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 the best option for kids and teens with ADHD.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
Stimulant medication is the primary treatment option for many people suffering from ADHD. They are extremely effective in improving concentration and attention for 70-80% of people who have ADHD. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting with an FDA-approved medication. Only prescription medications are available and should be taken exactly as prescribed. Over-the-counter (OTC) supplements or vitamins marketed for treatment of ADHD do not have a scientific basis and may cause negative side effects when combined in conjunction with prescription medications.
There are several different long-acting stimulant formulas that provide customized delivery systems and varying time-action profiles. These medications give clinicians the ability to target specific times of the day at which 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 enters the bloodstream more slowly and is less likely to cause adverse effects than short-acting ADHD medication. They usually last between 8 to 16 hours, based on the dosage. The longer duration also allows the medication to provide an even and consistent effect throughout the day which makes them a great option for adults.
Some possible side effects of long-acting ADHD medications are changes in appetite, an upset stomach and an increase in heart rate. Other side effects include tics as well as minor slowing of growth. These are temporary and generally disappear as the body adjusts.
Methylphenidate is one of the most popular long-acting ADHD medication. 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 play a crucial role in motivation, cognition, and action.
adhd and anxiety medication used to treat ADHD are methylphenidates (amphetamines) as well as atomoxetine amphetamines, and atomoxetine. All of these drugs fall under the umbrella term "methylphenidates," but some are made differently than other. Some are absorbed into your body through the skin, while others are consumed orally or injected intravenously.
Short-acting stimulant formulations
There are a variety of stimulant drugs available to treat ADHD. This includes all the forms of methylphenidate, including Ritalin, Focalin and Metadate as well as amphetamines, such as Adderall, Dexedrine and Vyvanse. A doctor may prescribe atomoxetine which is an stimulant that functions differently and lasts longer. There are also antidepressants with atypical properties that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms, for instance Wellbutrin (bupropion) and the two antihypertensives Catapres as well as Tenex (clonidine).
Stimulant medications increase neurotransmitter levels in the brain. This can improve concentration and decrease restlessness in kids and adults with ADHD. Medications also help reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. The stimulants can trigger negative side effects, such as dry mouth and blurred vision. They can also increase anxiety, irritability and appetite for some people. Some people have trouble sleeping when they take them.
The "rebound effect", which can occur when the effects of the drug are fading is a major problem. The drugs can also cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate in certain individuals. When prescribed by a physician, however, these drugs are safe and effective for adults.
The best stimulant medication for people suffering from ADHD is a dose in the morning prior to going to school or work. They are referred to as long-acting stimulants. This form of drug may help to avoid a rebound effect and may reduce symptoms in the evening and afternoon as well.
If required, other forms of the medication may be taken throughout the day. Short-acting drugs peak and fall in the body quickly, so those who need to take them regularly will need to take more than one pill each day. This can be inconvenient for many adults with ADHD.
Stimulants have been the most frequently utilized treatment for ADHD among adolescents, children, and adults. They are the most effective drugs for reducing ADHD symptoms. However, they can have serious 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 disorders.
Nonstimulant medicines
Nonstimulant medicines are an alternative to stimulant drugs like 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 increase the chemical in the brain called norepinephrine. These medicines are typically prescribed by doctors who specialize in mental health issues or psychiatrists. They are often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as psychosocial therapy and lifestyle changes.
Nonstimulant medications can take a longer time to start working than stimulants. They might also require a higher dosage to achieve the same level of efficacy. They are usually prescribed in capsule or tablet and are taken with or without food. They are more likely than other medications to cause stomach upset or alter blood pressure and heart rate. They can also have a greater risk of developing drug interactions with other drugs which is why you must be vigilant.
Some ADHD medications can be applied as patches on the skin. These are useful for people who are unable to remember to take their medication, or have difficulty swallowing tablets. These patches are also beneficial for children who are tactilely-sensitive and are not comfortable taking medicines by mouth. However, the patch has limited use in children due to the need for constant application.
It may take some time to determine the ideal combination of dosage, medication, and schedule. It is important to be honest with your physician about how you or your child reacts to the medication. Keep a journal of your symptoms or those of your child as well as any changes in medication.
There are always adverse effects of taking any medication. Some people experience stomach upsets or sleep disturbances, as well as an increased heart rate and weight loss. Children and adolescents who take stimulant drugs may notice a decrease in their growth rate, however this is generally not significant. Some individuals may experience anxiety or tics. A small proportion of them may have a severe response to the medication.
Consult a doctor as quickly as you or your child experiences serious symptoms. Take only the medications prescribed by your physician. Ask your pharmacist if there is an option to return prescription medications. You may also mix the medication with cat litter or ground coffee and take it out.
Antidepressants
Many people who receive stimulant medication for ADHD also take nonstimulant or an antidepressant medication. They can have a calming effect and may help to control some of the side effects of stimulants, including an increase in appetite or difficulty sleeping. Nonstimulant medications are less likely to trigger depression. They can also be beneficial in treating anxiety and bipolar disorder, which are sometimes associated with ADHD.
Stimulants that are used to treat ADHD can be misused and abused. Teens and kids who do not have ADHD may take them to increase their alertness or to curb their appetite to lose weight. Others may take them to feel "high." Stimulants are classified as Schedule I drugs, which pose a risk of addiction. However, when they're correctly prescribed and taken by adults, they don't increase the chance of addiction.
Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication for ADHD, is a type of stimulant. It boosts brain activity areas that regulate behavior and attention. It's available as tablets with immediate release (small doses taken twice to three times a day) and modified-release tablets which release the drug throughout the day. Also available in chewable and liquid form.
When stimulant medication is taken for ADHD Some people experience a short period of feeling tired depressed, irritable, and active. This is called the rebound effect. Changes in the time you take your medication or altering the dosage can reduce these symptoms.
Intuniv, a drug that has a long-acting effect which contains guanfacine to treat people suffering from ADHD is another alternative. This blood pressure medication is a kind of alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist, and has been proven to be highly effective in the reduction of impulsive and hyperactive behavior in adults. It's not as effective in reducing symptoms of inattention, though.
It may take some time to determine the best ADHD medication and dosage for you or your child. Your doctor is likely to start with small doses and gradually increase them until they discover a combination that can control your symptoms while causing the least number of adverse effects. You'll have to visit your GP frequently for regular examinations and to determine whether the dosage should be adjusted.