ADHD Medicine For Kids
Some children require multiple ADHD medications to get the most effective results. Children should take their medicine regularly.
The stimulant drugs work by helping normal brain chemicals improve concentration, and regulate impulses. They are available in liquid extended-release capsules, pills. The doctor will start you with a small dose and then monitor your reaction to the medication.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a stimulant is a treatment for narcolepsy and ADHD symptoms. It boosts the levels of dopamine, which can improve mood and concentration. It is a controlled drug, meaning that it must be prescribed by a doctor and can only be purchased with a prescription (it is not available on the street). Methylphenidate may be taken in tablets or capsules, as an oral solution or as transdermal patches. The kind of methylphenidate prescribed will depend on the doctor's diagnoses and other factors.
Methylphenidate could cause side effects, such as stomachache or headache dry mouth, a rapid heartbeat, shakiness, and nervousness. Some people may experience facial tics, which are uncontrollable movements of muscles of the face. This is a problem that occurs in less than one out of 100 people who take methylphenidate. It's important to notify your doctor immediately if you child or you are experiencing this type of problem. It can also increase blood pressure and heart rate that your doctor will be monitoring carefully during your treatment. Some people might also have a skin reaction like a rash, which is swollen, itchy or blistered. It can also affect the blood flow to the feet and fingers (Raynaud’s disease). This is very serious and requires immediate treatment in hospital.
Generally, methylphenidate is considered safe for most people when taken as directed. It could cause a risky drop in blood pressure if taken in large quantities or over a long period of time. It can also make people feel dizzy or sleepy. Therefore, it's not recommended to drive or operate machines while taking it.
Methylphenidate is rated as a Schedule II drug, which means that it could be misused. It could also trigger addiction in certain people. It is best not to share your medication. Keep adhd medication list locked in a cabinet and only use the prescribed amount.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines, a class of medications, are used to treat ADHD in children and adolescents as well as adults. They help by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain which improves concentration and helps to control impulsive behavior. They also aid in the treatment of some Tourette's symptoms.
The medicines are available in tablets with immediate release and extended-release capsules as well in an oral solution. In the UK they are regulated medicines (class C), which means that you have to be registered by your doctor in order to get the pills. Most people take them once every week, however some people might take them twice.
Atomoxetine is different from other stimulant drugs. It can be prescribed to teenagers and children older than 5 if methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine are not available. It performs differently than other stimulant drugs. It is available to adolescents and children who are over 5 years old in the event that methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine aren't available or for adults with an illness that has been diagnosed. It is usually taken as a capsule once or twice per day.
Stimulant medications are widely abused. It is essential to ensure that your child's or teenager's medication secure away from sight and reach from friends and should not be shared or sold with other people. If you take the medication in the wrong way such as crushing it and injecting it, can be extremely dangerous and life-threatening. Certain street drugs are based on the structure of amphetamines, including methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy).
Amphetamines can trigger addiction and have side effects that can be difficult to deal with especially for older people. These adverse effects could include extreme exhaustion and anger. They may also include cravings for the drug, a desire to continue taking the drug, and an extreme fatigue. If you or your child experience any of these side effects speak to your doctor as soon as you can.
If you or your child are taking long-acting stimulants, it's important to be aware of a sudden drop in blood pressure once the medication is stopped. If this happens, call triple zero (000) to request an ambulance immediately. This could be dangerous and can lead to a stroke, heart attack or death. You can seek support and advice from your physician by talking to them about the consequences of cutting down on the medication or reducing it.
Long-acting stimulants
Stimulants can assist people with ADHD focus to complete their tasks and improve their relationships. Some people are not able to use this kind of medication. The side effects, such as anxiety and heart palpitations and the negative effects on appetite and sleep are usually unpleasant. These problems can keep people from taking the medicines they require.
There are methods to lessen these side effects. Your doctor can lower the dose of your medicine or switch you to a different one and self-help strategies can make a big difference.
Most people who are taking an ADHD medication must be monitored by an expert in medical care. It takes up to a month before the medication can take its full effect, therefore it's essential to find the appropriate dosage. The doctor will inquire about your routine and habits and any other health concerns you or your child could be suffering from.
Concerta, Focalin, Ritalin SR and Vyvanse are a few of the most well-known stimulants with long-acting properties. They belong to a class of drugs known as methylphenidates and all of them have been in use for a long time. Some are available in chewable tablets or liquid as well as applied to a skin patch for kids who aren't keen on swallowing pills.
The other type of long-acting ADHD medication is the amphetamine group that includes Adderall and Dexedrine. They are more potent and last longer than methylphenidates. They can be taken in different ways, including powder, for children who are too young to take pills. These medicines can be mixed with milk or juice to make them more enjoyable for certain children.
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree, (viloxazine), are long-acting stimulants that are not part of the methylphenidate group nor the amphetamine group. They are part of a class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors. They work by increasing the levels of a chemical in the brain called norepinephrine. They can also lessen the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Other medicines
If the stimulants do not work or have undesirable side effects, your doctor may prescribe non-stimulant drugs. These drugs require longer to get started however they can enhance your ability to concentrate and control your impulses. They also help reduce depression and anxiety that may occur with ADHD. Doctors may also recommend therapy to help you manage your symptoms and improve your behavior or suggest to avoid certain foods drinks, food items, or other activities known to cause problems for people suffering from ADHD.
The effects of stimulants alter the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. Norepinephrine increases concentration, and dopamine helps to improve it. There are 12 medications 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 was the first drug approved for adults with ADHD as a non-stimulant. It is a selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitor, which means it increases the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. Other drugs in this group are guanfacine chloride (Tenex and Intuniv) and Clonidine hydrochloride (Catapres).
Doctors can prescribe antidepressants that increase the amount of dopamine, the chemical messenger in the brain. Bupropion is most commonly prescribed as an antidepressant treatment for adult ADHD. It is often prescribed "off-label" to treat ADHD when it occurs alongside depression or other substance use disorders, including cannabis and nicotine addiction.
Some experts believe there is a connection between mood and ADHD which is why antidepressants may be helpful in treating ADHD symptoms as well as improving your mood. The NHS recommends you speak with your GP prior to taking these drugs.
If your GP determines that medication is the right option for you, he will prescribe a small amount, which he will gradually increase over the course of a few weeks. Your GP will be monitoring you regularly to make sure that the treatment is effective and to examine any side effects. They might also recommend you to an expert, such as counselors or psychologists for further assistance.