ADHD Medication - How Ritalin Helps Kids Manage ADHD
ADHD medication can make a significant difference in helping children manage their symptoms. Doctors prescribe two main types of medications to treat ADHD that are stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulants increase the amounts of two brain chemicals--norepinephrine and dopamine--that help kids focus. These are the first choice for teenagers and children with ADHD.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
Stimulant drugs are the first treatment option for a lot of people who suffer from ADHD. They are highly effective in improving concentration and attention for 70-80% of people who suffer from ADHD. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests starting with a medication that is FDA-approved. Only prescription medications are available, and should be taken as prescribed. Over-the-counter (OTC) supplements or vitamins marketed to treat ADHD have no scientific backing and may cause adverse side effects if used alongside prescription drugs.
There are numerous long-acting stimulant formulas each with a specific delivery system and a different time-action profile. These medications allow clinicians the ability to target 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 is absorbed into the bloodstream more slowly and is less likely to cause adverse reactions than short-acting ADHD medication. They last between 8 and 16 hours depending on the dosage. The longer time frame also allows the medication to have a a more consistent effect throughout the day and makes them a good choice for adults.
Long-acting ADHD medication can cause adverse effects, such as changes in appetite, stomach upset or an increase in heart rate. Other side effects include tics and minor slowing of growth. These are only temporary and usually go away as the body adjusts.
The most commonly used type of long-acting ADHD medication is methylphenidate. It is the active ingredient in Ritalin and other similar medications, and it increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. These neurotransmitters are essential chemical messengers that play a critical role in motivation, action, and cognition.
The most well-known stimulant medications for ADHD include amphetamines, methylphenidates and Atomoxetine. All of them are classified as "methylphenidates," although some are formulated differently. Some are absorbed into your body via the skin, while others are ingested by mouth or injected 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 may also prescribe atomoxetine, which works a little differently from the stimulants and lasts longer. There are also some antidepressants that are atypical and work well for ADHD symptoms. They include Wellbutrin (bupropion), and the two antihypertensives, Catapres as well as Tenex.
Stimulant medications work by increasing neurotransmitter levels in the brain. This helps improve concentration and reduce restlessness in kids and adults with ADHD. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. However does adhd medication work can cause adverse effects like dry mouth and blurred vision. Some people may also notice an increase in irritability and anxiety. Some people experience difficulty sleeping when they take them.
The "rebound effect", which can occur when the effects of the drug fade is a major issue. These drugs can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate in certain individuals. When taken as prescribed by a doctor, however these drugs are safe and effective in adults.
The best type of stimulant medication for a person 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 type of drug can reduce the risk of an effect of rebound and could decrease symptoms in the evening and afternoon as well.
Other forms of the medication can be taken throughout the day, if needed. Short-acting medications peak and decrease in the body rapidly, so anyone who has 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 adolescents, children and adults. They are the most effective medications to reduce ADHD symptoms. They can have serious and life-threatening side effects if taken improperly or in excessive doses. They also increase the risk of developing depression and other mental health disorders.
Nonstimulant medications
Nonstimulant medications are an alternative to stimulant drugs, such as Ritalin in the event that they fail to work or cause negative side effects that are too serious. These medications are less addictive and abuse-prone than stimulants. They work by increasing the levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine. These medicines are typically prescribed by specialists in mental health issues, or psychiatrists. They are often employed in conjunction with other treatments such as psychosocial treatment and lifestyle modifications.
Nonstimulant medicines may require longer to begin working than stimulants. It could also be necessary to take a higher dose to attain the same effect. They are prescribed as capsules or tablets and can be taken with or without food. They are more likely to cause stomach upset, or change heart rate and blood pressure. They also be at risk of developing interactions with other medications which is why it is important to monitor them carefully.
Certain ADHD medications are available in patch form, which can be worn on the skin. These patches are ideal for those who forget or have difficulty swallowing tablets. These patches are also beneficial for children who are tactilely-sensitive and do not like taking medication via mouth. However, the patch is limited use for children due to its requirement for continuous application.
Finding the ideal dosage and schedule can take some time. It's important to be able to communicate clearly and transparently with your health care professional about the way your child or you respond to the medication. Keep a log of your symptoms, or those of your child and any changes in medication.
There are always side consequences when you take any medication. Some sufferers experience stomach upset, difficulty sleeping, an increased heart rate, and weight loss. Children and adolescents who take stimulant medication may experience a decrease in their growth rate. This is typically not significant. Some individuals may experience anxiety or tics. A small percentage of people experience a severe reaction to the medication.
See a doctor as soon as you or your child develop severe symptoms. Medicines should only be taken according to the instructions of your doctor. If you've got leftover medication, consult your pharmacist about a prescription drug take-back program or mix it in with cat litter or coffee grounds and dispose of it.
Antidepressants
Many people who take stimulant medications for ADHD also take nonstimulant or an antidepressant medication. They can have a relaxing effect and may help to control certain side effects of stimulants, including a decrease in appetite or difficulty sleeping. In general, medications that are not stimulant are less likely to trigger depression than stimulants. They can also be beneficial in treating anxiety and bipolar disorder, which can be related to ADHD.
The stimulants used to treat ADHD have a great potential for misuse and abuse. Kids and teens who do not have ADHD might take them to increase their alertness or to reduce their appetite in order to lose weight. Others may take them to get "high." They fall under Schedule I drugs, which pose a risk of addiction. However, when they are appropriately prescribed and used by adults, they won't increase the chance of addiction.
Methylphenidate, the most common medication used to treat ADHD, is a type of stimulant. It stimulates the activity in the brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. It's available in immediate-release tablets (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 liquid and chewable form.
When stimulant medications are taken for ADHD, some people experience a brief period where they feel fatigued depressed, irritable, and active. This is called the rebound effect. Changes in the time you take your medication or adjusting your dosage can reduce these symptoms.
Intuniv, a long-acting medication that contains guanfacine, a substance for adults with ADHD is a different alternative. This blood pressure medication is a type of alpha-2 adrenergic agonist and has been proven to be extremely effective in decreasing impulsive and hyperactive behaviors in adults. It's not as helpful in reducing inattention symptoms, though.
Finding the best ADHD medication for you or your children can take some time. Your doctor will probably start with small doses, and gradually increase them until you find a combination that will control your symptoms while causing the least number of side effects. You'll have to visit your GP regularly for checks and to determine if the dosage needs to be adjusted.