ADHD Medicine For Kids
Some kids need to take more than one ADHD medicine to get 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 of impulses. They can be in form of liquid, pills, or extended-release capsules. The doctor will place you on a small dose and then observe how you react to the drug.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a stimulant, helps to reduce ADHD symptoms. It can also be used to treat the condition of narcolepsy. It boosts the levels of dopamine, which can improve concentration and mood. It is a controlled drug which means it is only available 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 kind of methylphenidate prescribed is based on the diagnosis of the doctor as well as other factors.
Methylphenidate could cause side effects, such as stomachache, headaches dry mouth, fast heartbeat, shakiness, and anxiety. It may also trigger facial tics in some people, which are sudden movements in the muscles of the face that aren't controlled. This occurs in less than one in 100 people who take methylphenidate. It is crucial to notify your doctor immediately if your child or you begin to experience this problem. It can also raise blood pressure and heart rate, which your doctor will monitor carefully during your treatment. Some people might also have a skin reaction such as 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 requires immediate treatment at a hospital.
In general, methylphenidate is able to be considered safe by a majority of people, if used as directed. It can cause a serious drop in blood pressure if taken in large quantities or over a long period of time. It can also make you feel sleepy and dizzy and it's not recommended to operate machinery or drive if you take it.
Methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II substance, meaning that it can be abused. It is also known to cause addiction in some people, so you should be careful not to share your medication with anyone else. Keep your methylphenidate locked in a cupboard and only use the prescribed amount.
Amphetamines
Amphétamines are commonly used to treat ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. They are effective by boosting the levels of certain brain chemicals which improves concentration and helps to control impulsive behaviour. They are also able to treat some of the symptoms of Tourette's syndrome.
They are available as immediate-release tablets, extended-release capsules, and an oral solution. They are controlled medicines in the UK (class C) which means that you must be enrolled by a doctor before you can collect the pills. They are most often taken once a day but some people will take them twice daily.
Atomoxetine differs from other stimulant medicines. It is available to teenagers and children who are over 5 if methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine aren't available. It functions differently than other stimulant medications however, it can be given to teenagers and children older than 5 if it's inaccessible to use methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine, or for adults if the condition is identified in this group. It is usually taken in the form of capsules, taken at least once or twice a day.
Drugs that stimulate the brain are often abused. It's important to keep your child or teenager's medication safe away from sight and reach of your friends, and not sold or shared with other people. If you take the medication in the wrong way such as crushing it and injecting it, is extremely hazardous and even life-threatening. Some street drugs are based on amphetamines' structures which include methamphetamine as well as MDMA (ecstasy).
Amphetamines are addictive and can cause negative side effects that can be difficult to manage, especially for older people. These side effects may include extreme fatigue and irritation. They can also cause cravings for the drug, a desire to continue taking the drug, as well as an extreme fatigue. If you or your child experience any of these side effects speak to your doctor immediately.
If you or your child is taking long-acting stimulants, you need to be aware of the risk of a sudden drop in blood pressure when the drug is removed. If this happens, dial triple zero (000) for an ambulance as soon as you can. This could be risky and can lead to a heart attack, stroke or death. You can seek help and advice from your physician by talking to them about the effects of cutting down on the medication or reducing it.
Long-acting stimulants
Stimulants can help those with ADHD focus and complete their tasks, as well as improve their relationships. However, not everyone responds to this class of medication. The side effects- like heart palpitations, anxiety and a negative effect on sleep and appetite -- are usually unpleasant. These problems can keep people from taking the medicines they require.
There are ways to help reduce the effects of these side effects. Your doctor may reduce the dose of your medication or move you to another one. Self-help strategies can make a big difference.
The majority of people who take an ADHD medication will need to be monitored closely by a medical professional. This is because it takes a couple of weeks to a month for the medication to have its full effect. Also, it is crucial to determine the appropriate dosage for you. The doctor may inquire about your child's or your own routine and habits in order to help determine what is effective for you, and will look at any other health issues that may be a problem.
Concerta, Focalin, Ritalin SR and Vyvanse are a few of the most well-known long-acting stimulants. These drugs are part of a group of drugs referred to as methylphenidates. They have been around for a number of years. Some are available in chewable tablets and liquids and others can be put on a skin patch for kids who don't want to swallow pills.
Adderall, Dexedrine and other amphetamine-based ADHD medications are also available. They are more potent and long-lasting effect than methylphenidates, and can be taken in a variety of ways, such powder form for younger children who can't take pills. These medicines can be mixed with milk or juice to enhance their taste for some kids.
Strattera (atomoxetine), and Qelbree, (viloxazine), are stimulants with a long-acting effect that are not part of the methylphenidate group nor the amphetamine group. They are in a group of drugs known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and are able to increase the levels of a chemical in the brain known as norepinephrine. They also help reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Other medicines
If the stimulants aren't working or cause unpleasant side effects, doctors might prescribe non-stimulant drugs. These drugs take longer to effect but they can help improve your ability focus and control impulses. They also help reduce anxiety and depression that may occur with ADHD. Doctors may also suggest therapy to help you manage your symptoms and improve your behavior or may suggest that you avoid certain foods drinks, food items, or other activities that are known to cause issues for those with ADHD.
Stimulants alter the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. Norepinephrine aids in concentration, and dopamine reinforces this concentration. 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 is the first medicine to be approved as a nonstimulant in adults with ADHD. It is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor, which essentially means it increases the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. Other drugs in this class include the 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 the most commonly prescribed antidepressant for adult ADHD. best adhd medication for adults uk is prescribed "off-label", to treat ADHD when it occurs with depression or substance abuse disorders, specifically nicotine addiction and cannabis.
Some experts think that there is a link between mood and ADHD, so antidepressants can help in treating ADHD symptoms as well as improving your mood. The NHS suggests speaking with your GP before taking these drugs.
If your GP determines that medication is appropriate for you, they will prescribe a dose and start you on small doses, which they will gradually increase over a few weeks. Your GP will be monitoring you regularly to make sure the treatment is effective and to identify any adverse effects that could occur. They might also recommend you to a specialist such as counsellors or psychologists for further assistance.