ADHD Medicine For Kids
Some children require more than one ADHD medication to achieve the best results. Children should take their medication on a regular basis.
Stimulant medicines work to aid normal brain chemicals to improve concentration and control impulses. They can be in liquid form, pills or extended-release capsules. The doctor will put you on a low dose and then observe how you react to the medication.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant that helps reduce ADHD symptoms. It can be used to treat narcolepsy. It boosts the levels of dopamine, which can improve mood and concentration. It is a controlled substance, which means that it can only be purchased on prescription and must be prescribed by a doctor. Methylphenidate may be taken in capsules or tablets, as an oral solution or as transdermal patches. The type of methylphenidate prescribed depends on the diagnosis of your doctor and other factors.
Methylphenidate could cause side effects, such as stomachache, headaches dry mouth, a rapid heartbeat, shakiness and nervousness. It can also trigger facial tics in certain people who experience rapid movements in the muscles of the face that can't be controlled. This occurs in less than 1 out of 100 people taking methylphenidate, however, it is important to inform your doctor immediately when you or your child begins having this problem. It can also increase the heart rate and blood pressure which your doctor will monitor carefully when you are taking it. Some people may also have a skin reaction like a rash, that is itchy, swollen or blistered. It can also affect the blood flow to the feet and fingers (Raynaud’s disease). This is a serious condition and needs immediate treatment in hospital.
In general, methylphenidate is able to be considered safe by the majority of people when taken according to the directions. It can cause a serious drop in blood pressure if taken excessively or frequently. It may also cause people to feel sleepy or dizzy. Therefore, it's not advised to drive or operate machinery while taking it.
Methylphenidate has been classified as a Schedule II substance, meaning that it can be used to treat addiction. It is also known to cause addiction for some people, which is why it is important to be cautious not to share your medication with anyone else. The best way to help stop this from happening is to keep your methylphenidate locked in a cupboard and only use the amount prescribed by your physician.
Amphetamines
Medications known as amphetamines are used to treat ADHD in children as well as adults. They are effective by boosting the levels of certain brain chemicals that improve concentration and help to manage impulsive behavior. They also aid in the treatment of certain symptoms of Tourette's.
The medicines are available in immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules, as as an oral solution. They are controlled drugs in the UK (class C), meaning that you will need to be signed in by a physician when you collect the pills. The majority of people take them once each week, however some people may take them twice.
Atomoxetine is a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor. It works in a different way to other stimulant medicines and is available to teenagers and children over the age of five if it's impossible to take methylphenidate or Lisdexamfetamine or for adults if the condition is diagnosed in this group. It is usually taken as capsules, either every day, either once or twice.
Many people abuse stimulant drugs. Keep your child's or teenager's medications out of away from the sight of friends. They are not to be sold or shared. It can be dangerous to take the medication in the wrong method. For example, crushing and injecting the medicine. Certain street drugs are based on the structure of amphetamines such as methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy).
Amphetamines can lead to addiction and have side effects that can be difficult to deal with, especially in older people. They may include extreme exhaustion, irritability cravings, and a desire to take more. Consult your physician in the event that you or your child is experiencing any of these symptoms.
If you or your child are taking long-acting stimulants, it's important to be aware of the risk of a sudden decrease in blood pressure once the medication is stopped. Contact triple zero (000) or an ambulance immediately if this occurs. This could be dangerous and lead to a heart attack, stroke or death. You can get support and advice from your doctor by talking to them about the effects of stopping the medication or decreasing it.
Long-acting stimulants
Stimulants can help those with ADHD stay focused, complete tasks and improve their relationships. But not everyone responds to this type of medication. And the side effects -- like heart palpitations, anxiety and a negative effect on sleep and appetite -- are usually unpleasant. These issues can keep people from taking the medication they need.
There are ways to ease these side effects. best adhd medication can decrease the dose of your medication or switch you to another one. Self-help strategies can make a massive difference.
The majority of people who take an ADHD medication should be monitored by a medical professional. It takes up to a month before the medication has its full effect, therefore it's crucial to find the appropriate dosage. Medical professionals may inquire about your child's or your own daily routine and habits to get a sense of what works for you, and will also look into any other health conditions that could cause problems.
Concerta, Focalin, Ritalin SR and Vyvanse are a few of the most popular long-acting stimulants. best adhd medication are part of a class of drugs referred to as methylphenidates and all of them have been around for a long time. Some of them are available as chewable tablets and liquids, while others can be placed on a skin patch for kids who don't want to swallow pills.
Adderall, Dexedrine and other amphetamine-based ADHD medications are also available. These are more potent and last longer than methylphenidates. They can be used in various ways, including powder for children who are too young to take pills. Some children prefer to take these medicines mixed with milk or juice.
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are psychostimulants with a long-acting effect that aren't in the amphetamine or methylphenidate groups. They are part of a class of drugs referred to as selective Norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitors and function by increasing levels of norepinephrine which is a brain chemical. best adhd medication can also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms.
Other medications
If the stimulants don't work or cause unpleasant side effects, doctors might prescribe non-stimulant drugs. These medications can take longer to kick in but they can help improve your ability to focus and control impulses. They can also reduce depression and anxiety that may be associated with ADHD. Doctors may also recommend therapy to assist you in managing your symptoms and improve your behavior or they may recommend that you avoid certain food, beverages, or activities known to cause problems for people suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants alter levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in your brain. Norepinephrine enhances concentration, whereas dopamine enhances 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 was the first drug approved for adults with ADHD as a non-stimulant. It is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which means it increases the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. Other drugs in this class include guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv), and clonidine (Catapres).
Doctors can also prescribe antidepressants, which increase the level of dopamine, a chemical messenger, in the brain. Bupropion is typically prescribed as an antidepressant to treat adult ADHD. It is often prescribed "off-label" to treat ADHD when it is associated with depression or other substance use disorders, specifically nicotine addiction and cannabis.
Some experts believe there is a link between mood and ADHD which is why antidepressants may help in treating ADHD symptoms and improving your mood. The NHS recommends talking to your GP before taking these medicines.
If your GP determines that medication is right for you, they will prescribe a dose, and begin with small doses, which they will gradually increase over a couple of weeks. Your GP will be monitoring you regularly to ensure that the treatment is working and to examine any side effects. They may also recommend you to specialists such as counsellors or psychologists for further assistance.