ADHD Medication - How Ritalin Helps Kids Manage ADHD
ADHD medication can help children manage their symptoms. adhd medication list prescribe two main types of medications to treat ADHD: stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulants increase the amounts of two brain chemicals--norepinephrine and dopamine--that help kids focus. These are the first choice for children and teens with ADHD.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
Many people suffering from ADHD start treatment by taking stimulant drugs. They are highly effective in improving concentration and attention for 70-80% of people with ADHD. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you start with an FDA-approved medication. These medications are only available on prescription, and they must be taken according to the directions. Over-the-counter (OTC) supplements or vitamins that are advertised to treat ADHD have no scientific backing and may cause adverse side effects if used alongside prescription drugs.
There are many long-acting stimulant formulas that provide specific delivery systems and various time-action profiles. These medications give clinicians the ability to target times of the day when a patient is most impaired. 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 is absorbed into the bloodstream slower and is less likely to cause adverse reactions than short-acting ADHD medication. They last between 8 and 16 hours based on the dosage. The longer time frame allows for more of a consistent and long-lasting effect, which is ideal for adults.
Some possible side effects of long-acting ADHD medication include changes in appetite, upset stomach and an increase in heart rate. Other side effects include tics and minor delays in growth. These are not permanent and usually go away as the body adjusts.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly used long-acting ADHD drug. It is the active ingredient in Ritalin as well as other similar medications. It works by increasing levels of dopamine within the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in motivation, cognition and action.
The most popular stimulant medications used to treat ADHD are methylphenidates (amphetamines) and atomoxetine amphetamines and atomoxetine. All of these medications are classified as "methylphenidates," although some are designed differently. Certain medications are absorbed via the skin, while others are taken orally or intravenously.
Short-acting stimulant formulations
There are a variety of stimulant medicines that can be used to treat ADHD in adults. They include all forms of methylphenidate such as Ritalin, Focalin and Metadate and amphetamines such as Adderall, Dexedrine and Vyvanse. A doctor may also prescribe atomoxetine, which performs a bit differently from the stimulants and can last a bit longer. There are even antidepressants with atypical properties that can be used to control ADHD symptoms, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) and the two antihypertensives Catapres and Tenex (clonidine).
Stimulant medications work by increasing neurotransmitter levels in the brain. This helps improve concentration and decrease the amount of restlessness experienced by children and adults with ADHD. The medication also reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. However, stimulants can lead to negative side effects, such as dry mouth and blurred vision. They can also increase irritability, anxiety and appetite in certain people. Some people have difficulty sleeping after taking these medications.
A major issue with these drugs is that they may cause a "rebound effect" after the effects wear off. Certain people may also have an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these drugs. These drugs are safe and effective for adults when taken according to the prescription of their physician.
The best stimulant medication for people suffering from ADHD is a dose in the morning prior to going to school or working. They are referred to as long-acting stimulants. This form of the medication can ease symptoms and avoid the possibility of a rebound.
If required, other types of the medication can be taken throughout the day. Short-acting medications are absorbed rapidly and reach their peak in the body. People who require regular doses may have to take more than one tablet per day. This can be a problem for many adults who have ADHD.
Stimulants are the most well-known and widely-used treatment for ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They are the most effective medications to reduce ADHD symptoms. However, they may cause serious and life-threatening side effects when used in a way that is not properly or in large doses. They can also increase your risk of developing depression and other mental health disorders.
Nonstimulant medicines
Nonstimulant drugs are a viable alternative to stimulant drugs like Ritalin in the event that they don't work or have negative side effects that are too severe. They are less prone to the risk of addiction and abuse than stimulants. They increase the chemical in the brain called norepinephrine. Doctors or psychiatrists who specialize in mental health are the most likely to prescribe these medications. They may be used in conjunction with a treatment plan that includes psychosocial treatment and lifestyle modifications.
Nonstimulant medications can take longer to begin working than stimulants. It may also be necessary to take a higher dose in order to achieve the same effectiveness. They are prescribed as tablets or capsules and are taken with or without food. They are more likely to cause stomach upset or alter blood pressure and heart rate. They are also at an increased risk of developing drug interaction with other drugs.
Certain ADHD medications are available in patches that can be put on the skin. They are beneficial for those who don't remember to take their medication, or have trouble swallowing tablets. They can also be useful for children who are tactilely sensitive and don't want taking medicine through mouth. However, the patch has limited use in children due to its requirement for continuous application.
It can take time to find the right combination of dosage, medication, and schedule. It is crucial to be honest and open with your doctor regarding how you or your child reacts to the medication. It's beneficial to keep a diary of your your child's symptoms and any changes that occur with the medication.
There are always some side consequences when you take any medication. Some sufferers experience stomach upset, difficulty sleeping, an increased heart rate and weight loss. Children and adolescents who use stimulant drugs may have a reduction in their growth rate. This is usually not significant. Some people may experience anxiety or tics. A small proportion of them may experience a severe reaction to the medication.
See a doctor as soon when you or your child experiences serious symptoms. The medication should be taken only according to the prescription of your physician. Ask your pharmacist if there is a program for returning prescription medications. You can also mix the medication with ground coffee or cat litter and dispose of it.
Antidepressants
Many people who are prescribed stimulant medications for ADHD also take nonstimulant antidepressant medications. They can have a relaxing effect and can help manage some of the side effects of stimulants, like an increase in appetite or trouble sleeping. In general, non-stimulant drugs are less likely to cause depression than stimulants. They can also be helpful in treating anxiety and bipolar disorder, which can be related to ADHD.
Stimulants used to treat ADHD are prone for abuse and misuse. Teens and kids with ADHD may use stimulants to boost their alertness or curb their appetites to lose weight. Others may take them to get "high." They fall under Schedule I drugs, which carry a high addiction risk. If they are prescribed correctly 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 boosts brain activity areas that regulate behavior and attention. It's available in tablets that release immediately (small doses that are taken 2 to 3 times per day) as well as a modified-release tablet, which releases the drug throughout the day. It's also available as a chewable and liquid medicine.
Certain people who take stimulant medications for ADHD experience a short period of fatigue, a negative mood, and an increase in activity when the medication is gone. This is called the rebound effect. These symptoms can be cured by changing the time you take your medication, or by adjusting the dosage.
Intuniv, a long-acting medication that contains guanfacine for adults with ADHD is a different alternative. This blood pressure medication is a kind of alpha-2 adrenergic agonist and has been proven to be highly effective in reducing hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors in adults. It doesn't appear to be as effective in reducing inattention symptoms, though.
Finding the appropriate ADHD medication for your child or you can take some time. Your doctor is likely to start with small doses, and gradually increase them until they discover a combination that can control your symptoms with the lowest number of adverse effects. You should visit your GP regularly for regular checkups, and to determine if the dosage needs to be adjusted.