ADHD Medication - How Ritalin Helps Kids Manage ADHD
ADHD medication can make a big difference in helping children 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 first option for teens and children with ADHD.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
Stimulant medications are the first treatment option for a lot of people who suffer from ADHD. They are highly effective at improving attention and concentration for 70-80% of people with ADHD. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests starting with an FDA-approved medication. The medications are only available through prescription and should be taken only as directed. Over-the-counter (OTC) supplements or vitamins marketed to treat ADHD do not have a scientific basis, and they can cause harmful side effects when used alongside prescription drugs.
There are numerous long-acting stimulant formulas each with a specific delivery system and a different time-action profiles. These medications allow clinicians to target specific times of day that are the most challenging for the 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 medication enters the bloodstream at a slower rate and is less likely to cause adverse side effects than short-acting ADHD medication. They last between 8 and 16 hours, depending on the medication. The longer duration allows the medication to provide an overall effect that is consistent throughout the day which makes them a great choice for adults.
Some of the possible side effects of long-acting ADHD medication include changes in appetite, an upset stomach, and an increase in heart rate. Other possible side effects include tics as well as a slight growth delays, but these are usually temporary and usually go away within several days or weeks as the body adjusts to the medicine.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly used long-acting ADHD medication. It is the active ingredient in Ritalin and similar medications, and it works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play an essential role in motivation, cognition, and even action.
The most common stimulant medications used to treat ADHD are methylphenidates (amphetamines), atomoxetine, and amphetamines. All of these medications are classified as "methylphenidates," although some are designed differently. Some medications are absorbed through 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 forms of methylphenidate including Ritalin Focalin Metadate and Metadate as well as amphetamines such as Adderall, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse. Doctors can also prescribe atomoxetine which functions a bit differently from the stimulants and lasts longer. There are also antidepressants with atypical properties that can be used to treat ADHD symptoms, for instance Wellbutrin (bupropion) and the two antihypertensives Catapres as well as Tenex (clonidine).
Stimulant drugs are effective in 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 impulsivity and hyperactivity. However stimulants can cause adverse effects like dry mouth and blurry vision. They can also increase irritability, anxiety and appetite for some people. Some people experience difficulty sleeping while taking these medications.
The "rebound effect" that can happen when the drug's effects are fading, is a major concern. The drugs can also cause high blood pressure and heart rate in some people. When taken as prescribed by a doctor they are safe and effective for adults.
The best stimulant medication to take for those suffering from ADHD is a dose in the morning prior to going to work or school. These are known as long-acting stimulants. This form of the drug can help avoid an effect of rebound and could reduce symptoms in the afternoon and evening as well.
As needed, other forms of the medication may be taken throughout the day. 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 every day. This can be a hassle for people with ADHD.
Stimulants have been the most frequently used treatment for ADHD among adolescents, children as well as adults. They are thought to be the most effective drugs in reducing ADHD symptoms. They can cause serious and even life-threatening consequences if they are used in a way that is not properly or in large quantities. They also increase the chances of developing depression and mental health disorders.
Nonstimulant medications
If stimulant medications like Ritalin don't work, or have intolerable side effects, nonstimulant medications can be used to treat ADHD symptoms. These medications are less addictive and prone to abuse than stimulants. They increase the chemical in the brain called norepinephrine. Doctors who specialize in mental health are the most likely to prescribe these medications. They are often utilized in conjunction with other treatments such as psychosocial therapy 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 effectiveness. They are prescribed as capsules or tablets and can be taken with or without food. adhd medication are more likely to cause stomach upset or change blood pressure and heart rate. They are also at greater risk of developing interactions with other drugs.
Some ADHD medications can be applied as patches on the skin. These patches are ideal for those who forget or have difficulty swallowing tablets. They also work well for children who are sensitive and do not like taking medicine through mouth. However, the patch has limited use in children due to the requirement for continuous application.
It can take a while to determine the ideal combination of dosage, medication and schedule. It's important to communicate clearly and openly with your health care professional about the way you or your child responds to the medication. Keep a record of your symptoms or those of your child as well as any changes in medication.
When taking any medication there are always adverse effects. They include stomach upset, insomnia and a higher heart rate and weight loss in certain people. Children and adolescents who are taking stimulant drugs may experience a reduction in their growth rate, but this is generally not significant. Some people may develop anxiety or antics, and a small proportion of people might experience severe reactions to the medication.
If you or your child experiences serious symptoms, see an emergency physician immediately. Medications should only be taken as directed by your doctor. If you've got leftover medication, ask your pharmacist about the possibility of a prescription drug take-back program or mix it with coffee grounds or cat litter and dispose of it.
Antidepressants
Many people who are prescribed stimulant medication for ADHD also use an antidepressant or a nonstimulant medication. They can have a relaxing effect and help control certain side effects of stimulants, like the loss of appetite or difficulty sleeping. In general, nonstimulant medications are less likely to cause depression than stimulants. They also can help treat bipolar and anxiety disorders that are sometimes connected to ADHD.
Stimulants that are used to treat ADHD can be misused and used to harm. Teens and children with ADHD might use them to increase their alertness or curb their appetites to lose weight. Others may use them to get "high." Stimulants are Schedule I drugs with a high risk of addiction. If they are prescribed appropriately and taken by adults they do not increase the risk of addiction.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. It stimulates brain areas that control behavior and attention. It's available in immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 2 to 3 times per day) and modified-release tablets, that release the drug throughout the day. It's also available as a chewable or liquid form.
Some people who take stimulant medication for ADHD experience a short period of fatigue, a low mood, and a rise in activity after the medication is gone. This is called the rebound effect. Changing the time of day you take your medicine or adjusting your dosage can alleviate these symptoms.
Intuniv, a medication that acts for a long time which contains guanfacine to treat people suffering from ADHD is a different alternative. This blood pressure medication is a kind of alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, and has been proven to be significantly effective in the reduction of impulsive and hyperactive behavior in adults. It doesn't appear to be as effective in reducing signs of inattention.
Finding the best ADHD medication for your child or yourself will take time. Your doctor will probably start with small doses, and gradually increase them until they discover a combination that can control your symptoms while causing the least number of side effects. You should visit your GP regularly to have regular checkups, and to determine if the dosage should be adjusted.