ADHD Medication - How Ritalin Helps Kids Manage ADHD
ADHD medication can make a big 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 are the first choice for adolescents and children suffering from ADHD.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
Many people with ADHD start treatment by taking stimulant drugs. They are highly effective in improving attention and concentration for 70-80% of people with ADHD. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests starting with a medication that is FDA-approved. These medications are only available on prescription and must be taken according to the directions. Over-the-counter (OTC) supplements or vitamins marketed for treatment of ADHD have no scientific backing and can result in harmful side effects when used in conjunction with prescription medications.
There are numerous long-acting stimulant formulations each with a specific delivery system and a varying time-action profiles. These medications give clinicians the ability to pinpoint specific times of the day at which 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 medication enters the bloodstream at a slower rate and is less likely to cause adverse effects than short-acting ADHD medication. They last between 8 and 16 hours based on the medication. The longer duration also allows the medication to provide a more consistent effect throughout the day and makes them a good choice for adults.
Long-acting ADHD medication can trigger adverse effects, such as changes in appetite, an upset stomach, or an increase in heart rate. Other potential side effects could include tics as well as a slight growth retardation however these are typically temporary and usually disappear within a few days or even weeks as the body adjusts to the medication.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly used long-acting ADHD drug. It is the active component in Ritalin, and other similar medications. It is a stimulant that increases levels of dopamine within the brain. These neurotransmitters are essential chemical messengers that play a crucial role in motivation, action, and cognition.
The most common stimulant medications used to treat ADHD are methylphenidates (amphetamines) as well as atomoxetine amphetamines, and atomoxetine. All of these medications are included under the umbrella term "methylphenidates," but some are made differently than other. Some medications are absorbed through the skin while others are taken in the form of an oral or intravenously.
Short-acting stimulant formulations
There are many stimulant medications available to treat ADHD. This includes all methylphenidate forms including Ritalin Focalin Metadate and Metadate and amphetamines, such as Adderall, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse. A doctor can also prescribe atomoxetine, which works a little different from stimulants and can last a bit longer. There are also some atypical antidepressants which work well for ADHD symptoms. They include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and the two antihypertensives, Catapres and Tenex.
Stimulant medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. This can improve concentration and decrease the amount of restlessness experienced by kids and adults with ADHD. The medications also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity of children and adults. Stimulants can cause negative side effects, such as dry mouth and blurred vision. They can also cause increased anxiety, irritability and appetite in some people. Some people have trouble sleeping when taking these medications.
One of the biggest concerns with these drugs is that they may cause the "rebound effect" after the effects wear off. Certain people may also experience high blood pressure or a heart rate when taking these drugs. These medications are safe and effective for adults if they are prescribed by their physician.
The most effective type of stimulant medication for people with ADHD is one that can be taken in the morning before school or at work. These are known as long-acting stimulants. This form of the medication can ease symptoms and prevent the possibility of a rebound.
Other types of the medication can be taken throughout the day as needed. Short-acting pills peak and fall within the body in a short time and anyone who has to take them frequently will need to take more than one pill per day. This could be a problem for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants are the most frequently utilized treatment for ADHD in children, adolescents as well as adults. They are the most effective medication to reduce ADHD symptoms. However, types of adhd medication can have life-threatening and serious adverse effects if used in a way that is not properly or in large doses. They also increase the chances of developing depression and mental health issues.
Nonstimulant medicine
If stimulant drugs like Ritalin do not work, or have intolerable adverse effects, nonstimulant medications can be used to treat ADHD symptoms. These drugs have lower risks of addiction and abuse than stimulants. They function by increasing the levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine. These drugs are usually prescribed by doctors who specialize in mental health issues or psychiatrists. They can be utilized in combination with other treatments, such as psychosocial treatment and lifestyle modifications.
Nonstimulant medications may take a longer time to start working than stimulants. They might also require a higher dosage to achieve the same level of effectiveness. They are prescribed in capsules or tablets 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 a higher risk of developing drug interaction with other drugs.
Some ADHD medications are available in patch form, which can be worn on the skin. These patches are great for people who forget or have trouble swallowing tablets. They are also useful for children who are tactilely sensitive and don't want taking their medicine via mouth. The patch is only suitable for children who can apply it constantly.
Finding the best combination of dosage schedule, frequency, and medication may take some time. It's important to speak clearly and openly with your health care professional regarding the way your child or you respond to the medication. Keep a journal of your symptoms, or those of your child and any changes in medication.
There are always some side effects when taking any medication. These include stomach upset, trouble sleeping and a higher heart rate and weight loss in certain people. Children and adolescents who are taking stimulant medications might experience a decrease in their growth rate, although this is not usually significant. Some people may develop anxiety or tics, and a small percentage of people could experience a severe reaction to the medication.
If you or your child is suffering from severe symptoms, visit a doctor immediately. Only take the medication as directed by your doctor. Ask your pharmacist if there's a program for returning prescription drugs. You can also mix the medication with ground coffee or cat litter and dispose of it.
Antidepressants
Many people who are prescribed stimulant medications for ADHD are also prescribed nonstimulant or antidepressant medications. They can have a relaxing effect and help control certain side effects of stimulants, such as an increase in appetite or difficulty sleeping. In general, medications that are not stimulant are less likely to cause depression than stimulants. They can also be helpful in treating anxiety and bipolar disorder, which are sometimes associated with ADHD.
Stimulants used to treat ADHD can be misused and even abused. Kids and teens without ADHD might use stimulants to boost their alertness or to curb their appetites in order to shed weight. Others may use them to feel "high." These substances fall under Schedule I drugs, which pose a risk of addiction. However, if they're properly prescribed and taken by adults, they won't increase the risk for addiction.
Methylphenidate, the most common medication used for ADHD, is a type of stimulant. It boosts brain activity areas that control behavior and attention. It's available in tablets that release immediately (small doses that are taken between 2 and 3 times a day) and modified-release tablets, which release the drug throughout the day. Also available in chewable and liquid form.
Some people who take stimulant medication for ADHD are able to experience a brief period of fatigue, negative mood, and an increase in activity when the medication has worn off. This is known as the rebound effect. Changes in the time you take your medication or altering the dosage can help to reduce the symptoms.
Intuniv, a drug that has a long-acting effect that contains guanfacine for adults with ADHD, is another alternative. This blood pressure medication is a type of alpha-2 adrenergic agonist and has been found to be highly effective in the reduction of impulsive and hyperactive behavior in adults. It's not as effective in reducing symptoms of inattention, however.
Finding the appropriate ADHD medication for your child or yourself may take some time. Your doctor will probably start with small doses, and gradually increase them until you discover a combination that can control your symptoms with the lowest number of adverse effects. You should visit your GP regularly to undergo regular check-ups and determine if the dosage should be adjusted.