ADHD Medication - How Ritalin Helps Kids Manage ADHD
ADHD medication can help children manage their symptoms. Doctors prescribe two kinds of drugs to treat ADHD including stimulants and nonstimulants.
Stimulants increase the amounts of two brain chemicals--norepinephrine and dopamine--that help kids focus. These medications are the best option for teens and children with ADHD.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
Many people suffering from ADHD begin treatment with stimulant medication. They are extremely effective in improving attention and concentration for 70-80% of those with ADHD. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests starting with an FDA-approved medication. Only prescription medications are available and should be taken as prescribed. Supplements or vitamins that are sold over-the-counter to treat ADHD are not backed by science and may cause harmful side effects if used 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 allow clinicians the ability to pinpoint certain times of the day when the patient is at their weakest. 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 more slowly and are less likely to cause side effects than short-acting ADHD drugs. Full Record between 8 to 16 hours, depending on the medication. The longer duration permits an extended and consistent effect, which is ideal for adults.
A few possible side effects associated with long-acting ADHD medication include changes in appetite, upset stomach and an increase in heart rate. Other side effects include tics as well as minor delays in growth. These are only temporary and typically disappear once the body adjusts.
The most commonly used kind of long-acting ADHD medication is methylphenidate. It is the active ingredient in Ritalin and similar medications. It works by increasing levels of dopamine within the brain. These neurotransmitters are essential chemical messengers that play an important role in motivation, action, and cognition.
The most popular stimulant medications for ADHD include amphetamines, methylphenidates and Atomoxetine. All of these medications are included under the umbrella term "methylphenidates," but some are formulated differently than others. Certain medications are absorbed through the skin while others are administered either orally or intravenously.
Short-acting stimulant formulations
There are many formulations of stimulant medications that can be used to treat ADHD in adults. These include all the forms of methylphenidate, such as Ritalin, Focalin and Metadate, as well as amphetamines, such as Adderall, Dexedrine and Vyvanse. A doctor can also prescribe atomoxetine, which works a little differently than stimulants and lasts a bit longer. There are even antidepressants that are atypical and work well to control ADHD symptoms, for instance Wellbutrin (bupropion) and the two antihypertensives Catapres and Tenex (clonidine).
Stimulant medications are effective in increasing neurotransmitter levels within the brain. This can help improve concentration and reduce restlessness for children and adults suffering from ADHD. The medication can also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. Stimulants can cause adverse effects such as dry mouth and blurred vision. They can also cause increased irritability, anxiety and appetite in certain people. Some people have trouble sleeping when taking them.
A major concern with these drugs is that they can cause a "rebound effect" when the effects wear off. There are some who experience high blood pressure or a heart rate when taking these drugs. When taken as prescribed by a doctor, however they are safe and effective for adults.
The most effective stimulant medication for someone who suffers from ADHD is one that can be taken in the morning before school or work. They are referred to as long-acting stimulants. This form of drug may help to avoid the rebound effect and can reduce symptoms in the evening and afternoon as well.
If needed, different versions of the medication could be taken throughout the day. Short-acting drugs peak and fall in the body rapidly, so those who need to take them frequently will need to take more than one pill every day. This could be a problem for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants are the most well-known and widely-used treatment for ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They are thought to be the most effective medication for decreasing ADHD symptoms. They can have serious and life-threatening side effects if taken incorrectly or in excess doses. They also increase the risk of developing depression and other mental health disorders.
Nonstimulant medicine
If stimulant medications like Ritalin don't work or cause unacceptable side effects, nonstimulant medications can be used to treat ADHD symptoms. These drugs are less addictive and abuse-prone than stimulants. They boost the chemical in the brain called norepinephrine. These drugs are usually prescribed by specialists in mental health issues, or psychiatrists. They can be prescribed as part of a complete treatment plan that incorporates psychosocial treatments and lifestyle changes.
Nonstimulant drugs can take longer to effect than stimulants. It could also be necessary to take a higher dosage to attain the same effectiveness. They are usually prescribed in capsule or tablet and are taken with food or without. They are more likely than other drugs to cause stomach upset or alter blood pressure and heart rate. They can also have a greater chance of developing interactions with other drugs which is why 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 trouble swallowing tablets. They also work well for children who are tactilely sensitive and do not like to take medicine by mouth. However, the patch has limited use in children due to its need for constant application.
Finding the best dosage schedule, frequency, and medication can take some time. It is crucial to be open and honest with your doctor regarding the way your child reacts to the medication. It's beneficial to keep a diary of your your child's symptoms as well as any changes that occur with the medication.
There are always some side effects when taking any medication. This includes stomach upset, insomnia, increased heart rate, and weight loss for some people. Children and adolescents who take stimulant medications can have a reduction in their growth rate. This is typically not significant. Some people might experience tics or anxiety. A small proportion of them may have a severe response to the medication.
Consult a doctor as soon as you or your child experiences serious symptoms. Only take the medication as directed by your physician. If you've got leftover medication, ask your pharmacist about 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 medications for ADHD are also prescribed nonstimulant or antidepressant drugs. These medications can help to relax the mind and reduce some of stimulant side effects such as a decreased appetite or trouble sleeping. Nonstimulant medicines are less likely to trigger depression. They also can help treat bipolar and anxiety disorders which can be linked to ADHD.
Stimulants that are used to treat ADHD can be misused and used to harm. Teens and children with ADHD might take stimulants to boost their alertness or to curb their appetites in order to lose weight. Others may use them to get "high." Stimulants are classified as Schedule I drugs, which carry a high addiction risk. However, when they're correctly prescribed and taken by adults, they don't increase the risk for addiction.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. It stimulates brain areas that control behavior and attention. It is available as immediate release tablets (small doses taken two to three times a day) and a modified-release tablet, which releases the drug throughout the day. It's also available as a liquid and chewable medicine.
When stimulant drugs are used for ADHD, some people experience a brief period where they feel fatigued or depressed and become more active. This is known as the rebound effect. Altering the time you take your medicine or altering the dosage can help to reduce the symptoms.
Another option for adults suffering from ADHD is guanfacine. It is available as the long-acting medicine Intuniv. This blood pressure medication is a kind of alpha-2 adrenergic agonist and it has been found to be highly effective in the reduction of impulsive and hyperactive behavior in adults. It doesn't appear to be as effective in reducing signs of inattention.
It can take a while to find the appropriate ADHD dosage and medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor may start with small doses and gradually increase them to discover a combination that can control your symptoms with the lowest number of side effects. You'll need to see your GP regularly for checks and to determine whether the dosage has to be adjusted.