ADHD Medicine For Kids
Some children require multiple ADHD medications to get the most effective results. Children should take their medicine on a regular basis.
Stimulant drugs help normal brain chemicals improve concentration and also control impulses. They can be found in form of liquid, pills, or extended-release capsules. The doctor will start you on a low dose and watch how you react to the medication.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a stimulant can be used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD symptoms. It works by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration and improves mood. It is a controlled drug, which means that it can only be purchased on prescription and must be prescribed by a doctor. Methylphenidate is available as tablets or capsules, as an oral solution, or as a transdermal patch. The type of methylphenidate prescribed will depend on the diagnosis of the doctor as well as other elements.
Methylphenidate could cause side effects, such as a headache, stomachache dry mouth, fast heartbeat, shakiness, and anxiety. It can cause facial tics in certain people who experience rapid movements of the muscles of the face that aren't controlled. This can happen in less than 1 in 100 people taking methylphenidate, but it's crucial to inform your doctor immediately if you or your child starts experiencing this issue. It can also raise blood pressure and heart rate that your doctor will monitor carefully during your treatment. Some people may also experience a skin reaction, like a rash, which is swollen, itchy or blistered. It can also affect the blood flow to the fingers and feet (Raynaud’s disease). This is very serious and needs immediate treatment in hospital.
In general, methylphenidate may be considered safe by most people if taken as directed. It can cause a serious blood pressure drop if taken in excess or too often. It can also make you feel dizzy and shaky and it's not recommended to drive or operate machinery if you take it.
Methylphenidate is rated as a Schedule II drug, which means it has the potential to be misused. It could also trigger addiction in some people. You should not give your medication away. The best way to help avoid this is to keep your methylphenidate locked in a cupboard and only use the dosage prescribed by your physician.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines are a class of drugs used to treat ADHD in children as well as adults. They work by increasing levels of certain brain chemicals, increasing concentration and helping control the behavior of impulsiveness. They are also able to help with some symptoms of Tourette's syndrome.
These medications are available in the form of immediate-release tablets, extended-release capsules and an oral solution. In the UK they are controlled medicines (class C) which means you must be signed in by your doctor to collect them. Most people take them once each week, however some people may take them twice.
Atomoxetine differs from other stimulant drugs. It can be prescribed to children and teenagers who are over 5 if methylphenidate or Lisdexamfetamine aren't available. It functions in a different manner than other stimulant medications, but may be offered to children and teens over the age of 5 if it's not possible to use methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine, or for adults if the condition is identified within this category. It is usually taken as a capsule once or twice per day.
The use of stimulants is widespread. It's important to ensure that your child's or teenager's medication safe out of sight and reach of your friends, and not shared or sold to other people. When you use the medication in the wrong way, for example crushing and injecting it, can be very dangerous and even life-threatening. Certain street drugs, like MDMA (ecstasy) and methamphetamine are derived from amphetamines.
Amphetamines can cause addiction and have side effects that are difficult to deal with, especially in older people. These can include feelings of extreme exhaustion, irritability, cravings, and a desire to take more. If you or your child suffers any of these side effects consult your physician as soon as you can.
If you or your children are taking long-acting stimulant drugs, it's important to be aware that blood pressure could drop suddenly when the drug is stopped. Contact triple zero (000) or an ambulance, as soon as this happens. This could be extremely dangerous and could result in a stroke, heart attack or even death. Talking to your doctor can help you manage the effects of reducing or stopping the dosage, and offer support and guidance.
Long-acting stimulants
Many people with ADHD discover that stimulants can aid in staying focused, finish tasks and enhance their relationships. Not everyone is able to take this type of medication. The side effects, such as anxiety and heart palpitations and the negative impact on sleep and appetite are typically uncomfortable. These issues can keep people from taking the medication they need.
There are ways to help alleviate these adverse 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.
The majority of people who take an ADHD medication should be monitored by a medical professional. It can take up to a month before the medication has its full effect, therefore it's crucial to find the correct dosage. The doctor may inquire about your child's or your own routine and habits in order to determine what works best for you and will also look into any other health issues that could be causing problems.
Concerta, Focalin, Ritalin SR and Vyvanse are some of the most popular stimulants with long-acting properties. They belong to 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, whereas others come on skin patches for children who do not want to take pills.
Another type of long-acting ADHD medication is the amphetamine category comprising Adderall and Dexedrine. These have a more potent and last longer than methylphenidates and can be taken in a variety of ways, such as in the form of a powder for younger children who aren't able to take pills. Some children prefer to take these pills mixed with juice or milk.
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are psychostimulants that have a long-lasting effect but are not in the amphetamine or methylphenidate groups. They belong to a class of drugs known as selective Norepinephrine Resuptake Inhibitors. They function by increasing levels of norepinephrine which is a brain chemical. They can also lessen the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Other medicines
Non-stimulant medications can be prescribed if stimulants are not effective or cause undesirable adverse effects. These medications can take longer to kick in however they can enhance your ability to focus and control impulses. They also help reduce anxiety and depression that can be a result of ADHD. Doctors may also suggest therapy to help you learn how to manage your symptoms and to improve your behavior. They may suggest that you stay away from certain foods, beverages or activities that are believed to cause problems for those with ADHD.
Stimulants adjust the levels of two chemical messengers in your brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. Norepinephrine improves concentration, while dopamine enhances it. There are 12 medications that are 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 medicine to be approved as a non-stimulant in adults with ADHD. It is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor, which means that it increases the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. Other drugs that belong to this group include guanfacine hydrochloride (Tenex and Intuniv) and clonidine hydrochloride (Catapres).
Antidepressants can also be prescribed by doctors to increase dopamine levels in the mind. Bupropion is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant for adult ADHD. It is often prescribed "off-label" to treat ADHD if it appears alongside depression or substance abuse disorders, including cannabis and nicotine addiction.
There are some experts who believe there is a link between mood and ADHD which is why antidepressants may be helpful in treating ADHD symptoms and improving your mood. The NHS recommends talking to your GP prior to taking these medications.
If your GP decides that medication is the best choice for you, he will prescribe a small dosage which he will gradually increase over the course of several weeks. Your GP will regularly monitor you to make sure that the treatment is working and to examine any side effects. add medication adult might also recommend you to specialists, such as counsellors or psychologists, for additional support.