ADHD Medicine For Kids
Some children need to take more than one ADHD medicine to get the best results. Children should be taking their medications on a regular schedule.
Stimulant medicines work to aid normal brain chemicals in improving concentration and control impulses. They can be found in form of liquid, pills, or extended-release capsules. The doctor will put you on a low dose and then observe how you react to the medication.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a stimulant, aids in reducing ADHD symptoms and can be used to treat the symptoms of narcolepsy. It boosts the levels of dopamine, which can improve concentration and mood. It is a controlled drug, which means that it can only be purchased by prescription and must be prescribed by a physician. Methylphenidate comes in tablets, capsules or oral solutions, as well as transdermal patches. The type of methylphenidate prescribed depends on the diagnosis of your doctor and other aspects.
Methylphenidate may cause adverse effects, including stomachache, headache dry mouth, a rapid heartbeat, shakiness and anxiety. It may also trigger facial tics in some people who experience sudden movements in the muscles of the face that aren't controlled. adhd and depression medication can happen in less than 1 in 100 people taking methylphenidate, but it's important to tell your doctor right away when you or your child start experiencing this problem. It also increases blood pressure and heart rate which your doctor will be monitoring carefully while you take it. Some people may also have a skin reaction such as a rash, which is swollen, itchy or blistered. It may also affect the flow of blood to the feet and fingers (Raynaud’s disease). This is very serious and requires immediate treatment at a hospital.
In general, methylphenidate is safe for the majority of people when taken as directed. However, it can cause a serious lower blood pressure in the event that the dose is too high or it's used too frequently. It can also make people feel dizzy or sleepy. Therefore, it's not recommended to drive or operate machinery while taking it.
Methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II substance, meaning that it can be abused. It is also a habit-forming drug in some people, so you should be careful not to share your medication with anyone else. Keep your methylphenidate in a cupboard, and only use the amount prescribed.
Amphetamines
Medications known as amphetamines are used to treat ADHD in children as well as adults. They help by increasing levels of certain brain chemicals, improving concentration and helping manage impulsive behavior. They are also able to treat some of the symptoms of Tourette's syndrome.
They are available in immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules, as well in an oral solution. In the UK, they are controlled medicines (class C) which means that you must be enrolled by your physician to receive the pills. They are usually taken once a day however some people may take them twice a day.
Atomoxetine is a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor. It functions in a different way to other stimulant medicines however, it can be given to children and teens older than five if it's impossible to take methylphenidate or Lisdexamfetamine, or for adults if the condition is recognized within this category. It is typically consumed in the form of capsules, taken once or twice daily.
The use of stimulants is widespread. It is important to keep your child's or teenager's medication secure out of sight and reach of your friends and should not be shared or sold with other people. It could be risky to take the medication the wrong method. For example, crushing and injecting the medicine. Some street drugs, including MDMA (ecstasy) and methamphetamine, are made from amphetamines.
Amphetamines are addictive and can have adverse effects that are difficult to manage particularly for people who are older. These side effects may include extreme fatigue and anger. They could also include cravings, a desire to continue using the drug, and feelings of fatigue. Talk to your doctor in the event that you or your child is experiencing any of these side-effects.
If you or your child is taking long-acting stimulants, it's important to be aware of a sudden drop in blood pressure once the medication is stopped. If this occurs, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance as soon as you can. This could be extremely dangerous and can lead to an attack on the heart, stroke or even death. Talking to your doctor can aid you in managing the effects of stopping or reducing the dosage, and give you support and advice.
Long-acting stimulants
Stimulants can assist people with ADHD remain focused to complete their tasks and improve their relationships. However, not everyone is able to respond to this type of medication. The adverse effects, like heart palpitations and anxiety, and the negative effects on sleep and appetite are typically uncomfortable. These issues can stop people from taking the medication they need.
There are methods to alleviate these adverse effects. Your doctor can decrease the dose of your medication, or change you to a different one. Self-help strategies can make a massive difference.
A majority of people who are taking an ADHD medication will need to be closely monitored by an expert in medical care. This is due to the fact that it takes a few weeks to a month for the medication to take its full effect and because it is crucial to determine the right dosage for you. The medical professional may ask about your or your child's routine and habits in order to help determine what is effective for you, and will also look into any other health conditions that may be a problem.
Some of the most common forms of long-acting stimulants include Concerta, Focalin and Ritalin SR, and Vyvanse. They are part of a class of drugs referred to as methylphenidates and all of them have been in use for a long time. Some are available as liquids and chewable tablets, while others are on skin patches for kids who don't want to take pills.
Adderall, Dexedrine and other amphetamine-based ADHD medications are also available. They are more potent and last longer than methylphenidates. They can be used in a variety of ways, including powder for children younger than the age of take pills. Some children prefer to take these pills mixed with milk or juice.
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are psychostimulants with a long-acting effect that aren't in the amphetamine or methylphenidate groups. They are part of a class of drugs referred to as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and are able to increase the levels of a chemical in the brain called norepinephrine. They can also decrease the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Other medications
Non-stimulant medicines may be prescribed in cases where stimulants are not effective or cause undesirable adverse effects. These medications take longer to start working but they can increase your ability to focus and control your impulses. They can also reduce anxiety and depression that can be a result of ADHD. Doctors may also recommend therapy to teach you skills to manage your symptoms and improve behaviour, or they may suggest that you stay away from certain drinks, foods or activities that are believed to cause problems for those with ADHD.
Stimulants alter levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. Norepinephrine helps you focus, and dopamine reinforces this concentration. There are 12 drugs that have been approved to treat ADHD. These include methylphenidate hydrochloride, lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, amphetamine sulfate, dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride/serdexmethylphenidate chloride, mixed amphetamine salts and atomoxetine (Strattera). Atomoxetine is the first drug to be approved as a nonstimulant for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a selective inhibitor of norepinephrine synthesis that means it increases the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. Other drugs that belong to this group include guanfacine hydrochloride (Tenex and Intuniv) and the clonidine hydrochloride (Catapres).
Doctors may prescribe antidepressants, which increase the level of dopamine, the chemical messenger in the brain. Bupropion is most commonly prescribed as an antidepressant treatment for adult ADHD. It is usually prescribed "off-label" to treat ADHD when it occurs alongside depression or other substance use disorders, including nicotine addiction and cannabis.
Some experts believe there is a link between mood and ADHD. Antidepressants can be beneficial in treating ADHD symptoms as well as improving mood. The NHS recommends talking to your GP prior to taking these medications.
If your GP decides that medication is right for you, they will prescribe a dose and start you on small doses, which they'll gradually increase over a couple of weeks. Your GP will be monitoring you regularly to ensure that the treatment is working and look for any adverse effects. They might also recommend you to an expert like a psychologist or a counsellor, for additional support.