From All Over The Web: 20 Fabulous Infographics About ADHD Medication Ritalin
ADHD Medication - How Ritalin Helps Kids Manage ADHD
ADHD medication can make a significant difference in helping children manage their symptoms. Doctors prescribe stimulants and nonstimulants to treat ADHD.
Stimulants increase the amounts of two brain chemicals--norepinephrine and dopamine--that help kids focus. These medications are a first-choice option for teenagers and children with ADHD.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
Many people with ADHD start treatment by taking stimulant medications. They are highly effective in improving attention and concentration for 70-80% of those who suffer from ADHD. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you start with an FDA-approved medication. Medications are only available by prescription and should be taken only as directed. Over-the-counter (OTC) supplements or vitamins that are advertised to treat ADHD are not backed by scientific research, and they can cause adverse side effects if used alongside prescription drugs.
There are several different long-acting stimulant formulas that provide custom delivery systems and different time-action profiles. These medications give clinicians the ability to target certain times of the day when the patient is at their weakest. For instance, patients who have trouble completing morning tasks can benefit from long-acting stimulants such as Dexedrine Spansules, Dextroamphetamine/AMPH patch (Xelstrym), or the newer extended-release oral medication Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
Long-acting ADHD drugs enter the bloodstream more slowly and are less likely to cause adverse effects than short-acting ADHD medications. They last between 8 and 16 hours, depending on the medication. The longer time frame allows for more of a consistent and long-lasting effect, which is ideal for adults.
Some possible side effects of long-acting ADHD medications include changes in appetite, an upset stomach, and an increase in heart rate. Other possible side effects include tics and a minor growth delays however these are typically temporary and usually disappear after a few days or weeks as the body adjusts to the medicine.
Methylphenidate is the most common long-acting ADHD medication. It is the active ingredient in Ritalin and similar medications, and it works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in motivation, cognition, and action.
The most commonly used stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD are methylphenidates (amphetamines) as well as atomoxetine amphetamines and atomoxetine. All of these drugs are classified as "methylphenidates," although some are designed differently. Some medications are absorbed through the skin, while others are taken in the form of an oral or intravenously.
Short-acting stimulant formulations
There are many formulations of stimulant medications that can be used to treat ADHD in adults. They include all forms of methylphenidate such as Ritalin, Focalin and Metadate, as well as amphetamines such as Adderall, Dexedrine and Vyvanse. A doctor can prescribe atomoxetine, which is a stimulant that works differently and lasts longer. There are also atypical antidepressants that work well to control ADHD symptoms, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) and the two antihypertensives Catapres as well as Tenex (clonidine).
Stimulant medications increase neurotransmitter levels in the brain. This helps to improve concentration and reduce restlessness in children and adults suffering from ADHD. Medications also help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also cause adverse effects such as dry mouth and blurred vision. Some people may also notice an increase in irritability and anxiety. Some people have difficulty sleeping when they take them.
The "rebound effect" is a condition that occurs when the drug's effects wear off is a major issue. Certain people may also suffer from high blood pressure or a heart rate while taking these medications. These medications are safe and effective for adults when taken according to the prescription of their physician.
The most effective stimulant medication for a person with ADHD is one that is taken in the morning prior to school or at work. These are known as long-acting stimulants. This form of the drug can reduce the risk of an effect of rebound and could reduce symptoms in the evening and afternoon as well.
If required, other versions of the medication could be taken throughout the day. Short-acting pills are absorbed quickly and peak in the body. adhd no medication who needs frequent doses of these pills may need to take more than one tablet per day. This could be a problem for many adults with ADHD.
Stimulants are among the most popular and widely used treatment for ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They are the most effective drugs for reducing ADHD symptoms. However, they may cause serious and life-threatening side effects when used in a way that is not properly or in large doses. They also increase your risk of developing depression and other mental health issues.
Nonstimulant medication
Nonstimulant medications are an alternative to stimulant medications such as Ritalin in the event that they don't work or have negative side effects that are too severe. These medications are less addictive and prone to abuse than stimulants. They boost the brain chemical norepinephrine. These drugs are usually prescribed by specialists in mental health conditions, or psychiatrists. They can be prescribed in conjunction with a treatment plan that incorporates psychosocial treatments and lifestyle adjustments.
Nonstimulant drugs may take longer to work than stimulants. They may also require a greater dosage to achieve the same degree of effectiveness. They are usually prescribed in capsule or tablet and can be consumed with or without. They are more likely to cause stomach upset or alter heart rate and blood pressure. They also be at risk of developing interactions with other drugs, so careful monitoring is required.
Certain ADHD medications are available in patches, which can be worn on the skin. These are useful for people who forget to take their medication or have difficulty swallowing tablets. They can also be useful for children who are sensitive and don't like taking medicine through mouth. However, the patch has limited use for children due to its necessity for continuous application.
It may take some time to find the right dosage, combination of medications, and schedule. It is crucial to be honest with your doctor about how your child or you reacts to the medication. It's beneficial to keep a record of your your child's symptoms, as well as any changes that occur with the medication.
There are always some side consequences when you take any medication. This includes stomach upset, difficulty sleeping, increased heart rate, and weight loss in certain people. Children and adolescents who take stimulant drugs may notice a decrease in their growth rate, however this is not usually significant. Some individuals may experience anxiety or tics. A small percentage of people have a severe response to the medication.
Consult a doctor as quickly as you or your child develop severe symptoms. Only take medications as prescribed by your physician. If you have leftover medication, talk to your pharmacist about the possibility of a prescription drug take-back program, or mix it with cat litter or coffee grounds and eliminate it.
Antidepressants
Many people who are prescribed stimulant medication for ADHD also use an antidepressant or a nonstimulant medication. These medications can help to relax the mind and reduce some of stimulant side effects like a decrease in appetite or difficulty sleeping. Nonstimulant drugs are less likely than stimulants to cause depression. They also aid in treating anxiety and bipolar disorders which can be linked to ADHD.
The stimulants used to treat ADHD are prone for misuse and abuse. Teens and children with ADHD might use stimulants to boost their alertness or to curb their appetites in order to shed weight. Others might use them to get "high." They are included in Schedule I drugs, which have a high risk of addiction. If they are prescribed correctly and taken by adults they do not increase the risk of addiction.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. It stimulates the activity in the brain regions that control attention and behavior. It's available in immediate-release tablets (small doses that are taken between 2 and 3 times a day) and modified-release tablets, that release the drug throughout the day. Also available in chewable and liquid form.
Certain people who take stimulant medications for ADHD are able to experience a brief period of fatigue, a low mood, and a rise in activity after the medication wears off. This is referred to as the rebound effect. Changing the time of day you take your medication or altering your dosage could reduce these symptoms.
Another option for adults with ADHD is guanfacine. It is available as the long-acting medication Intuniv. This blood pressure medication, which is a type alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist has been proven effective in reducing hyperactivity in adults. It is not believed to be as effective in reducing symptoms of inattention.
Finding the best ADHD medication for your child or you will take time. Your doctor may begin with low doses, and then gradually increase them until they determine the right combination that will control your symptoms while causing fewest adverse negative effects. You should visit your GP regularly to undergo regular checkups, and to determine if the dosage needs to be adjusted.