ADHD Medication - How Ritalin Helps Kids Manage ADHD
ADHD medication can make a huge difference in helping kids manage their symptoms. Doctors prescribe stimulants and nonstimulants to treat ADHD.
Stimulants increase the amounts of two brain chemicals--norepinephrine and dopamine--that help kids focus. These medications are a first-choice option for adolescents and children suffering from ADHD.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
Stimulant drugs are the first treatment option for a lot of 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 recommends that you begin with an FDA-approved medication. Only prescription medications are available, and should be taken according to the prescription. Supplements or vitamins that are sold over-the-counter to treat ADHD are not backed by science and could cause adverse side effects if used together with prescription medications.
There are many long-acting stimulant formulas that provide custom delivery systems and different time-action profiles. These medications let clinicians 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 medications enter the bloodstream slower and are less likely to cause adverse effects than short-acting ADHD drugs. They last between 8 and 16 hours, depending on the medication. The longer time frame also allows the medication to have a an overall effect that is consistent throughout the day which makes them a great option for adults.
Long-acting ADHD medication can trigger side effects like changes in appetite, an upset stomach or a rise in heartbeat. Other side effects can include tics and minor growth retardation, but these are usually only temporary and tend to disappear after a few days or even weeks as the body adjusts to the medicine.
The most popular type of long-acting ADHD medication is methylphenidate. It is the active ingredient in Ritalin and similar medications, and it increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters are essential chemical messengers that play a critical role in the process of motivation, action and cognition.
The most well-known stimulant medications for ADHD include amphetamines, methylphenidates, and Atomoxetine. All of these drugs are classified as "methylphenidates," although some are formulated differently. Certain medications are absorbed through the skin, while others are administered orally or intravenously.
Short-acting stimulant formulations
There are many formulations of stimulant drugs that can be used to treat ADHD in adults. This includes all methylphenidate forms including Ritalin Focalin Metadate and Metadate as well as amphetamines like Adderall, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse. A doctor may prescribe atomoxetine, a stimulant that works differently and lasts longer. There are even some atypical antidepressants that work well to control ADHD symptoms, for instance Wellbutrin (bupropion) and the two antihypertensives Catapres and Tenex (clonidine).
Stimulant drugs work by increasing the neurotransmitter levels in the brain. This improves concentration and decrease restlessness for children and adults suffering from ADHD. The medication can also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. However stimulants can cause negative side effects, such as dry mouth and blurry vision. Some people may also notice an increase in irritability and anxiety. Some people experience trouble sleeping when taking them.
One of the biggest concerns with these drugs is that they could cause a "rebound effect" after the effects diminish. There are some who experience high blood pressure or a heart rate while taking these medications. When prescribed by a doctor these drugs are safe and effective for adults.
The most effective stimulant medication for a person who suffers from ADHD is one that can be taken in the morning before school or at work. These are called long-acting stimulants. This form of the drug can reduce the risk of the rebound effect and can decrease symptoms in the evening and afternoon as well.
Other versions of the medication may be taken throughout the day, if required. Short-acting medications peak and decrease within the body in a short time, so anyone who has to take them regularly will have to take more than one pill per day. This can be a hassle for many adults with ADHD.
Stimulants are the most well-known and widely used treatment for ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They are considered the most effective medications for decreasing ADHD symptoms. However, they can cause serious and life-threatening adverse effects if taken in the wrong way or with excessive dosages. adhd without medication can also increase the chances of developing depression and mental health disorders.
Nonstimulant medicines
If stimulant medications like Ritalin aren't effective or cause unacceptable side effects, nonstimulant medications are a viable option to treat ADHD symptoms. They are less addictive and prone to abuse than stimulants. They increase the brain chemical norepinephrine. Doctors or psychiatrists who specialize in mental conditions are the most likely to prescribe these medications. They can be prescribed as part of a complete treatment plan that incorporates psychosocial treatments and lifestyle changes.
Nonstimulant medicines might take longer to get results than stimulants. They may also require a greater dose to reach the same degree of effectiveness. They are available as tablets or capsules 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 also have an increased chance of developing a drug interaction with other drugs.
Some ADHD medications are available as patches that can be put on the skin. These patches are ideal for those who forget or have trouble swallowing tablets. They can also be useful for children who are sensitive and don't want taking their medicine via mouth. However, the patch is limited use for children due to its requirement for continuous application.
Finding the best dosage and schedule will take time. It is essential to be honest and open with your physician about the way your child reacts to the medication. It's beneficial to keep a journal of your or your child's symptoms, as well as any changes that occur with the medication.
There are always side effects of taking any medication. These include stomach upset, trouble sleeping and heart rate increases and weight loss in some people. Children and adolescents who use stimulant drugs may suffer a decrease in their growth rate. It is not usually significant. Certain people might experience tics or anxiety. A small percentage of people suffer from a severe reaction to the medication.
See a doctor as soon as you or your child experiences severe symptoms. Medications should only be taken as directed by your physician. If you have leftover medication, talk to your pharmacist about the possibility of a prescription drug take-back program or mix it in with coffee grounds or cat litter and eliminate it.
Antidepressants
Many people who are prescribed stimulant drugs for ADHD also take nonstimulant antidepressant medications. These medications can help to calm the mind and control certain stimulant-related side effects like a decrease in appetite or trouble sleeping. Nonstimulant drugs are less likely than stimulants to cause depression. They can also help treat bipolar and anxiety disorders, which are sometimes linked to ADHD.
Stimulants used to treat ADHD have a great potential for misuse and abuse. Teens and children who do not suffer from ADHD might take them to feel alert or to reduce their appetites to shed weight. Others might take them to feel "high." Stimulants are Schedule I drugs with a high risk of addiction. However, when they are correctly prescribed and taken by adults, they do not increase the risk for addiction.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. It stimulates the activity in the brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. It's available in immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 2 to 3 times a day) and modified-release tablets, that release the drug throughout the day. It's also available in liquid and chewable medicine.
Some people who take stimulant medications for ADHD have a brief period of fatigue, a low mood, and a rise in activity when the medication wears off. This is referred to as the rebound effect. These symptoms can be cured by altering the time at which you take your medication or adjusting the dosage.
Another option for adults suffering from ADHD is guanfacine. This is available as the long-acting medicine Intuniv. This blood pressure medication, which is a type alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist, has been proven to be effective in reducing hyperactivity among adults. It's not as effective in reducing the symptoms of inattention, though.
Finding the right ADHD medication for you or your children may take some time. Your doctor may start with small doses and gradually increase them until they find a combination that will control your symptoms with the least number of adverse effects. You'll need to see your GP frequently for regular checks and to determine if the dosage needs to be adjusted.