ADHD Medicine For Kids
Some children need to take more than one ADHD medicine to get the best results. Children should take their medication on a regular basis.
Stimulant drugs work by helping normal brain chemicals improve concentration, and regulate impulses. They can be found in pill form, liquid or extended-release capsules. The doctor will start you with a lower dose and observe your reaction to the drug.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a stimulant, helps to reduce ADHD symptoms. It can be used to treat the symptoms of narcolepsy. It increases the levels of dopamine, which can improve concentration and mood. It is a controlled substance, meaning that it must be prescribed by a physician and can only be bought by prescription (it is not available on the street). Methylphenidate can be taken as capsules or tablets, either as an oral solution, or as a transdermal patch. The kind of methylphenidate prescribed will be based on the doctor's diagnosis and other aspects.
Methylphenidate could cause side effects such as stomachache or headache dry mouth, a rapid heartbeat, shakiness, and nervousness. Some sufferers may experience facial tics, which are uncontrollable movements of the muscles of the face. This is a problem that occurs in less than 1 in 100 people who take methylphenidate. It's important to notify your doctor right away if your child or you begin to experience this type of problem. It also increases the heart rate and blood pressure that your doctor will monitor carefully during your treatment. It may also trigger an allergic reaction to the skin in some individuals, like swelling and itchy, or raised or blistered, and also a change in the way that blood flows to the toes and fingers (Raynaud's disease). This is a serious ailment that requires urgent hospital treatment.
In general, methylphenidate is able to be considered safe by most people when taken according to the directions. It can, however, cause a serious decrease in blood pressure in the event that the dose is too high or used too frequently. It may also make you feel sleepy and dizzy, so it's not recommended that you drive or operate machinery if you take it.
Methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II drug, which means that it is a drug that could be abused. It can also become habit-forming in certain people, so you should be wary to give your medication to anyone else. Keep your methylphenidate safe in a cupboard and only use the amount prescribed.
Amphetamines
Amphétamines are utilized in the treatment of ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. They work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, improving concentration and helping to control impulsive behaviour. They also aid in the treatment of certain symptoms of Tourette's.
These medicines are available in tablets that release immediately and extended-release capsules, as well being an oral solution. In the UK they are controlled medicines (class C), which means that you must be signed in by your doctor in order to get the pills. Most people will take them one time a week, but some people may take them twice.
Atomoxetine is a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor. It works differently from other stimulant drugs. It can be prescribed to adolescents and children who are over 5 years old if methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine aren't available, or to adults with a medical condition that is diagnosed. It is usually taken in the form of capsules, either every day, either once or twice.
Many people abuse stimulant drugs. It is important to keep your child's or teenager's medication secure away from sight and reach of your friends, and not sold or shared with other people. When you use the medication in the wrong manner such as crushing it and injecting it, can be extremely dangerous and life-threatening. Some street drugs, such as MDMA (ecstasy) and methamphetamine, are made from amphetamines.
Amphetamines can be addictive and cause side effects that are difficult to manage particularly for people who are older. These side effects may include extreme fatigue and irritation. They can also cause cravings for the drug, a desire to continue taking the drug, as well as feelings of fatigue. Consult your physician in the event that you or your child suffers any of these side effects.
If you or your children are taking long-acting stimulant drugs, it is important to be aware that the blood pressure may drop abruptly after stopping the drug. Call triple zero (000), an ambulance, immediately if this happens. This could be dangerous and lead to a stroke, heart attack, or death. Talking with your doctor can aid you in managing the effects of reducing or stopping the dose, and can provide support and advice.
adult add medication -acting stimulants
Stimulants can help those with ADHD focus, complete tasks and improve their relationships. It is not for everyone to take this kind of medication. The side effectssuch as heart palpitations, anxiety and a negative effect on sleep and appetite are often uncomfortable. These issues can stop people from taking the medication they need.
There are ways to ease these side effects. Your doctor can reduce the dose of your medication or move you to a different one. Self-help strategies can make a massive difference.
Most people who are taking an ADHD medication must be monitored closely by a medical professional. This is due to the fact that it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a month for the medication to have its full effect and because it is crucial to determine the appropriate dosage for your needs. The doctor may inquire about your child's or your own routine and habits in order to determine what works best for you and will look at any other health issues that could be causing 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 of them are available as chewable tablets or liquid and others can be applied to patches for children who aren't keen on swallowing pills.
The other major kind of long-acting ADHD medication is the amphetamine category, which includes Adderall and Dexedrine. They have a stronger and longer-lasting effect than the methylphenidates, and can be taken in different ways, such as as a powder for some younger children who can't take pills. Some children prefer taking these pills in combination with juice or milk.
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are psychostimulants that have a long-lasting effect but are not found in the amphetamine or methylphenidate groups. They are part of a class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. They work by increasing the levels of a chemical in the brain called norepinephrine. They can also reduce symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Other medicines
If the stimulants do not work or have undesirable side effects, doctors might prescribe non-stimulant drugs. These drugs take longer to start working, but they can improve your ability to concentrate and control your impulses. They can also help to reduce depression and anxiety that can be a problem with ADHD. Doctors may also suggest therapy to help you learn how to manage your symptoms and to improve your behavior, or they might recommend that you avoid certain beverages, foods or activities that are believed to cause issues for people who suffer from ADHD.
The effects of stimulants alter the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in your brain. Norepinephrine improves concentration, while dopamine enhances it. There are 12 medications 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 inhibitor of norepinephrine production which means it boosts the levels of norepinephrine within the brain. Other drugs in this class are guanfacine hydrochloride (Tenex and Intuniv) and Clonidine hydrochloride (Catapres).
Doctors can prescribe antidepressants that increase the level of dopamine, a chemical messenger, in the brain. Bupropion is among the most commonly prescribed antidepressant for adult ADHD. It is prescribed "off-label", to treat ADHD when it occurs with depression or substance use disorders, including cannabis and nicotine addiction.
There are some experts who believe there is a connection between mood and ADHD which is why antidepressants may help in treating ADHD symptoms and improving your mood. The NHS suggests that you consult your GP prior to taking these medications.
If your GP determines that medication is the right choice for you, he'll prescribe a small dosage which he will gradually increase over a period of a few weeks. Your GP will regularly monitor you to make sure that the treatment is working and look for any adverse effects. They may recommend you to an expert like a counselor or psychologist, for additional support.