ADHD Medication - How Ritalin Helps Kids Manage ADHD ADHD medications can help children 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 children and teens with ADHD. Long-acting stimulant formulations Stimulant drugs are the first treatment option for a lot of people with ADHD. They work for about 70-80 percent of those suffering from the disorder and are highly effective in improving attention and concentration. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting with an FDA-approved medication. Only prescription drugs are available, and should be taken exactly as prescribed. Over-the-counter (OTC) supplements or vitamins marketed to treat ADHD do not have a scientific basis, and they can cause adverse side effects if used alongside prescription drugs. There are many different long-acting stimulant formulas each with a specific delivery system and a different time-action profile. These medications let clinicians target specific times of day that are the most challenging for the patient. 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 drugs enter the bloodstream slower and are less likely to cause adverse effects than short-acting ADHD drugs. They last between 8 and 16 hours, depending on the medication. The longer duration also allows the medication to have a an overall effect that is consistent throughout the day and makes them a good choice for adults. Long-acting ADHD medication can cause adverse effects, such as changes in appetite, an upset stomach or a rise in heartbeat. Other side effects can include tics as well as a slight growth retardation however these are typically temporary and tend to go away after several days or weeks as the body adjusts to the medicine. Methylphenidate is the most common long-acting ADHD drug. It is the active component in Ritalin, and other similar medications. It works by increasing levels of dopamine within the brain. These neurotransmitters are essential chemical messengers that play a crucial role in motivation, action and cognition. The most popular stimulant medications used to treat ADHD are methylphenidates (amphetamines) and atomoxetine and amphetamines. All of these drugs are classified as methylphenidates, although some are made in different ways. Certain are absorbed into the body through the skin while others are taken orally or administered intravenously. Short-acting stimulant formulations There are a myriad of stimulant medications available to treat ADHD. This includes all methylphenidate forms including Ritalin Focalin Metadate and Metadate and amphetamines like Adderall, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse. Doctors can prescribe atomoxetine, stimulant that performs differently and lasts longer. There are also antidepressants that are not typical and can be effective for ADHD symptoms. These include Wellbutrin (bupropion) as well as the two antihypertensives, Catapres and Tenex. Stimulant medications help by increasing neurotransmitter levels within the brain. a fantastic read improves concentration and decrease restlessness in children and adults suffering from ADHD. The medication can also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Stimulants can cause adverse effects such as dry mouth and blurred vision. Some people might also notice an increase in irritability and anxiety. Some people experience trouble sleeping while taking them. One of the biggest concerns with these drugs is that they can cause the rebound effect when the effects diminish. The drugs can also cause high blood pressure and a higher heart rate in certain people. They are safe and effective for adults if taken according to the prescription of their physician. a fantastic read for someone with ADHD is a dose taken in the morning before going to school or work. These are known as long-acting stimulants. This form of the medication can help reduce symptoms and prevent the possibility of a rebound. Other types of the medication can be taken during the day, if required. Short-acting tablets are absorbed quickly and then peak in the body. People who require frequent doses of these pills may need to take more than one tablet every day. This could be a problem for many adults who have ADHD. Stimulants are among the most widely used treatment for ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They are the most effective medications to reduce ADHD symptoms. They could cause serious and life-threatening consequences if they are used incorrectly or in excess doses. They also increase the risk of depression and other mental health disorders. Nonstimulant medications If stimulant medications such as Ritalin do not work or cause unacceptably adverse effects, nonstimulant drugs are a viable option to treat ADHD symptoms. They are less addictive and more resistant to abuse than stimulants. They increase the brain chemical norepinephrine. Doctors or psychiatrists who specialize in mental conditions are the most likely to prescribe these medicines. They can be employed in conjunction with other treatments, such as psychosocial therapy and lifestyle modifications. Nonstimulant medicines can take longer to effect than stimulants. It is also possible to take a higher dosage in order to achieve the same effectiveness. They are usually prescribed in a capsule or tablet and are consumed with or without. They are more likely to cause stomach upset, or change heart rate and blood pressure. They can also be at chance of developing interactions with other drugs and therefore, you must be vigilant. Certain ADHD medications are available as patches which can be placed on the skin. These patches are ideal for people who forget or have difficulty swallowing tablets. These patches are also helpful for children who are tactilely-sensitive and are not comfortable taking medicines through the mouth. The patch is only beneficial for children who can apply it constantly. Finding the ideal dosage schedule, frequency, and medication can take some time. It's important to communicate clearly and openly 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 people experience stomach upset or sleep disturbances, as well as an increased heart rate, and weight loss. Children and adolescents who take stimulant medications can suffer a decrease in their growth rate. It is not usually significant. Some individuals may experience anxiety or tics. A small number may have a severe response to the medication. See a doctor as soon when you or your child experiences serious symptoms. Take only the medications prescribed by your physician. If you have leftover medication, consult your pharmacist about the possibility of a prescription drug take-back program or mix it with coffee grounds or cat litter and eliminate it. Antidepressants Many people who are prescribed stimulant medication for ADHD also receive nonstimulant or antidepressant medicines. They can have a calming effect and may help to control certain side effects of stimulants, such as a decrease in appetite or difficulty sleeping. Nonstimulant medications are less likely to trigger depression. They also can help treat bipolar and anxiety disorders which can be linked to ADHD. Stimulants that are used to treat ADHD have a high potential for misuse and abuse. Teens and kids with ADHD may use them to increase their alertness or to curb their appetites in order to lose weight. Others may take them to get high. Stimulants are Schedule I drugs with a high risk of addiction. If they are prescribed correctly and taken by adults they don't increase the likelihood of addiction. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for ADHD is a type of stimulant. It increases the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. It is available in tablets that release immediately (small doses that are taken 2 to 3 times a day) and a modified-release tablet, which releases the drug throughout the day. Also available in chewable and liquid form. When stimulant drugs are used for ADHD, some people experience a brief period of fatigue, depressed, and more active. This is referred to as the rebound effect. The symptoms can be reduced by altering the timing at which you take your medication or adjusting your dosage. 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 it has been found to be highly effective in decreasing impulsive and hyperactive behaviors in adults. It doesn't appear to be as effective in reducing the symptoms of inattention. Finding the appropriate ADHD medication for your child or yourself will take time. Your doctor may start with small doses, and gradually increase them until they find a combination that controls your symptoms with the least number of adverse effects. You'll need to see your GP regularly for regular checkups and to see whether the dosage should be adjusted.
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