ADHD Medication - How Ritalin Helps Kids Manage ADHD
ADHD medication can make a big difference in helping kids 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 a first-choice option for adolescents and children suffering from ADHD.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
Stimulant medication is the primary treatment option for many suffering from ADHD. They are highly effective in improving attention and concentration for 70-80% of those who have ADHD. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you start with a FDA-approved medication. Only prescription medications are available, and should be taken according to the prescription. Supplements or vitamins sold over-the-counter to treat ADHD are not backed by scientific evidence and may cause harmful negative effects when used in conjunction together with prescription medications.
There are several different long-acting stimulant formulations that offer specific delivery systems and various time-action profiles. These medications allow clinicians the ability to target certain times of the day when 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 bloodstream slower and are less likely to cause side effects than short-acting ADHD medications. They usually last from 8 to 16 hours, based on the medication. The longer duration allows the medication to provide a more consistent effect throughout the day which makes them a great option for adults.
A few possible side effects associated with long-acting ADHD medication include changes in appetite, an upset stomach and an increase in heart rate. Other possible side effects include tics and a minor growth delay however these are typically only temporary and tend to go away within several days or weeks as the body adjusts to the medication.
The most popular kind of long-acting ADHD medication is methylphenidate. It is the active ingredient in Ritalin and similar medications. It is a stimulant that increases levels of dopamine within the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in motivation, cognition, and action.
The most popular stimulant drugs for ADHD include amphetamines, methylphenidates, and atomoxetine. All of these medications fall under the umbrella of "methylphenidates," but some are designed differently than others. non prescription adhd medication are absorbed into the body through the skin, while others are taken orally or injected intravenously.
Short-acting stimulant formulations
There are many stimulant medications available to treat ADHD. They include all forms of methylphenidate, such as Ritalin, Focalin and Metadate and amphetamines like Adderall, Dexedrine and Vyvanse. A doctor can prescribe atomoxetine, a stimulant that works differently and lasts longer. There are also antidepressants that are not typical and can be effective for ADHD symptoms. They include Wellbutrin (bupropion) as well as the two antihypertensives, Catapres and Tenex.
Stimulant medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. This improves concentration and reduce restlessness in children and adults suffering from ADHD. The medications also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. However stimulants can cause side effects such as dry mouth and blurry vision. They can also cause increased irritability, anxiety and appetite for some people. Some people experience difficulty sleeping when they take them.
A major issue with these drugs is that they can cause the "rebound effect" when the effects wear off. They can also trigger high blood pressure and heart rate in some people. If taken as directed by a physician, however these drugs are safe and effective for adults.
The most effective stimulant medication for someone with ADHD is one that is taken in the morning prior to school or at work. They are referred to as long-acting stimulants. This type of drug may help to avoid an effect of rebound and could reduce symptoms in the afternoon and evening as well.
Other forms of the medication can be taken throughout the day, if required. Short-acting pills are absorbed quickly and then peak in the body. People who require frequent doses of these pills may need to take more than one tablet each day. This can be a hassle for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants have been the most frequently utilized treatment for ADHD in children, adolescents as well as adults. They are considered the most effective medications for the reduction of ADHD symptoms. They can have serious and life-threatening consequences if they are used in a way that is not properly or in large quantities. They can also increase the risk of depression and other mental health disorders.
Nonstimulant medicines
Nonstimulant medicines are an alternative to stimulant drugs such as Ritalin when they fail to work or cause adverse effects that are too extreme. These drugs have lower risks of addiction and abuse than stimulants. They work by increasing the levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine. These medicines are typically prescribed by doctors who specialize in mental health conditions, or psychiatrists. They are often employed in conjunction with other treatments, such as psychosocial treatment and lifestyle changes.
Nonstimulant medications may take longer to begin working than stimulants. They may also require a greater dosage to achieve the same level of effectiveness. They are typically prescribed in a capsule or tablet and can be consumed with or without. They are more likely to cause stomach upset or change blood pressure and heart rate. They also have a greater chance of developing drug interactions with other drugs and therefore, you must be vigilant.
Some ADHD medications can be applied as patches on the skin. These patches are ideal for people who are forgetful or have difficulty swallowing tablets. These patches are also helpful for children who are tactilely-sensitive and dislike taking medicine by mouth. The patch is only suitable for children who can apply it consistently.
It may take some time to determine the best combination of medication, dosage, and schedule. It's important to speak clearly and openly with a health professional about the way you or your child responds to the medication. Keep a record of your symptoms or those of your child and any changes in medication.
When taking any medication, there are always side effects. Some sufferers experience stomach upset, difficulty sleeping, an increased heart rate, and weight loss. Children and adolescents who take stimulant drugs might experience a decrease in their growth rate, however this is generally not significant. Certain people might experience tics or anxiety. A small number may have a severe response to the medication.
See a doctor as soon when you or your child develop severe symptoms. Only take medications as prescribed by your physician. Ask your pharmacist if they have an exchange program for prescription drugs. You may also mix the medication with ground coffee or cat litter and eliminate it.
Antidepressants
Many people who receive stimulant medication for ADHD also take nonstimulant or an antidepressant medicine. These can have a calming effect and may help to control some of the side effects of stimulants, like an increase in appetite or difficulty sleeping. In general, nonstimulant medications are less likely to cause depression than stimulants. They can also be useful in treating bipolar disorder, which are sometimes associated with ADHD.
The stimulants used to treat ADHD can be misused and even abused. Kids and teens who don't have ADHD may take them to feel alert or to reduce their appetites to shed weight. Others may take them to feel "high." These substances are classified as Schedule I drugs, which carry a high addiction risk. When they are prescribed properly and taken by adults, they don't increase the risk of addiction.
Methylphenidate, the most common medication used for ADHD is a type of stimulant. It stimulates brain areas that control behavior and attention. It's available in tablets that release immediately (small doses taken twice to three times a day) as well as a modified-release tablets, which release the drug throughout the day. Also available in liquid and chewable form.
Some people who are taking stimulant medications for ADHD are able to experience a brief period of fatigue, negative mood, and an increase in activity after the medication has worn off. This is called the rebound effect. Changing the time of day you take your medicine or altering the dosage can reduce these symptoms.
Intuniv, a long-acting medication which contains guanfacine to treat adults suffering from ADHD is another option. This blood pressure medication, which is a type 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.
It can take a while to find the appropriate ADHD medication and dosage for you or your child. Your doctor is likely to start with low doses, and then gradually increase them until they find the combination that controls your symptoms while causing fewest negative side effects. You'll need to visit your GP frequently for regular checks and to determine if the dosage needs to be adjusted.