The Secret Life Of ADHD Medication
ADHD Medicine For Kids Some kids need to take more than one ADHD medication to achieve the best results. Children should take their medications on a regular schedule. Stimulant drugs work by helping normal brain chemicals improve concentration and also control impulses. They can be found in form of liquid, pills, or extended-release capsules. The doctor will begin with a lower dose and monitor your reaction to the drug. Methylphenidate Methylphenidate is a stimulant that aids in reducing ADHD symptoms. It can be used to treat the symptoms of narcolepsy. It boosts levels of dopamine, which can improve mood and concentration. It is a controlled substance which means that it has to be prescribed by a doctor and is only available on prescription (it is not available for purchase on the streets). Methylphenidate comes in tablets, capsules or oral solutions, as well as transdermal patches. The type of methylphenidate prescribed depends on the diagnosis of the doctor and other elements. Methylphenidate can cause some side effects, such as a headache, stomachache dry mouth, fast heartbeat, shakiness, and anxiety. Some people might experience facial tics, which are uncontrollable movements that occur in the muscles in the face. This is a problem that occurs in less than one out of 100 people taking methylphenidate. It is important to inform your doctor immediately if your child or you start experiencing this type of problem. It may also cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which your doctor will closely watch when you're taking it. Some people might also have a skin reaction like a rash, which is swollen, itchy or blistered. It may also affect the flow of blood to the fingers and feet (Raynaud’s disease). This is a serious condition that requires urgent hospital treatment. Generally speaking, methylphenidate is safe for the majority of people when taken according to the directions. However, it can cause a serious lower blood pressure in the event that the dosage is too high or it's taken too often. It can also cause you to feel dizzy and sleepy and it's not recommended that you operate machinery or drive if you take it. Methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II drug, which means it has the potential to be misused. It could also trigger dependence in some people. It is best not to give your medication away. The best way to help prevent 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, adolescents and adults. They help by increasing levels of certain brain chemicals, enhancing concentration and helping manage impulsive behavior. They can also be used to treat certain symptoms of Tourette's syndrome. They are available in tablets that release immediately and extended-release capsules, as well being an oral solution. They are controlled medications in the UK (class C) which means that you'll need to be signed in by a doctor before you can collect the pills. Most people take them once each week, however certain people may take them twice. Atomoxetine is different from other stimulant drugs. It is available to children and teens older than 5 if methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine aren't available. It functions in a different manner as other stimulant drugs however, it can be given to children and teenagers over the age of 5 if it's not possible to use methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine or for adults when the condition is identified within this category. It's usually taken as a capsule one or twice a day. Drugs that stimulate the brain are often abused. Make sure your child's or teen's medications out of sight of the children's friends. They should not be shared or sold. When you use the medication incorrectly such as crushing it and injecting it, could be very dangerous and even life-threatening. Some street drugs are made up of amphetamines' structures such as methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy). Amphetamines can trigger addiction and side effects that can be difficult to deal with particularly in older people. They can include extreme exhaustion, irritability, cravings and a desire to take more. If you or your child experience any of these symptoms consult your physician as soon as possible. If you or your child are taking long-acting stimulants, it's important to be aware of a sudden drop in blood pressure once the medication is stopped. If this happens, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance as soon as you can. This could be risky and could result in a heart attack, stroke or even death. add adult medications can seek support and advice from your doctor by talking to them about the effects of stopping the medication or decreasing it. Long-acting stimulants Stimulants can help people with ADHD focus and complete their tasks, as well as improve their relationships. However, not everyone is able to respond to this kind of medication. The adverse effects, like heart palpitations and anxiety, and the negative effects on sleep and appetite are often unpleasant. These problems can prevent people from taking the medication they need. There are ways to help alleviate these side effects. Your doctor can lower the dosage of your medication or change it to a different medication, and self-help strategies can also make a big difference. Most people who are taking an ADHD medication will need to be monitored closely by medical professionals. It can take up to a month before the medication takes its full effect, so it's crucial to find the correct dosage. The doctor may inquire about your child's or your own daily routine and habits to get a sense of what is effective for you, and will look at any other health issues that could be causing problems. Some of the most common types of long-acting stimulants are Concerta, Focalin and Ritalin SR, as well as Vyvanse. These drugs are part of a class of drugs known as methylphenidates. They have been around for a number of years. Some of them are available in chewable tablets or liquid as well as placed on skin patches for children who don't want to swallow pills. The other major kind of long-acting ADHD medication is the amphetamine category that includes Adderall and Dexedrine. They are more potent and last longer than methylphenidates. They can be taken in various ways, including powder for younger children who cannot take pills. These medications can be mixed with juice or milk to enhance their taste for certain children. Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are long-acting psychostimulants that are not in the amphetamine or methylphenidate groups. They are part of a class of drugs called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and function by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain called norepinephrine. They also help reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Other medications Non-stimulant drugs can be prescribed in cases where stimulants are not effective or cause unwanted side effects. These medications take longer to work, but can improve your ability to focus and manage impulses. They also can help reduce anxiety and depression, that can be a problem with ADHD. Doctors may also suggest therapy to help you learn how to manage your symptoms and to improve behaviour, or they might recommend that you avoid certain beverages, foods or activities that are believed to cause problems for those with ADHD. The effects of stimulants alter the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in your brain. Norepinephrine helps you focus and dopamine enhances your concentration. There are 12 approved drugs 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 medicine approved for adults with ADHD as a non-stimulant. It is a selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitor, which essentially means it increases the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. Other drugs in this group include guanfacine hydrochloride (Tenex and Intuniv) and clonidine hydrochloride (Catapres). Antidepressants can also be prescribed by doctors to increase dopamine levels in the brain. Bupropion is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant for adults with ADHD. It is prescribed “off-label”, to treat ADHD when it occurs with depression or other substance abuse disorders, especially cannabis and nicotine addiction. Some experts think that there is a link between mood and ADHD and antidepressants could help in treating ADHD symptoms as well as improving your mood. The NHS recommends you talk to your GP prior to taking these drugs. If your GP determines that medication is right for you, they'll prescribe a dose and begin you on small doses which they will gradually increase over a couple of weeks. Your GP will be monitoring your health regularly to ensure that the treatment is working and to identify any side effects that might develop. They might also refer you to specialists, such as a psychologist or a counsellor to provide additional assistance.