ADHD Stimulant Medication
For many people with ADHD, medication helps control symptoms and improve their ability to function.1
Stimulants boost certain brain chemicals that aid nerves communicate with one another. They can also reduce impulsiveness and aggression.
These medicines are available in a variety of forms for both children and adults (e.g. tablets, liquids). adhd medications for adults could take a while to determine the appropriate dosage for each person.
Types
Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine may ease ADHD symptoms for 70 to 80% adults and children (Spencer, et al. 2005). These medications are believed to boost the levels of two brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine. They help alleviate the primary symptoms of the condition, including the tendency to fidget, impulsivity, and difficulty paying attention. The drugs also help people accomplish tasks and improve their social skills. The most effective effects of the drugs occur when utilized in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment program that includes behavioral therapy and skill training.
Doctors can't predict which drug will be the best one for a given person, so they usually start with a drug trial to determine the dose that works well. It can take up to several weeks for medications to reach their maximum effectiveness. They might need to be adjusted in time, based on the patient's reaction and adverse effects. The aim is to find the most minimal possible dose that helps a person manage their ADHD symptoms effectively.
The kinds of stimulant medications available include immediate-release methylphenidate and amphetamine, intermediate-release atomoxetine and long-acting dexamphetamine and guanfacine. The medication can be consumed in capsule, liquid, or chewable tablet forms. Children who have difficulty swallowing tablets or pills can sprinkle beads on their food to take the three extended-release drugs.
These medicines can trigger a drop in appetite and sleepiness, but they generally improve after regular use. Insomnia can be a result of these medications, but doctors try to avoid giving them at the time of bed. The methylphenidate-related insomnia that is caused by amphetamine is usually more severe in teens and preteens Parents should be on the lookout for warning symptoms.
People with heart problems or other health issues should talk about taking these medications with a medical professional. These medications can trigger an abrupt increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with a history of substance use or psychiatric disorders are not advised to take them.
Stimulant medications have the potential to be abused, particularly by teenagers who may use them to lose weight or to get high. This is a serious problem, Siu and Smith say as it puts teens with the right combination of circumstances at risk for an untimely death due to heart disease. It's important to teach kids and teens about the risks of taking prescriptions from another or sharing their own with friends, and to speak with a doctor about the possibility of abuse.
Dosage
Stimulant medication is usually used in the form of pills. Your doctor will determine the dosage depending on your medical conditions, symptoms, other medications and side effects. Finding the right medicine can be a trial and error process for many people. Communication with your doctor can assist you in finding the best medication.
A common type of ADHD stimulant is methylphenidates (MPH). These drugs are available in either long- or short-acting forms and are available in tablets, liquids, or chewable tablets. The longer-acting formulations take more time to take effect, but they can last for as long as eight hours. The formulations with a shorter duration have an immediate effect, but wear off faster. Typically, doctors start patients on a small dose, and gradually increase the dosage until they see improvements in their symptoms.
Some adults need to take multiple stimulant medications to manage their symptoms. Based on the individual, the medication may need to be taken in conjunction with other treatments, for instance behavior therapy.
Stimulants have shown to decrease symptoms of ADHD in 70-80% of adults and children. These medications reduce fidgeting, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. They can also help people concentrate and finish tasks. They can help improve the quality of relationships and overall functioning.
The FDA has approved a range of amphetamines and methylphenidates to treat ADHD. These drugs are generally well tolerated and efficient. It is important to remember that these medications can be misused and abused. They are classified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as Schedule II controlled drugs.
Medications to treat depression or mood disorders can be utilized in conjunction with stimulant medications. These medications increase the levels of norepinephrine, neurotransmitter that helps people control their behavior and concentrate. They can boost attention and reduce the amount of impulsivity among people suffering from ADHD. However, they are not as effective as stimulants in reducing hyperactivity and inattention.
The crash effect can lead to depression, extreme hunger and other unpleasant side effects. This can also happen when someone is undergoing a short acting stimulant, particularly if they haven't used it for a long time or were using a high dose.
Side effects
Stimulant drugs are effective by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help increase attention and control over impulses. The majority of stimulants used to treat ADHD are methylphenidates or amphetamines. The most popular forms of these drugs are Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin and Adderall. They are available in various forms and dosages, ranging from liquid to pills. A lot of children and adults use these drugs to manage their symptoms, in addition to other treatments like therapy, training in skills and lifestyle adjustments.
These drugs may cause side effects, like a decrease in appetite or trouble sleeping. If these effects occur and your child is affected, you may need to take the medication at a later time, eat more food throughout the day or add snacks, and try to avoid beverages that contain caffeine. These side effects usually go away within a few weeks as the body adjusts to the medication, and it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations regarding dosage and frequency.
The medication isn't the only option to treat ADHD however they do aid in reducing impulsivity and hyperactivity in 70-80% of those affected. You can also improve your sleeping and finish your schoolwork, and concentrate on your work with the help of medications. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms, discuss the benefits and risks of the medication, and track your response to the medication.
Stimulants fall into the controlled substance category, which means that they have a high risk of abuse and addiction. But, if taken as prescribed by your doctor, they are not habit-forming. People who do not have ADHD often abuse these medications to feel more alert, curb their appetites to lose weight, or to feel an "high." When prescribed for medical reasons, stimulant medicines are very secure and efficient.
Nonstimulants do not increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the body. They are more difficult to use, but can improve your control and attention. They are less likely than stimulants to be abused. However, they may cause adverse effects, such as less appetite and difficulty sleeping. Examples of nonstimulant medications include Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine). Antidepressants are able to be used as a single medication or combined with stimulants to treat ADHD symptoms.
Overdose
Even when prescribed for a legitimate medical reason stimulant medication can be abused or misused. Some people who don't have ADHD abuse these medications to feel more alert or to reduce their appetite to lose weight. Others might use them to simply feel "high." These drugs are not addictive for people suffering from ADHD who receive the proper treatment by a doctor. However they can be fatal when taken in large quantities.
Some of the most severe harms caused by nonmedical use are the consumption of stimulants prescribed by doctors which is usually done by mouth, but can occur when these medicines are crushed and then dissolved in water to drink, snorted, or injected. These kinds of harms are more common among teenagers who have reported having their own prescription for stimulants or the prescription of a different person not mentioned on the prescription According to data from U.S. poison centers.
Many children, especially young ones, take the stimulant prescribed by their parents or older siblings to be more awake or stay up later to study for tests or get high. These incidents are usually accidental, but can lead to serious poisoning or even heart issues. Other children obtain the tablets by stealing from family members or friends who have a prescription. The pills are especially dangerous for children who have heart problems or other health issues that make them more prone to their adverse effects.
The pills are also available without a prescription through drug stores or from illegal sellers on the Internet and contain fake pills that appear like genuine prescription stimulants, but in reality contain dangerous illicit substances. These drugs also pose a risk when taken in combination with alcohol or other controlled substances like opioids.
Instruct patients to take the time to read the Medication Guide that will be included with their prescription(s) to find out more about the medication including any warnings and possible side effects. The guide will also explain the proper way to store and dispose unused prescriptions, including returning them to an authorized pharmacy or other disposal facilities or sites. Encourage them to call the FDA's MedWatch Hotline if you are worried about their medication or experiencing any adverse consequences.