ADHD Medicine For Kids
Some children require multiple ADHD medicines to achieve the most effective results. Children should be taking their medication on a regular schedule.
Stimulant drugs work by helping normal brain chemicals improve concentration, and regulate impulses. They are available in pill form, liquid or extended-release capsules. The doctor will begin you with a lower dose and then monitor your reaction to the medication.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a stimulant, helps to reduce ADHD symptoms. It can be used to treat narcolepsy. It works by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration and improves mood. It is a controlled substance which means that it has to be prescribed by a physician and is only available on prescription (it is not available on the market). Methylphenidate comes in capsules, tablets, oral solution or transdermal patches. The type of methylphenidate prescribed will depend on the diagnosis of the doctor as well as other factors.
Methylphenidate could cause side effects, such as a headache or stomachache dry mouth, a rapid heartbeat, shakiness or nervousness. Some sufferers may experience facial tics which are uncontrollable movements of the muscles in the face. This happens in less than one in 100 people taking methylphenidate, but it's important to tell your doctor right away when you or your child begins experiencing this problem. It may also cause an increase in blood pressure and heartbeat, which your doctor will closely watch while you are taking it. Some people might also suffer from a skin reaction like a rash, which can be itchy, swollen or blistered. It can also affect the blood flow to the feet and fingers (Raynaud’s disease). This is a serious ailment that requires immediate hospital care.
Generally speaking, methylphenidate is safe for most people when taken as directed. It can cause a dangerous blood pressure drop if taken in excess or too often. It may also make you feel dizzy and shaky and it's not recommended that you drive or operate machinery if you take it.
Methylphenidate is rated as a Schedule II drug, which means that it has the potential to be misused. It can also become habit-forming for some people, which is why it is important to be cautious not to share your medication with anyone else. Keep your methylphenidate locked in a cupboard and only use the prescribed amount.
Amphetamines
Amphétamines are used to treat ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They are effective by boosting the levels of certain brain chemicals that improve concentration and help to control impulsive behavior. They can also be used to treat certain symptoms of Tourette's syndrome.
These medicines are available as 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 take them once each week, however certain people may take them twice.
Atomoxetine works differently than other stimulant drugs. It is available to children and teenagers who are over 5 if methylphenidate or Lisdexamfetamine are not available. It functions differently than other stimulant medications and is available to children and teens older than 5 if it's inaccessible 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.
Stimulant drugs are commonly abused. It's important to keep your child or teen's medication secure out of sight and reach from friends and should not be shared or sold with other people. It can be dangerous to take the medication the wrong way. For instance, crushing the medication and injecting it. Some street drugs, such as MDMA (ecstasy) and methamphetamine are derived from amphetamines.
Amphetamines can be addictive and have side effects that are difficult to deal with particularly for people who are older. These can include extreme exhaustion, irritability cravings and a desire to take more. If you or your child experience any of these symptoms speak to your doctor immediately.
If you or your child is taking long-acting stimulants, you need to be aware of the risk of a sudden decrease in blood pressure when the drug is stopped. If this happens, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance immediately. This could be risky and could result in a heart attack, stroke or even death. Talking to your doctor may aid you in managing the effects of stopping or reducing the dose. They can also provide support and advice.
Long-acting stimulants
Many people suffering from ADHD find that stimulants aid in staying focused, finish tasks and enhance their relationships. But not everyone responds to this kind of medication. And the side effects -like heart palpitations anxiety and a negative effect on appetite and sleep--are often uncomfortable. add in adults medication can keep people from taking the medications they need.
There are methods to lessen these side effects. Your doctor can reduce the dosage of your medication or change it to a different medication, and self-help techniques can be a huge help.
Most people who are taking an ADHD medication must be closely monitored by a medical professional. It can take up to one month before the medication takes its full effect, so it is crucial to determine the appropriate dosage. The doctor will ask about your daily routine and habits and any other health issues that you or your child might be suffering from.
Concerta, Focalin, Ritalin SR and Vyvanse are among the most well-known stimulants that have a long-lasting effect. They are part of a class of drugs referred to as methylphenidates and have been around for a long time. Some are available in liquid form and chewable tablets, while others are on skin patches for kids who don't want take pills.
Another type of long-acting ADHD medication is the amphetamine class comprising Adderall and Dexedrine. They are more potent and last longer than methylphenidates. They can be taken in a variety of ways, including powder for children who are too young to take pills. These medications can be mixed with milk or juice to make them more enjoyable for children who are sensitive to.
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree, (viloxazine), are long-acting stimulants which do not belong to the methylphenidate or amphetamine group. They are part of a class of drugs known as selective Norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitors and are able to increase levels of norepinephrine, a brain chemical. They can also lessen the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Other medicines
Non-stimulant medications can be prescribed if stimulants are not effective or cause unpleasant adverse effects. These drugs take longer to effect but they can help improve your ability to focus and manage impulses. They can also help reduce anxiety and depression, that can be a problem with ADHD. Doctors may also suggest therapy to assist you in managing your symptoms and improve behaviour or suggest to avoid certain foods drinks, food items, or other activities that are known to cause issues in people with ADHD.
Stimulants regulate the levels of two chemical brain messengers called dopamine and norepinephrine. Norepinephrine helps you focus and dopamine enhances your concentration. There are 12 medications that have been approved for treating ADHD. These include methylphenidate hydrochloride, lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, amphetamine sulfate, dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride/serdexmethylphenidate chloride, mixed amphetamine salts and atomoxetine (Strattera). Atomoxetine was the first drug approved for adults with ADHD as a nonstimulant. It is a selective inhibitor of norepinephrine uptake, 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 are also prescribed by doctors to boost dopamine levels in the mind. Bupropion is most commonly prescribed as an antidepressant for treating adult ADHD. It is prescribed "off-label", to treat ADHD when it is associated with depression or substance abuse disorders, especially cannabis and nicotine addiction.
Some experts believe there is a connection between mood and ADHD and antidepressants could be helpful in treating ADHD symptoms and improving your mood. The NHS recommends talking to your GP before taking these medicines.
If your GP decides that medication is suitable for you, they will prescribe a dose and begin you on small doses which they will then gradually increase over a few weeks. Your GP will monitor you regularly to make sure the treatment is effective and to examine any side effects. They may also refer you to an expert, such as counselors or psychologists for further assistance.