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ADHD Stimulant Medication Stimulants help people with ADHD control their impulsive behavior and focus. They can be long- or short-acting and are prescribed by psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists (and doctors in certain circumstances). Stimulants alter the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are strictly controlled and only approved by a physician. Methylphenidate Methylphenidate is part of the stimulant family and increases brain activity. It raises levels of certain chemicals, including dopamine and noradrenaline, which helps control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate can be used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy and other conditions. It is also prescribed to treat depression in adults, although this is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methylphenidate gets into the bloodstream fast from the gut and starts working within a matter of hours. It is available as a chewable or immediate-release tablet. The doctor will prescribe a formulation that is most appropriate for the patient's symptoms and side effects. The side effects of methylphenidate are usually mild and disappear over time as the body becomes accustomed to the medication. Consult your physician if they persist. You can reduce the dosage or even try a different medicine. It is important to take the medication as directed. Don't overdose the dosage recommended. This reduces the risk of addiction or abuse. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has classified the drug methylphenidate as a Schedule II substance, which means it is extremely vulnerable to abuse. Stimulants have the potential to cause dependency and withdrawal when not taken in the prescribed manner. Inform your doctor if your child has heart issues. This could include an irregular heartbeat or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate can raise the rate of heartbeat and that's why the doctor will check their heart rhythm and blood pressure prior to starting treatment. Discuss with the doctor any other medications your child takes for health reasons, such as herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements. The doctor will advise you how much medication to take and how often, as well any other precautions. Methylphenidate is best taken twice a day, during meals. Some brands of long-acting methylphenidate tablets (Quillichew ER; Cotempla XR with -ODT and Adhansia XR), contain aspartame. Aspartame is an ingredient that contains phenylalanine, and should not be taken by people suffering from phenylketonuria. Avoid drinking alcohol and other substances while taking this medication. Some people might notice their appetite declines when they take methylphenidate. Encourage your child to consume regular meals and snacks if they are losing weight. You may have to encourage them to drink lots of squash or water to ensure they are well-hydrated. Lisdexamfetamine Lisdexamfetamine is a central nerve system stimulant sold under the brand name Vyvanse. It acts on chemicals found in the brain as well as the nerves. It enhances concentration and control of impulses in adolescents, children and adults suffering from ADHD. It treats the disorder of binge eating (BED) as well as increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This decreases the amount of food that is consumed. Lisdexamfetamine belongs to the prodrug class which is a modified drug that is inactive until transformed within the body. It has been proven to be effective and safety in both stimulant naive patients as well as patients exposed to stimulants with ADHD. It is also believed to have a greater lasting effect than other stimulants, and may be less susceptible to rebound symptoms. In a 12-week placebo-controlled trial, Adler et al27 found significant improvements in ADHD-RS-IV scores. They also reported that most of patients who changed to placebo had a relapse within 2 weeks.28 In addition, Brams et al29 used an innovative method for an uncontrolled withdrawal study in which they followed 116 adult patients for 12 weeks after stopping lisdexamfetamine treatment. They discovered that a majority of those who relapsed had not been exposed to any other stimulants during the previous two weeks. Tell your doctor if you have any allergies you might have to this medication or other medications. Inform your doctor if suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems or other heart-related conditions. The use of stimulants can increase the risk of heart attacks, or sudden deaths among people suffering from these conditions. Lisdexamfetamine may pass into breastmilk and cause harm to nursing infants. It is not recommended to feed your baby while taking this medication. Some patients might experience dizziness, shakiness or stomach upset when taking this medication. Lisdexamfetamine has not been approved for use by children less than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is also not approved for use by women who are breastfeeding or pregnant. Even if you are feeling better, do not stop taking the medicine unless your doctor tells you. While you're taking this medication the doctor will check your blood pressure and pulse rate. Atomoxetine Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant that blocks the presynaptic neuronal norepinephrine transporter. It has a high affinity for this transporter, but has a low affinity for any other neurotransmitter receptors or transporters [115-136]. In multiple placebo-controlled studies, it improved inhibitory control in ADHD patients by inhibiting overactivation of the right inferior frontal cortex (Chamberlain et al. 2009). It was also shown to improve attention span and working memory in children with ADHD. It has a slow rate of action and can take up to 12 weeks for the full effect to be observed. The dosage is determined by weight and should be gradually increased. adhd uk medication -daily dose is typical. People who are not metabolizers of the drug the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) are more exposed and less efficient elimination of atomoxetine. it is recommended to conduct a pharmacogenetic test prior to prescribing atomoxetine to those. It has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in a variety of controlled studies, and is frequently employed as an initial treatment. It is generally safe and well-tolerated and doesn't increase the risk of suicidal behavior. It isn't as efficient as stimulants in reducing tics and anxiety, and it does not appear to help with sleep issues however, it has been proven to reduce aggression in a few children. Atomoxetine is more compatible with the antidepressant, fluoxetine. Therefore it is not recommended to be taken together. Two other medications that are sometimes prescribed as a first-line treatment option for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). These medications were originally designed to reduce blood pressure in adults. They are called alpha agonists. They function by stimulating specific receptors within the brain to release the neurotransmitter neopinephrine which reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications take time to take effect and can take up to four weeks for many children before they can see any benefits. They are not recommended for use in conjunction with MAOIs (e.g. e.g. Phenelzine is not recommended due to the risk of fatal and serious adverse reactions, including severe hypothermia and rigidity myoclonus, and autonomic instability. Other Stimulants Stimulants are medications that boost activity in the nervous system. They encompass a range of substances including some that are legal, and others illegal. They can be used to boost performance, stay awake or alert and treat certain medical conditions like ADHD or narcolepsy, as well as depression. Examples of prescribed stimulants include amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term”stimulant” is also used to describe nonprescription medications like diet pills and caffeine. They are used for many reasons, but they can also be harmful when used in conjunction with certain foods or medications. Stimants aren't habit-forming in the doses prescribed for those suffering from ADHD however, they do have adverse effects. Some people may feel jittery or shaky. They can raise the heart rate and blood pressure and can cause stomach upset and may cause trouble sleeping. Children and teens who take stimulants may have tics or repetitive movements or noises, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. They may also experience a slight slowing in growth. A doctor will decide the best stimulant for your child or you. They will also consider factors like weight, age, and allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medication. Always follow the prescriptions of your physician. You must go through the Medication Guide that comes with your medicine. The first option for treating ADHD is generally medication. It's not the only option, but it is the most common. Everyone of any age are able to benefit from psychosocial interventions, such as family therapy and behavior modification. Patients who are prescribed ADHD medication should have their risk of misuse and abuse assessed, and be counseled not to share their medication with anyone else. They should also be urged to keep unused medication locked away and properly disposed. Health professionals should regularly monitor patients for signs of abuse, misuse or addiction. The FDA has demanded that more consistent information is included on drug labeling to help educate families and patients about these serious dangers.