ADHD Medicine For Kids
Some children need to take more than one ADHD medicine to get the best results. Kids should be taking their medications regularly.
The stimulant drugs help normal brain chemicals improve concentration and control of impulses. They are available in liquid form extended-release capsules, pills. The doctor will put you on a low dose and watch how you react to the medication.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a stimulant, is a treatment for Narcolepsy and ADHD symptoms. It increases the levels of dopamine, which improves concentration and mood. It is a controlled substance which means it must be prescribed by a physician and can only be purchased with a prescription (it is not available on the street). Methylphenidate comes in tablets, capsules oral solution, transdermal patches. The type of methylphenidate prescribed is based on the diagnosis of the doctor and other elements.
Methylphenidate could cause negative side effects, like stomachache, headaches dry mouth, a fast heartbeat, shakiness, and anxiety. Some people may experience facial tics, which are uncontrollable movements of the muscles in the face. This can happen in less than 1 out of 100 people who take methylphenidate but it's important to tell your doctor immediately when you or your child start having this problem. It can also cause an increase in heartbeat and blood pressure which your doctor will closely monitor while you are taking it. It can also trigger an allergic reaction to the skin in some individuals, like an itch that is swollen, raised, itchy, or blistered, and also a change in the way that blood flows to the toes and fingers (Raynaud's disease). This is very serious and requires immediate treatment at a hospital.
In general, methylphenidate can be considered safe by a majority of people if taken as directed. It can, however, cause a significant decrease in blood pressure when the dosage is too high or it's taken too often. It may also cause people to feel dizzy or sleepy. Therefore, it is not advised to drive or operate machinery while taking it.
Methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II substance, meaning that it can be used to treat addiction. It could also trigger addiction in certain people. You should not share your medication with anyone else. The best way to stop this from happening is to keep your methylphenidate in a locked cabinet and only take the amount prescribed by your physician.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines are a class of drugs used to treat ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that improve concentration and help to control impulsive behaviour. They can also help with some Tourette's symptoms.
The medicines are available in tablets that release immediately and extended-release capsules as well in an oral solution. In the UK they are controlled medications (class C) which means you must be signed in by your doctor to collect the pills. They are typically taken once a day however some people may take them twice daily.
Atomoxetine is an inhibitor of the noradrenaline reuptake pathway that is selective. It works in a different manner to other stimulant medicines and is available to teenagers and children older than five if it's impossible to take methylphenidate or Lisdexamfetamine or for adults if the condition is diagnosed within this category. It's typically taken as a capsule every day or twice a day.
Stimulant drugs are commonly abused. It is important to keep your child or teenager's medication safe, out of the reach of friends and family and family members, and not shared or sold with other people. It could be risky to use the medication in the wrong method. For instance crushing and injecting the medicine. Some street drugs are made up of the structure of amphetamines, including methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy).
Amphetamines are highly addictive and have adverse effects that can be difficult to manage particularly for older people. They can include extreme exhaustion, irritability cravings, and a desire to take more. If you or your child experiences any of these side effects consult your physician as soon as possible.
If you or your child are taking long-acting stimulants, you need to be aware of a sudden decrease in blood pressure once the drug is removed. Call triple zero (000) or an ambulance, immediately if this occurs. This could be dangerous and can lead to a stroke, heart attack, or even death. You can seek support and advice from your physician by discussing with them the effects of stopping the medication or reducing it.
Long-acting stimulants
Many people with ADHD find that stimulants help them stay focused, finish tasks, and improve their relationships. It is not for everyone to use this kind of medication. The side effectssuch as heart palpitations, anxiety, and a negative effect on sleep and appetite -- are usually uncomfortable. These issues can prevent people from taking the medications they require.
There are ways to ease these adverse effects. Your doctor can lower the dose of your medicine or switch you to a different one and self-help techniques can help you to make a difference.
Most people who are taking an ADHD medication should be monitored by an expert in medical care. It can take up to a month before the medication has its full effect, therefore it's crucial to find the right dosage. The doctor may inquire about your or your child's daily routine and habits to determine what works 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 popular stimulants with long-acting properties. These are in a group of drugs known as methylphenidates and have been in circulation for a long period of time. Some are available in liquid form and chewable tablets, whereas others are on skin patches for children who don't want to take pills.
The other type of long-acting ADHD medication is the amphetamine category comprising Adderall and Dexedrine. They are more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates. They can be used in different ways, including powder for younger children who cannot take pills. Some children prefer to take these medications mixed with juice or milk.
Strattera (atomoxetine), and Qelbree, (viloxazine), are stimulants with a long-acting effect that do not belong to the methylphenidate group or the amphetamine group. They belong to a class of drugs known as selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors and function by increasing levels of norepinephrine which is a brain chemical. They also help reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Other medicines
Non-stimulant medicines may be prescribed in cases where stimulants don't work or cause unwanted side effects. These medicines require longer to get started but they can increase your ability to concentrate and control your impulses. They can also reduce anxiety and depression that can be a result of ADHD. Doctors may also recommend therapy to assist you in managing your symptoms and improve behaviour or may suggest that you avoid certain food drinks, foods, or activities that can cause problems for those with ADHD.
Stimulants regulate the levels of two chemical brain messengers called dopamine and norepinephrine. Norepinephrine aids in concentration and dopamine helps to increase this concentration. There are 12 drugs that have been approved for treating ADHD. These include methylphenidate hydrochloride, lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, amphetamine sulfate, dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride/serdexmethylphenidate chloride, mixed amphetamine salts and atomoxetine (Strattera). Atomoxetine was the first medication approved for adults with ADHD as a non-stimulant. It is an inhibitor selective of norepinephrine uptake, which means that it increases the amount of norepinephrine inside the brain. Other drugs in this class include guanfacine hydrochloride (Tenex and Intuniv) and the clonidine hydrochloride (Catapres).
Doctors may also prescribe antidepressants, which boost the levels of dopamine, the chemical messenger in the brain. Bupropion is among the most commonly prescribed antidepressant for adult ADHD. It is prescribed "off-label" to treat ADHD when it occurs with depression or other substance abuse disorders, especially nicotine addiction and cannabis.
There are add medication uk iampsychiatry.uk who believe there is a link between mood and ADHD which is why antidepressants may be helpful in treating ADHD symptoms as well as improving your mood. The NHS suggests talking to your GP before taking these medicines.
If your GP decides that medication is suitable for you, they'll prescribe a dose, and begin with small doses, which they will then gradually increase over the course of a few weeks. Your GP will monitor you regularly to make sure the treatment is helping and also to check for any adverse effects that could develop. They may also refer you to specialists like counsellors or psychologists for further assistance.