There Are Myths And Facts Behind ADHD And Medication
ADHD Medication
ADHD medications can help alleviate a variety of symptoms but they don't cure the disorder. Typically, your physician will prescribe medication in conjunction with counseling, education, and behavior therapy.
Stimulant medications are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. They work by boosting or balancing brain chemicals that control behavior and attention. These include methylphenidates, like Ritalin and Concerta (and amphetamines like Dexedrine).
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is among the most extensively researched stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. It has been proven safe and effective for children and adults. This medication is available in a variety, including tablets, liquid chewable tablets, as well as extended-release capsules. It is also available in a single-isomer form that only contains right-handed molecules, not the left-handed ones. (Brand name Focalin XR Generic name is dexmethylphenidate-ER).
There are some who experience side effects of methylphenidate like nausea and headaches. These side effects are typically mild, and they disappear when the patient is used to the medication. Talk to your doctor if the adverse reactions persist. They may change your dosage, or prescribe a new medication.
In some cases methylphenidate could cause mood changes, such as feeling anxious or depressed. This isn't common, but it can be serious if you have a preexisting mental illness like bipolar disorder. In rare cases, methylphenidate may also cause a manic episode for bipolar disorder sufferers.
Methylphenidate can raise your heart rate and blood pressure and is not recommended for anyone with heart problems. It should be avoided by anyone with an history of heart failure or structural heart disease, particularly children and young adults. It should not be used by those suffering from phenylketonuria. It is an inherited condition that requires a low-protein eating plan. Consult your physician prior to taking this medication if you suffer from a heart condition.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is an FDA-approved drug is used to treat attention-hyperactivity disorder in children and adults. It also serves as a treatment for binge-eating disorder (BED). It is an NS stimulant that is effective by increasing activity in certain parts of the brain. It is only available through prescription.
The drug may cause serious side effects if combined with other medications, including anticholinergics and sedatives. This combination may increase the risk of having heart issues and seizures. It is also a risk when you drive or operating machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol when taking Vyvanse and make sure not to drive until you are aware of how the drug affects you. If you must dispose of your medication, make use of an online program for taking back your medicine or mix it with a nontoxic substance such as dirt or cat litter and dispose of it in the trash of your home.
Studies of lisdexamfetamine demonstrate that it's as effective as the long-acting methylphenidate compounds and the non-stimulant Atomoxetine. Additionally, a recent European study showed that lisdexamfetamine could be more efficacious than methylphenidate.
The studies on lisdexamfetamine demonstrate that it can improve performance both in classroom and work environments. A small open-label study by Brown et al37 showed significant improvement in a simulated workplace. A different study by Wigal and al38 demonstrated improvements in performance on a permanent Product Measure of Performance test.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is distinct from stimulants such as Ritalin, Adderall (dextroamphetamine), and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine). It is not a central nerve system stimulant, but instead a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor. Noradrenaline is an organic chemical that transmits messages from one nerve cell to another brain cell. Noradrenaline is recycled by nerve endings following sending messages. Atomoxetine hinders this process and boosts the levels of active noradrenaline inside the brain. This helps to improve the ability to focus and reduce impulsive behavior.
The medication is taken orally and comes in capsule form. The medication is usually prescribed twice a day or once a day however, it can be administered more frequently if required. It is important to follow the doctor's directions carefully, especially at the beginning of treatment. It is best to take the medicine with food and drink a large glass of water. Do not mix it with hot drinks or other medicines unless you are told otherwise.
Although studies have shown that atomoxetine is more effective than methylphenidate and dexamfetamine in treating ADHD symptoms, it is still less efficient. It is less effective than nonstimulant medications like tricyclic antidepressants, or clonidine. Atomoxetine can cause lightheadedness, dizziness and fainting. To avoid this, you should not rise too fast from a sitting position. You should also avoid alcohol and cigarette smoke when you are taking this drug. Additionally, you should consult your physician about the most suitable diet for you or your child.
Adderall
Adderall is a stimulant of the central nervous system that helps to increase alertness and focus. It works by increasing the levels of two neurotransmitters in the brain: norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Dopamine reinforces positive behaviors while norepinephrine regulates the heart rate, blood pressure, and blood vessels.
Adderall doesn't cause high when taken in the dose that is recommended by your physician. It can still cause adverse effects such as dry mouth and insomnia. Consult your physician if you notice these symptoms in your child or teen. The doctor might be able to modify the dose or switch medications.
Stimulant medications are a common treatment for ADHD but they may cause problems for some children. These problems can range in severity from school-related problems to social problems. Teens also use stimulants to get a buzz. They can cause addiction. Fortunately, most of these problems are preventable.
Certain children with ADHD have difficulty sleeping at night. The medication can help them sleep better. It is important to reduce the amount of time spent on screens and caffeine close to bedtime. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
Adderall contains amphétamine, a controlled substance. It can result in false positives on tests for drug screening. Therefore, it's important to inform the authorities when you are working or playing sports. Adderall's duration in the body may vary from person to person. It is best to not take it for two to four days prior to your next test.
Dexedrine
Dexedrine, a potent stimulant can affect the central nervous system. It works similarly to other ADHD medications by increasing the neurotransmitters in the brain. This increases brain neurotransmitters and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. It also improves listening abilities and alters the way a person is feeling. It is available as a tablets that are short-acting and extended-release capsules. It is a Schedule II drug, meaning it is able to cause addiction. over the counter adhd medication can also raise the heart rate and blood pressure. If this happens, inform your doctor right away.
Many children with ADHD suffer from side effects when taking stimulant medication. They may develop an upset stomach, experience trouble sleeping, or feel aggressive or angry. These side effects can be reduced or eliminated if the dosage, formula or type of medication is changed.

The medications are not able to cure ADHD however they can assist children to manage their emotions and focus. They can also improve their performance at school. However, ADHD symptoms will return if the drugs are discontinued. Therefore, they should be taken as prescribed by a physician.
Stimulant medications can increase the heart rate of some individuals, so doctors must keep an eye on blood pressure and heart rhythm. They can also cause sleep issues and changes in appetite. The best method to manage ADHD is to combine therapy, medication, and training. Children suffering from ADHD are less able to achieve full scale IQs when compared to children without. They are more likely than other children to require special education or remedial academic services, and to be slower to complete high school. They are more likely to leave college.
Ritalin
Ritalin, the first medication used to treat ADHD in children, was designed for kindergarteners and first graders in mind. They only needed it for three or four hour periods every day. However, as children age, their need to concentrate is increasing, and they require longer-lasting medications. There are medicines that behave like stimulants but last for as long as 12 hours. These medications are known as "methylphenidates," and they increase the quantity of two substances in the brain that influence concentration, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. The medication comes in a variety of forms, including pills that can either be swallowed whole or dissolving. It also comes in liquids that can be sucked into the oral cavity and patches that adhere to the skin.
The medication is not able to cure ADHD however it can aid in staying focus and less tense at work or at school. It can also make it easier to listen and follow directions. However, it could result in side effects like trouble sleeping, appetite problems and abdominal pain. It can also worsen symptoms such as anxiety or agitation. Psychosis can also be a trigger. It is essential to consult a doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms.
Stimulant medications have the potential to become abused, so they are classified as Schedule II drugs by the DEA. They can only be purchased on prescription and must be kept away from children and adults who might abuse them. Atomoxetine and guanfacine as well as other Schedule II drugs have fewer negative effects than stimulants.