ADHD Medicine For Kids
Some children need to take more than one ADHD medication to achieve the most effective results. Children should be taking their medications on a regular schedule.
Stimulant medications work to help normal brain chemicals improve concentration and control impulses. They are available in liquid, extended-release capsules, or pill form. The doctor will put you on a lower dose and observe how you react to the medication.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant which helps to reduce ADHD symptoms. It can also be used to treat the condition of narcolepsy. It works by increasing the 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 doctor and is only available with a prescription (it is not available for purchase on the streets). Methylphenidate may be taken in tablets or capsules, as an oral solution, or as transdermal patches. The kind of methylphenidate prescribed is based on the doctor's diagnoses and other factors.
Methylphenidate could cause side effects, such as a headache or stomachache, a dry mouth, a fast heartbeat, shakiness, and anxiety. Some people may experience facial tics which are uncontrollable movements of muscles of the face. This is a problem that occurs in less than 1 in 100 people taking methylphenidate. It is important to inform your doctor right away if your child or you start experiencing this type of problem. It also increases the heart rate and blood pressure that your doctor will closely monitor when you are taking it. Certain people may 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 fingers and feet (Raynaud’s disease). This is very serious and requires immediate treatment at a hospital.
In general, methylphenidate is to be safe for most people if taken according to the directions. However, it could cause a significant reduction in blood pressure in the event that the dosage is too high or it's used too frequently. It may also cause people to feel sleepy or dizzy. Therefore, it is not recommended to drive or operate machinery while taking it.
Methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II substance, meaning that it is a substance that can be misused. It can also become habit-forming for some people, which is why it is important to be cautious not to give your medication to anyone else. The best way to help stop this from happening is to keep your methylphenidate locked in a cupboard and use only the amount recommended by your doctor.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines, a class of medications, are used to treat ADHD in children and adolescents as well as adults. They are effective by boosting the levels of certain brain chemicals, improving concentration and helping to control impulsive behavior. They can also be used to help with some symptoms of Tourette's syndrome.
They are available in tablets with immediate release and extended-release capsules, as being an oral solution. In the UK they are controlled medications (class C) which means that you have to be registered by your doctor to collect them. The majority of people take them once each week, however some people may take them twice.
Atomoxetine is an inhibitor of the noradrenaline reuptake pathway that is selective. It works differently from other stimulant drugs. It is available to children and teenagers older than 5 years old, if methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine are not available or to adults suffering from a medical condition that is diagnosed. It is typically consumed in the form of capsules, taken at least once or twice a day.
Many people abuse stimulant drugs. Make sure your child's or teen's medications out of reach and sight of friends. They are not to be shared or sold. It could be risky to take the medication in the incorrect way. For example crushing the pill and injecting it. Certain street drugs are made up of the structure of amphetamines, including methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy).
Amphetamines are highly addictive and cause side effects that can be difficult to manage particularly for older people. They can include feelings of extreme exhaustion, irritability cravings, and a desire to take more. Talk to your doctor if you or your child suffers any of these symptoms.
If you or your child are taking long-acting stimulants it is important to be aware of the risk of a sudden decrease in blood pressure when the drug is removed. Call triple zero (000) or an ambulance immediately if this happens. This is extremely risky and could result in an attack on the heart, stroke or even death. You can seek help and advice from your physician by talking to them about the consequences of stopping the medication or decreasing it.
Long-acting stimulants
Stimulants can help people with ADHD remain focused to complete their tasks and improve their relationships. Some people are not able to use this kind of medication. The side effects- like heart palpitations, anxiety, and a negative effect on sleep and appetite are often unpleasant. These issues can stop people from taking the medication they need.
There are many ways to reduce the effects of these side effects. Your doctor can lower the dose of your medicine or switch you to a different one and self-help strategies can also be a huge help.
Most people who are taking an ADHD medication must be monitored closely by an expert in medical care. It can take up to one month before the medication can take its full effect, so it's crucial to find the appropriate dosage. The medical professional may ask about your child's or your own daily routine and habits to determine what is effective for you, and will examine any other health conditions that could cause problems.
Concerta, Focalin, Ritalin SR and Vyvanse are a few of the most well-known long-acting stimulants. All of these belong to a class of drugs known as methylphenidates. They have been around for a number of years. Some are available as chewable tablets and liquids and others can be put on a skin patch for kids who don't want to swallow pills.
The other major kind of long-acting ADHD medication is the amphetamine class comprising Adderall and Dexedrine. They have a stronger and last longer than methylphenidates, and can be taken in different 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 medicines mixed with juice or milk.
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 called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and work by increasing the levels of a chemical in the brain called norepinephrine. They can also reduce symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Other medications
Non-stimulant drugs can be prescribed if stimulants are not effective or cause unwanted adverse effects. These drugs take longer to effect, but can improve your ability focus and control impulses. They can also help to reduce depression and anxiety, that can be a problem with ADHD. Doctors may also recommend therapy to help you develop the skills to manage your symptoms and to improve behaviour, or they might recommend that you avoid certain beverages, foods or activities that are believed to cause issues for people with ADHD.
Stimulants adjust the levels of two chemical messengers in your brain called dopamine and norepinephrine. Norepinephrine improves concentration, while dopamine helps to improve it. There are 12 drugs 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 receptor inhibitor, which means it increases the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. Other drugs in this group are guanfacine hydrochloride (Tenex and Intuniv) and clonidine hydrochloride (Catapres).
Antidepressants can also be prescribed by doctors to boost dopamine levels in the mind. Bupropion is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant for adult ADHD. It is prescribed "off-label" to treat ADHD when it is associated with depression or other substance abuse disorders, including nicotine addiction and cannabis.
Some experts think that there is a link between mood and ADHD and antidepressants could help in treating ADHD symptoms and improving your mood. medication for adhd uk suggests speaking with your GP prior to taking these medications.
If your GP decides that medication is the right option for you, he'll prescribe a small dose, which will gradually increase over the course of several weeks. Your GP will be monitoring you regularly to make sure the treatment is working and to examine any side effects. They may recommend you to an expert like psychologist or counselor, for further assistance.