ADHD Medication - How Ritalin Helps Kids Manage ADHD
ADHD medication can help children manage their symptoms. Doctors prescribe stimulants and nonstimulants for treating ADHD.
Stimulants increase the amounts of two brain chemicals--norepinephrine and dopamine--that help kids focus. These medications are first-choice for teenagers and children with ADHD.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
Many people with ADHD start treatment with stimulant medication. They work for about 70-80% of people with the disorder and are highly efficient in boosting attention and concentration. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting with a medication that is FDA-approved. Only prescription medications are available, and should be taken as prescribed. Over-the-counter (OTC) supplements or vitamins marketed to treat ADHD do not have a scientific basis, and they can cause negative side effects when combined with prescription medications.
There are a variety of long-acting stimulant formulas that provide custom delivery systems and different time-action profiles. These medications allow clinicians to target specific times of day that are most impairing for patients. 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 medication enters the bloodstream more slowly and is less likely to cause adverse effects than short-acting ADHD medication. They last between 8 and 16 hours based on the medication. The longer time frame also allows the medication to have a an overall effect that is consistent throughout the day and makes them a good option for adults.
Some possible side effects of long-acting ADHD medications are changes in appetite, upset stomach and an increase in heart rate. Other side effects can include tics and minor growth delay, but these are usually temporary and usually go away after several days or weeks as the body adjusts to the medicine.
The most commonly used type of long-acting ADHD medication is methylphenidate. It is the active ingredient in Ritalin and similar medications, and it works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play an essential role in motivation, cognition and even action.
The most commonly used stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD are methylphenidates (amphetamines) and atomoxetine amphetamines and atomoxetine. All of these medications fall under the umbrella of "methylphenidates," but some are designed differently than others. Certain medications are absorbed through the skin, while others are taken orally or intravenously.
Short-acting stimulant formulations
There are a myriad of stimulant medications available to treat ADHD. adhd medication and pregnancy include all the forms of methylphenidate, such as Ritalin, Focalin and Metadate, as well as amphetamines, such as Adderall, Dexedrine and Vyvanse. A doctor can also prescribe atomoxetine, which functions a bit differently from the stimulants and can last a bit longer. There are also some atypical antidepressants which work well for ADHD symptoms. These include Wellbutrin (bupropion), and the two antihypertensives Catapres and Tenex.
Stimulant medicines help by increasing neurotransmitter levels inside the brain. This improves concentration and decrease the amount of restlessness experienced by children and adults suffering from ADHD. The medication can also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity of children and adults. Stimulants can cause adverse effects such as dry mouth and blurred vision. Some people might also feel more irritable and anxiety. Some people experience difficulty sleeping when taking them.
A major issue with these drugs is that they may cause the "rebound effect" when the effects wear off. Certain people may also have high blood pressure or a heart rate when taking these drugs. They are safe and effective for adults if taken as prescribed by their physician.
The best stimulant medication to take by those suffering from ADHD is a dose taken in the morning, before going to work or school. They are referred to as long-acting stimulants. This type of medication can help reduce symptoms and prevent the possibility of a rebound.
Other types of the medication can be taken throughout the day when needed. Short-acting medications are absorbed rapidly and reach their peak in the body. Someone who requires regular doses may have to take more than one tablet each day. This is a problem for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants are among the most popular and widely used treatment for ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They are the most effective medications for reducing ADHD symptoms. However, they can have life-threatening and serious adverse effects if taken in a way that is not properly or in large doses. They can also increase your risk of depression and mental health disorders.
Nonstimulant drugs
Nonstimulant medications are an alternative to stimulant medications, such as Ritalin when they don't work or have negative side effects that are too extreme. They are less prone to the risk of addiction and abuse than stimulants. They work by increasing levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine. Doctors who specialize in mental conditions are the most likely to prescribe these medicines. They are often used as part of a complete treatment plan that includes psychosocial treatments and lifestyle changes.
Nonstimulant medicines may take longer to work than stimulants. It could also be necessary to take a higher dose to attain the same level of effectiveness. They are prescribed in capsules or tablets and can be taken with or without food. They are more likely to cause stomach upset or alter heart rate and blood pressure. They also have greater chance of developing a drug interaction with other drugs.
Certain ADHD medications are available as patches that can be put on the skin. These are useful for people who forget to take their medication or have trouble swallowing tablets. They are also useful for children who are sensitive and don't want taking medicine through mouth. However, the patch has limited use for children due to the necessity for continuous application.
Finding the ideal combination of dosage, schedule, and medication can take some time. It is essential to communicate clearly and openly with a health care provider about how your child or you respond to the medication. Keep a log of your symptoms, or those of your child and any changes in medication.
When you take any medication, there are always adverse 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 medications can experience a decrease in their growth rate. This is typically not significant. Some individuals might experience tics or anxiety. A small proportion of them may have a severe response to the medication.
If you or your child is suffering from severe symptoms, visit your doctor immediately. Only take medications as prescribed by your physician. Ask your pharmacist if they have an option to return prescription drugs. You can also mix the medication with cat litter or ground coffee and take it out.
Antidepressants
Many people who are prescribed stimulant medication for ADHD also use an antidepressant or a nonstimulant medication. They can have a calming effect and may help to control some of the side effects of stimulants, like an increase in appetite or trouble sleeping. In general, nonstimulant medications are less likely to trigger depression than stimulants. They can also help treat anxiety and bipolar disorders that are sometimes connected to ADHD.
The stimulants used to treat ADHD can be misused and used to harm. Kids and teens without ADHD might use them to increase their alertness or reduce their appetites to lose weight. Others may use them to feel "high." Stimulants are Schedule I drugs with a high chance of addiction. If they are prescribed correctly and taken by adults, they don't increase the likelihood of addiction.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. It stimulates the activity in the brain regions that control attention and behavior. It's available in immediate-release tablets (small doses taken twice to three times a day) and modified-release tablets which release the drug throughout the day. Also available in liquid and chewable form.
Some people who are taking stimulant medication for ADHD are able to experience a brief period of fatigue, negative mood, and an increase in activity after the medication is gone. This is referred to as the rebound effect. Changing the time of day you take your medicine or altering the dosage can reduce these symptoms.
Intuniv, a medication that acts for a long time that contains guanfacine for adults with ADHD is another alternative. This blood pressure medication is a kind of alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist has been shown to be effective in reducing hyperactivity among adults. It doesn't appear to be as effective in reducing signs of inattention.
It may take some time to find the appropriate ADHD medication and dosage for your child or yourself. Your doctor may start with small doses, and gradually increase them until you find a combination that will control your symptoms while causing the least number of side effects. You'll have to visit your GP frequently for regular examinations and to determine whether the dosage has to be adjusted.