakiness and anxiety. It can cause facial tics in certain people that are rapid movements in the muscles of the face that can't be controlled. This happens in less than one out of 100 people who take methylphenidate. It is important to inform your doctor immediately if your child or you start experiencing this type of problem. It also increases blood pressure and heart rate which your doctor will be monitoring carefully while you take it. It can also cause an allergic reaction to the skin in some people, including a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, or blistered, and also a change in the way that blood flows to the toes and fingers (Raynaud's disease). This is a serious condition and needs immediate treatment in hospital.
In general, methylphenidate is to be safe for most people if taken as directed. It could cause a risky drop in blood pressure if taken excessively or frequently. It can also cause people to feel dizzy or sleepy. It is not advised to drive or operate machinery when taking it.
Methylphenidate has been classified as a Schedule II substance, meaning that it can be abused. It can also cause dependence in some people. It is not recommended to share your medication. Keep your methylphenidate locked in a cabinet and only take the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines are a class of drugs used to treat ADHD in children as well as adults. They are effective by boosting the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, improving concentration and helping to control impulsive behavior. They also aid in the treatment of certain symptoms of Tourette's.
The medicines are available in tablets that release immediately and extended-release capsules as well being an oral solution. In the UK they are regulated medications (class C) which means that you have to be registered by your doctor to collect them. They are most often taken daily, although some people take them twice daily.
Atomoxetine is an inhibitor of the noradrenaline reuptake pathway that is selective. It works differently from other stimulant medications. It is available to children and teenagers over 5 years old if methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine aren't available, or to adults with a medical condition that is diagnosed. It is typically consumed in the form of a capsule, once or twice daily.
The use of stimulants is widespread. It's important to ensure that your child's or teenager's medication safe away from sight and reach from friends and should not be sold or shared with other people. If you take the medication in the wrong way such as crushing it and injecting it, can be extremely hazardous and even life-threatening. Some street drugs, including MDMA (ecstasy) and methamphetamine are derived from amphetamines.
Amphetamines can trigger addiction and side effects that are difficult to deal with especially for older people. These side effects may include extreme exhaustion and irritability. They could also include cravings and a desire to keep using the drug, and an extreme fatigue. Talk to your doctor in the event that you or your child suffers any of these symptoms.
If you or your child is taking long-acting stimulants, you need to be aware of a sudden drop in blood pressure when the medication is stopped. Call triple zero (000) or an ambulance, as soon as this happens. This can be very dangerous and could result in a heart attack, stroke or death. You can seek help and advice from your doctor by discussing with them the effects of stopping the medication or reducing the dosage.
Long-acting stimulants
Many people who suffer from ADHD discover that stimulants can aid in staying focused, finish tasks and enhance their relationships. But not everyone responds to this class of medication. The side effects, such as anxiety and heart palpitations, and the negative impact on sleep and appetite are usually uncomfortable. These issues can stop people from taking the medication they need.
There are many ways to alleviate these adverse effects. Your doctor may lower the dose of your medicine or change it to a different one and self-help techniques can help you to make a difference.
A majority of people who are taking an ADHD medication will need to be monitored closely by medical professionals. It can take up to a month before the medication takes its full effect, so it is crucial to determine the right dosage. Medical professionals may inquire about your child's or your own daily routine and habits to help determine what works best for you and will examine any other health conditions that may be a problem.
The most popular forms of long-acting stimulants include Concerta, Focalin and Ritalin SR, as well as Vyvanse. They are part of a class of drugs called methylphenidates, and have been in use for a long time. Some are available in chewable tablets and liquid, while others can be put on skin patches for children who don't want to swallow pills.
Adderall, Dexedrine and other amphetamine-based ADHD medications are also available. These are more potent and last longer than methylphenidates. They can be used in different ways, including powder, for children younger than the age of take pills. Some children prefer to take these medicines in combination with juice or milk.
Strattera (atomoxetine), and Qelbree, (viloxazine), are long-acting stimulants which do not belong to the methylphenidate or amphetamine group. They are part of a class of drugs called selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors. They are able to increase the levels of a chemical in the brain known as norepinephrine. They can also reduce symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Other medicines
If the stimulants aren't working or have unpleasant adverse effects, doctors may prescribe non-stimulant medication. These drugs take longer to start working however they can enhance your ability to focus and control your impulses. They can also help to reduce depression and anxiety, which may sometimes occur along with ADHD. Doctors may also recommend therapy to help you learn how to manage your symptoms and improve behaviour, or they may suggest that you stay away from certain beverages, foods or activities known to cause problems for people who suffer from ADHD.
Stimulants regulate the levels of two chemical brain-based messengers, dopamine and norepinephrine. Norepinephrine increases concentration, and dopamine reinforces it. There are 12 approved drugs to treat ADHD. These include methylphenidate hydrochloride, lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, amphetamine sulfate, dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride/serdexmethylphenidate chloride, mixed amphetamine salts and atomoxetine (Strattera). Atomoxetine was the first medication approved for adults with ADHD as a non-stimulant. It is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which essentially means it increases the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. Other drugs in this class include the guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv), and Clonidine (Catapres).
Doctors may prescribe antidepressants, which boost the levels of dopamine, the chemical messenger in the brain. Bupropion is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant for adult ADHD. It is read more prescribed "off-label", to treat ADHD when it occurs with depression or other substance abuse disorders, specifically nicotine addiction and cannabis.
Some experts believe there is a link between mood and ADHD which is why antidepressants may help in treating ADHD symptoms as well as improving your mood. The NHS suggests that you speak with your GP prior to taking these drugs.
If your GP decides that medication is the best choice for you, he'll prescribe a small amount that he will gradually increase over a period of several weeks. Your GP will be monitoring you regularly to make sure the treatment is working and to look for any adverse effects. They might also refer you to specialists such as a psychologist or a counsellor to provide additional assistance.