ADHD Medication - How Ritalin Helps Kids Manage ADHD
ADHD medications can help children manage their symptoms. Doctors prescribe stimulants and nonstimulants to treat ADHD.
Stimulants increase the amounts of two brain chemicals--norepinephrine and dopamine--that help kids focus. These medications are a first-choice option for adolescents and children suffering from ADHD.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
Stimulant drugs are the first treatment option for many people suffering from ADHD. They are extremely effective in improving concentration and attention for 70-80% of those who suffer from ADHD. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you start with a FDA-approved medication. These medications are only available on prescription and should be taken only as directed. Over-the-counter (OTC) supplements or vitamins that are advertised to treat ADHD do not have a scientific basis and may cause negative side effects when combined with prescription medications.
There are many different long-acting stimulant formulations each with a specific delivery system and a different time-action profiles. These medications allow clinicians the ability to pinpoint specific times of the day at which patients are 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 medications enter the bloodstream more slowly and are less likely to cause adverse effects than short-acting ADHD drugs. They typically last for 8 to 16 hours, based on the medication. The longer time frame allows for a more consistent and long-lasting effect, which is ideal for adults.
Long-acting ADHD medication may cause side effects such as changes in appetite, an upset stomach or a rise in heartbeat. Other possible side effects include tics and minor growth delays however these are typically only temporary and tend to disappear after a few days or weeks as the body adjusts to the drug.
The most commonly used kind of long-acting ADHD medication is methylphenidate. It is the active ingredient in Ritalin and other medications and it is able to increase 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), atomoxetine, amphetamines and atomoxetine. All of these drugs fall under the umbrella term "methylphenidates," but some are designed differently than others. Certain medications are absorbed via the skin while others are taken orally or intravenously.
Short-acting stimulant formulations
There are a variety of stimulant drugs that can be used to treat ADHD in adults. This includes all the forms of methylphenidate such as Ritalin, Focalin and Metadate as well as amphetamines such as Adderall, Dexedrine and Vyvanse. A doctor may prescribe atomoxetine, which is a stimulant that works differently and lasts longer. There are also atypical antidepressants which work well for ADHD symptoms. They include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and the two antihypertensives Catapres and Tenex.
Stimulant medications work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. This improves concentration and reduce restlessness in kids and adults with ADHD. Medications also help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. The stimulants can trigger negative side effects, such as dry mouth and blurred vision. Certain people may also notice an increase in irritability and anxiety. Some people have trouble sleeping after taking them.
The "rebound effect" is a condition that occurs when the effects of the drug fade is a major problem. Certain people may also experience an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these drugs. These medications are safe and effective for adults when they are prescribed by their doctor.
The most effective stimulant medication for a person who suffers from ADHD is one that can be taken in the morning before school or at work. They are referred to as long-acting stimulants. This form of drug can help avoid an effect of rebound and could decrease symptoms in the afternoon and evening as well.
Other versions of the medication may be taken during the day as required. Short-acting tablets are absorbed quickly and then peak in the body. A person who needs them regularly may need to take more than one tablet each day. This can be inconvenient for many adults with ADHD.
Stimulants are among the most popular and widely used treatment for ADHD in adolescents, children and adults. They are the most effective drugs to reduce ADHD symptoms. However, they can cause life-threatening and serious side effects when used in the wrong way or with excessive dosages. They can also increase the risk of developing depression and other mental health disorders.
Nonstimulant medication
Nonstimulant medications are an alternative to stimulant medications, such as Ritalin, if they aren't working or have adverse effects that are too serious. These drugs are less addictive and prone to abuse than stimulants. They increase the brain chemical norepinephrine. Doctors or psychiatrists who specialize in mental health are the most likely to prescribe these drugs. They are often used in combination with other treatments, such as psychosocial treatment and lifestyle changes.
Nonstimulant medications may take longer to begin working than stimulants. It is also possible to take a higher dose in order to achieve the same level of effectiveness. They are available as capsules or tablets and can be taken with or without food. They are more likely to cause stomach upset, or change blood pressure and heart rate. They are also at greater chance of developing a drug interaction with other drugs.
Certain ADHD medications are available in patch form, which can be worn on the skin. These patches are perfect for those who forget or have trouble swallowing tablets. These patches are also helpful for children who are tactilely-sensitive and dislike taking medicine via mouth. The patch is only useful for children who are able to apply it constantly.
It can take time to determine the best combination of dosage, medication and schedule. It is crucial to be honest and open with your physician about how your child or you reacts to the medication. It's helpful to keep a journal of your or your child's symptoms, as well as any changes that occur as a result of the medication.
There are always adverse effects when taking any medication. They include stomach upset, difficulty sleeping and heart rate increases and weight loss for some people. Children and adolescents who are taking stimulant medications can experience a decrease in their growth rate. It is not usually significant. Some people may experience anxiety or tics, and a tiny proportion of people might experience an extreme reaction to the medication.
If you or your child is suffering from serious symptoms, see an emergency physician immediately. The medication should be taken only as directed by your physician. Ask your pharmacist if there's a program for returning prescription medications. You can also mix the medication with cat litter or ground coffee and eliminate it.
adhd medication names who are prescribed stimulant medications for ADHD also use an antidepressant or a nonstimulant medication. These can have a calming effect and help control some of the side effects of stimulants, like a decrease in appetite or trouble sleeping. In general, nonstimulant medications are less likely to cause depression than stimulants. They can also be helpful in treating bipolar disorder, which are sometimes related to ADHD.
The stimulants used to treat ADHD are prone for abuse and misuse. Teens and children with ADHD might use stimulants to boost their alertness or curb their appetites to lose weight. Others may use them to get "high." Stimulants are Schedule I drugs with a high chance of addiction. If they are prescribed appropriately and used by adults, they don't increase the likelihood of addiction.
Methylphenidate, the most common medication used to treat ADHD, is a type of stimulant. It stimulates the activity in the brain regions that control behavior and attention. It is available in tablets that release immediately (small doses that are taken 2 to 3 times per day), and modified-release tablet, which releases the drug throughout the day. It's also available in chewable or liquid form.
Some people who are taking stimulant medication for ADHD have a brief period of fatigue, low mood, and a rise in activity after the medication has worn off. This is called the rebound effect. Changing the time of day you take your medication or adjusting your dosage can help to reduce the symptoms.
Another option for adults suffering from ADHD is guanfacine. It is available as the long-acting medicine Intuniv. This blood pressure medication is a kind of alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist has been shown to be effective in reducing hyperactivity in adults. It does not appear to be as effective in reducing the symptoms of inattention.
Finding the right ADHD medication for your child or yourself may take some time. Your doctor is likely to start with low doses, and then increase them gradually to discover the dosage that is most effective in controlling your symptoms while causing the most minimal negative side negative effects. You'll have to visit your GP regularly for checks and to determine whether the dosage should be adjusted.