Ten ADHD Medication Myths That Don't Always Hold
ADHD Medicine For Kids Some children need to take multiple ADHD medicines to achieve the best results. Children should take their medications on a regular schedule. Stimulant drugs help normal brain chemicals improve concentration, and control impulses. They can be found 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 aids in reducing ADHD symptoms. It can also be used to treat the symptoms of narcolepsy. It boosts levels of dopamine, which can improve mood and concentration. It is a controlled drug which means it is only available on prescription and must be prescribed by a doctor. Methylphenidate may be taken in capsules or tablets, as an oral solution, or as a transdermal patch. The type of methylphenidate prescribed is based on the diagnosis of the doctor and other factors. Methylphenidate can cause some negative side effects, like stomachache, headache dry mouth, a rapid heartbeat, shakiness and nervousness. It can cause facial tics in certain people that are sudden movements of the muscles in the face that can't be controlled. This is a problem that occurs in less than one in 100 people who take methylphenidate. It's important to notify your doctor right away if your child or you begin to experience this problem. It could also trigger an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which your doctor will closely watch when you're taking it. Some people might also experience a skin reaction, like a rash which can be itchy, swollen or blistered. It can also affect the flow of blood to the feet and fingers (Raynaud’s disease). This is extremely serious and requires immediate treatment in hospital. Generally, methylphenidate is considered safe for most people when taken as directed. However, it can cause a significant decrease in blood pressure if the dose is too high or it's taken frequently. It can also make you feel sleepy and dizzy It's not recommended to operate machinery or drive if you take 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 in certain people, so 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 in a locked cupboard and use only the amount recommended by your doctor. adhd and depression medication are used to treat ADHD in adolescents, children and adults. They help by increasing levels of certain brain chemicals, improving concentration, and helping to control the impulsive behavior. They can also be used to treat certain symptoms of Tourette's syndrome. These medicines are available in tablets with immediate release and extended-release capsules, as well in an oral solution. They are controlled drugs in the UK (class C) which means that you'll need to be signed in by a doctor when collecting them. They are usually taken once a day, although some people take them twice daily. Atomoxetine is different from other stimulant medicines. It is a prescription drug that can be given to children and teens older than 5 if methylphenidate or Lisdexamfetamine aren't available. It works differently from other stimulant medications. It is available to teenagers and children over 5 years old when methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine aren't available or to adults suffering from an illness that has been diagnosed. It is usually taken as a capsule one or twice per day. adhd and depression medication are widely abused. Make sure your child's or teen's medications out of reach and away from the sight of the children's friends. They must not be shared or sold. It is risky to use the medication in the wrong way. For example crushing the medication and injecting it. Certain street drugs are made up of amphetamines' structures such as methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy). Amphetamines can lead to addiction and adverse effects that can be difficult to cope with particularly in older people. These side effects may include extreme fatigue and irritation. They could also include cravings, a desire to continue taking the drug, as well as a feeling of extreme fatigue. Consult your physician when you or your child is experiencing any of these symptoms. If you or your children are taking long-acting stimulation drugs, it's important to be aware of the fact that blood pressure may drop abruptly when the drug is removed. Contact triple zero (000) or an ambulance immediately if this occurs. This is extremely risky and can lead to an attack on the heart, stroke or even death. You can seek support and advice from your physician by discussing with them the consequences of stopping the medication or decreasing the dosage. Long-acting stimulants Stimulants can help those with ADHD focus, complete tasks and improve their relationships. It is not for everyone to use this kind of medication. The side effects, such as anxiety and heart palpitations, and the negative impact on sleep and appetite are often unpleasant. These issues can stop people from taking the medication they require. There are methods to alleviate these adverse effects. Your doctor can lower the dose of your medicine or change it to a different medication, and self-help strategies can make a big difference. The majority of people who take an ADHD medication will need to be monitored closely by medical professionals. It takes up to a month before the medication can take its full effect, so it's essential to find the appropriate dosage. The medical professional may ask about your or your child's routine and habits in order to help determine what works best for you and will look at any other health conditions that could cause problems. Concerta, Focalin, Ritalin SR and Vyvanse are some of the most popular stimulants with long-acting properties. They belong to a class of drugs called methylphenidates, and have been in use for a long time. Some are available in liquid form and chewable tablets, whereas others come on skin patches for children who do not want to take pills. Adderall, Dexedrine and other amphetamine-based ADHD medications are also available. These are more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates. They can be used in a variety of ways, including powder for children who are too young to take pills. Some kids prefer to take these pills mixed with juice or milk. Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are long-acting psychostimulants that are not in the methylphenidate or amphetamine groups. They are part of a class of drugs known as selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors and are able to increase levels of norepinephrine, a brain chemical. They can also lessen the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Other medicines Non-stimulant medicines may be prescribed in cases where stimulants do not work or cause unpleasant side effects. These medications can take longer to kick in but they can help improve your ability focus and control impulses. They can also help to reduce anxiety and depression, which may sometimes occur along with ADHD. Doctors may also recommend therapy to aid in managing your symptoms and improve your behavior or suggest that you avoid certain food drinks, foods, or activities that are known to cause issues in people with ADHD. The effects of stimulants alter the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. Norepinephrine helps you focus and dopamine enhances your concentration. 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 for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor, which essentially means it increases the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. Other drugs in this group include guanfacine hydrochloride (Tenex and Intuniv) and the clonidine hydrochloride (Catapres). Doctors may prescribe antidepressants that increase the level of dopamine, a 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, specifically cannabis and nicotine addiction. There are some experts who believe there is a connection between mood and ADHD. Antidepressants can be beneficial in treating ADHD symptoms as well as improving mood. The NHS recommends talking to your GP prior to taking these medications. If your GP determines that medication is the best choice for you, he'll prescribe a small dose, which will gradually increase over a time of several weeks. Your GP will monitor you regularly to ensure that the treatment is working and look for any adverse effects. They may refer you to an expert like psychologist or counselor, for additional support.