ADHD Medication - How Ritalin Helps Kids Manage ADHD
ADHD medication can make a significant difference in helping kids 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 the first choice for children and teens with ADHD.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
Many people with ADHD start treatment by taking stimulant medications. They are used by 70 to 80% of people with the disorder and are highly effective in improving attention and concentration. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests starting with a FDA-approved medication. These medications are only available on prescription and should be taken as directed. Supplements or vitamins sold over-the-counter to treat ADHD are not supported by scientific research and can have harmful negative effects when used in conjunction together with prescription medications.
There are several different long-acting stimulant formulations that offer customized delivery systems and varying time-action profiles. These medications let clinicians target specific times of day that are most impairing for a patient. 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 drugs enter the bloodstream slower and are less likely to cause adverse effects than short-acting ADHD drugs. They last between 8 and 16 hours depending on the dosage. The longer duration allows the medication to have a a more consistent effect throughout the day which makes them a great option for adults.
Long-acting ADHD medication can trigger adverse effects, such as changes in appetite, an upset stomach or a rise in heartbeat. Other side effects include tics as well as minor delays in growth. These are temporary and usually go away as the body adjusts.
The most commonly used type of long-acting ADHD medication is methylphenidate. It is the active ingredient in Ritalin, and other similar medications. It is a stimulant that increases levels of dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters are important chemical messengers that play an important role in motivation, action and cognition.
The most common stimulant medications used to treat ADHD are methylphenidates (amphetamines) as well as atomoxetine and amphetamines. All of these drugs are classified as "methylphenidates," although some are formulated differently. Certain medications are absorbed through the skin, while others are administered in the form of an oral or intravenously.
Short-acting stimulant formulations
There are a variety of stimulant drugs available to treat ADHD. This includes all methylphenidate forms including Ritalin Focalin Metadate and Metadate and amphetamines, such as Adderall, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse. A doctor may also prescribe atomoxetine which functions a bit differently from the stimulants and can last a bit longer. There are even antidepressants that are atypical and work well to control ADHD symptoms, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) and the two antihypertensives Catapres as well as Tenex (clonidine).
Stimulant medication works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. This helps improve concentration and reduce restlessness in children and adults with ADHD. The medication can also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. However stimulants can cause negative side effects, such as dry mouth and blurry vision. Some people may also notice an increase in irritability and anxiety. Some people have difficulty sleeping when they take these drugs.
A major concern with these drugs is that they may cause a "rebound effect" when the effects wear off. There are some who experience high blood pressure or a heart rate while taking these medications. They are safe and effective for adults when they are prescribed by their doctor.
The best type of stimulant medication for a person with ADHD is one that is taken in the morning prior to school or at work. These are known as long-acting stimulants. This form of the drug can help avoid the rebound effect and can decrease symptoms in the evening and afternoon as well.
Other forms of the medication can be taken throughout the day when needed. Short-acting medications are absorbed rapidly and then peak in the body. A person who needs regular doses may have to take more than one tablet each day. This can be a challenge for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants have been the most commonly utilized treatment for ADHD among children, adolescents and adults. They are considered the most effective drugs in decreasing ADHD symptoms. However, they can cause dangerous and life-threatening adverse effects if taken in the wrong way or with excessive dosages. They can also increase the risk of depression and other mental health issues.
Nonstimulant medicines
Nonstimulant drugs are a viable alternative to stimulant drugs, such as Ritalin, if they fail to work or cause side effects that are too serious. 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 disorders are the most likely to prescribe these drugs. They are often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates psychosocial treatment and lifestyle modifications.
Nonstimulant medicines may require longer to begin working than stimulants. They may also require a higher dose to reach the same level of efficacy. They are typically prescribed in a capsule or tablet form and are consumed with or without. They are more likely to cause stomach upset or change heart rate and blood pressure. They are also at an increased risk of developing interactions with other drugs.
Some ADHD medications are available in patch form, which can be worn on the skin. These are great for people who forget to take their medication or have trouble swallowing tablets. These patches can also be helpful for children who are sensitive to the touch and do not like taking medication by mouth. However, the patch is limited use in children due to its requirement for continuous application.
It can take a while to determine the ideal combination of medication, dosage and schedule. It's important to speak clearly and openly with a health care provider regarding the way your child or you respond to the medication. Keep a journal of your symptoms or those of your child as well as any changes in medication.
When taking any medication, there are always negative side effects. These include stomach upset, trouble sleeping and a higher heart rate and weight loss in certain people. Children and adolescents who are taking stimulant medications can have a reduction in their growth rate. It is not usually significant. Certain people may experience anxiety or tics. A small number may have a severe response to the medication.
Consult a doctor as soon when you or your child develop severe symptoms. The medication should be taken only according to the prescription of your physician. Ask your pharmacist if they have a program for returning prescription medications. You may also mix the medication with ground coffee or cat litter and take it out.
Antidepressants
Many people who receive stimulant medication for ADHD also use an antidepressant or a nonstimulant medication. Iampsychiatry can have a calming effect and can help manage some of the negative effects of stimulants, such as the loss of appetite or trouble sleeping. In general, non-stimulant drugs are less likely to trigger depression than stimulants. They can also be useful in treating anxiety and bipolar disorder, which are sometimes associated with ADHD.
The stimulants used to treat ADHD are prone for misuse and abuse. Kids and teens without ADHD may use them to increase their alertness or to curb their appetites in order to lose weight. Others may take them to feel "high." Stimulants are Schedule I drugs with a high chance of addiction. When they are prescribed properly 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 stimulates the activity in the brain regions that control behavior and attention. It's available in immediate release tablets (small doses taken two to three times a day), and modified-release tablet, which releases the drug throughout the entire day. It's also available in chewable and liquid medicine.
When stimulant drugs are used for ADHD, some people experience a brief period of feeling tired, depressed, and more active. This is referred to as the rebound effect. These symptoms can be reduced by changing the time you take your medication, or by adjusting your dosage.
Another option for adults suffering from ADHD is guanfacine. This is available as the long-acting medication Intuniv. This blood pressure medication, which is a type alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist, has been proven to be effective in reducing hyperactivity in adults. It doesn't appear to be as helpful in reducing symptoms of inattention, though.
It can take a while to find the appropriate ADHD medication and dosage for your child or yourself. Your doctor will probably begin with small doses and gradually increase them until you discover a combination that can control your symptoms with the lowest 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.