ADHD Medicine For Kids
Some children need to take more than one ADHD medicine to get the most effective results. Kids should be taking their medication on a regular schedule.
Stimulant drugs help normal brain chemicals improve concentration, and also control impulses. They are available in liquid form, pills or extended-release capsules. The doctor will put you on a low dose and then observe how you react to the drug.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant that can be used to treat Narcolepsy and ADHD symptoms. It boosts the levels of dopamine, which can improve concentration and mood. It is a controlled drug, meaning that it must be prescribed by a doctor and can only be purchased with a prescription (it is not available on the market). Methylphenidate is available as capsules, tablets, oral solution or transdermal patches. The kind of methylphenidate prescribed will be based on the diagnosis of your doctor and other variables.
Methylphenidate may cause side effects, such as stomachache, headaches dry mouth, rapid heartbeat, shakiness and nervousness. It can cause facial tics in some people, which are abrupt movements in the muscles of the face that can't be controlled. This occurs in less than one in 100 people taking methylphenidate, however, it is important to inform your doctor right away in the event that you or your child begins experiencing this issue. It can also increase the heart rate and blood pressure, which your doctor will monitor carefully when you are taking it. It may also trigger an allergic reaction to the skin in some people, such as a rash that's swollen itchy, raised or blistered, and also a change in the way that blood flows to the fingers and toes (Raynaud's disease). This is a serious ailment that requires immediate hospital treatment.
Generally, methylphenidate is considered to be safe for most people if taken as directed. It can cause a serious blood pressure drop if taken in excess or too often. It can also cause people to feel dizzy or sleepy. It is not advised to drive or operate machines when taking it.
Methylphenidate is rated as a Schedule II drug, which means it could be abused. It is also a habit-forming drug in some people, so you should be careful not to give your medication to anyone else. The best way to help avoid this is to keep your methylphenidate in a locked cupboard and use only the amount prescribed by your doctor.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines, a class of medications, are used to treat ADHD in children as well as adults. They help by increasing levels of certain brain chemicals, increasing concentration, and helping to control the behavior of impulsiveness. They can also be used to treat some of the symptoms of Tourette's syndrome.
These medications are available in the form of immediate-release tablets, extended-release capsules, and an oral solution. In the UK they are controlled medicines (class C), which means that you must be enrolled by your doctor to collect these medications. Most people will take them one time a week, but certain people may take them twice.
Atomoxetine is different from other stimulant medicines. It can be prescribed to children and teenagers over the age of 5 if methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine aren't available. It performs differently than other stimulant drugs. adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication is available to children and teenagers older than 5 years old, if methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine are not available or for adults with an illness that has been diagnosed. It is usually taken as a capsule every day or twice a day.
Stimulant drugs are commonly abused. It is important to keep your child or teenager's medication safe, out of sight and reach of your friends, and not shared or sold to other people. It is risky to take the medication in the wrong way. For example, crushing the pill and injecting it. Some street drugs, like MDMA (ecstasy) and methamphetamine are derived from amphetamines.
Amphetamines can be addictive and cause side effects that are difficult to deal with particularly for people who are older. These can include feelings of extreme exhaustion, irritability cravings, and a desire to take more. If you or your child suffers any of these symptoms speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
If you or your child is taking long-acting stimulants, you need to be aware of the risk of a sudden drop in blood pressure after the drug is stopped. Call triple zero (000) or an ambulance, immediately if this happens. This could be risky and lead to a heart attack, stroke or death. You can seek help and advice from your physician by discussing with them the effects of stopping the medication or reducing it.
Long-acting stimulants
Many people with ADHD find that stimulants help them stay focused, finish tasks and improve their relationships. However, not everyone responds to this class of medication. And the side effects -such as heart palpitations, anxiety, and a negative impact on sleep and appetite -- are usually uncomfortable. These issues can keep people from taking the medication they require.
There are ways to ease these side effects. Your doctor can reduce the dose of your medicine or switch you to a different one, and self-help techniques can be a huge help.
Most people who are taking an ADHD medication must be monitored closely by an expert in medical care. It can take up to a month before the medication can take its full effect, so it is crucial to determine the appropriate dosage. The medical professional may ask about your or your child's daily routine and habits to get a sense of what works best for you and will look at any other health issues that could be causing problems.
Some of the most common forms of long-acting stimulants include Concerta, Focalin and Ritalin SR, as well as Vyvanse. They belong to a class of drugs known as methylphenidates and have been around for a long time. Some of them are available as chewable tablets and liquid as well as applied to a skin patch for kids who aren't keen on swallowing pills.
Adderall, Dexedrine and other amphetamine-based ADHD medications are also available. They have a stronger and longer-lasting effect than the methylphenidates, and can be taken in a variety of ways, such as as a powder for some youngsters who aren't able take pills. These medicines can be mixed with juice or milk to enhance their taste for some kids.
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are psychostimulants with a long-acting effect that aren't in the amphetamine or methylphenidate groups. They are part of a class of drugs called selective Norepinephrine Resuptake Inhibitors. They work by increasing levels of norepinephrine, a brain chemical. adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication can also decrease the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Other medications
If the stimulants don't work or have unpleasant adverse effects, doctors may prescribe non-stimulant drugs. These medications can take longer to kick in, but can improve your ability to focus and control impulses. They can also help to reduce depression and anxiety, which may sometimes occur along with ADHD. Doctors may also suggest therapy to help you manage your symptoms and improve your behavior or may suggest to avoid certain foods, beverages, or activities that are known to cause issues for those with ADHD.
Stimulants alter levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in your brain. Norepinephrine increases concentration, and dopamine helps to improve it. There are 12 drugs approved to treat ADHD. These include methylphenidate hydrochloride, lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, amphetamine sulfate, dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride/serdexmethylphenidate chloride, mixed amphetamine salts and atomoxetine (Strattera). Atomoxetine was the first medication approved for adults with ADHD as a non-stimulant. It is an inhibitor selective of norepinephrine synthesis, which means that it increases the level of norepinephrine inside the brain. Other drugs in this class include guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv), and clonidine (Catapres).
Antidepressants can also be prescribed by doctors to boost the levels of dopamine in the mind. Bupropion is among the most commonly prescribed antidepressant used for adults with ADHD. It is often prescribed "off-label" to treat ADHD if it appears alongside depression or substance abuse disorders, including nicotine addiction and cannabis.
There are some experts who believe there is a connection between mood and ADHD and antidepressants could help with treating ADHD symptoms and improving your mood. The NHS suggests that you speak with your GP prior to taking these medications.
If your GP determines that medication is the best option for you, he will prescribe a small dose that he will gradually increase over a time of several weeks. Your GP will monitor you on a regular basis to ensure the treatment is helping and to identify any adverse reactions that may develop. They might also refer you to an expert, such as a psychologist or a counsellor to provide additional assistance.
