15 Things You Didn't Know About ADHD Medication

· 6 min read
15 Things You Didn't Know About ADHD Medication

ADHD Medicine For Kids

Some children need to take multiple ADHD medicines to achieve the most effective results. Children should take their medicines regularly.

Stimulant medications work to aid normal brain chemicals to improve concentration and control impulses. They are available in form of liquid, pills, or extended-release capsules. The doctor will start you with a lower dose and observe your reaction to the drug.

Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate, a stimulant can be used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD symptoms. It boosts levels of dopamine which improves mood and concentration. It is a controlled substance which means that it has to be prescribed by a physician and can only be purchased by prescription (it is not available on the street). Methylphenidate can be purchased in capsules, tablets or oral solutions, as well as transdermal patches. The kind of methylphenidate prescribed is based on the diagnosis of the doctor and other factors.

Methylphenidate may cause side effects such as a headache or stomachache, a dry mouth, a fast heartbeat, shakiness or anxiety. It may also trigger facial tics in certain people that are rapid movements of the muscles of the face that aren't controlled. This happens in less than 1 out of 100 people taking methylphenidate however, it is important to inform your doctor immediately when you or your child start experiencing this problem. It can also cause an increase in heartbeat and blood pressure that your doctor will closely monitor during your treatment. Certain people may also have a skin reaction like a rash, which can be itchy, swollen or blistered. It can affect blood flow to the feet and fingers (Raynaud’s disease). This is a serious problem that requires immediate hospital treatment.

In general, methylphenidate is safe for the majority of people when taken according to the directions. It could cause a risky drop in blood pressure if taken in large quantities or over a long period of time. It may also make you feel dizzy and shaky, so it's not recommended that you operate machinery or drive if you take it.

Methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II drug, which means it has the potential to be misused. It is also known to cause addiction in some people, so it is important to be cautious not to share your medication with anyone else. Keep your methylphenidate locked in a cabinet and only use the amount prescribed.

Amphetamines

Amphetamines, a class of medications, are used to treat ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They help by increasing levels of certain brain chemicals, enhancing concentration, and aiding in the ability to manage impulsive behavior. They also aid in the treatment of certain symptoms of Tourette's.

They are available in tablets with immediate release and extended-release capsules, as well in an oral solution. In the UK they are controlled medications (class C), which means that you must be enrolled by your physician to receive the pills. They are most often taken once a day, although some people take them twice daily.

Atomoxetine is different from other stimulant medicines. It can be prescribed to children and teenagers older than 5 if methylphenidate or Lisdexamfetamine aren't available. It performs differently than other stimulant medications. It is available to adolescents and children who are over 5 years old when methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine are not available or for adults with a diagnosed condition. It's typically taken as a capsule one or twice per day.

The use of stimulants is widespread. Keep your child's or teenager's medications out of away from the sight of friends. They should not be sold or shared. If you take the medication in the wrong manner, for example crushing and injecting it, could be extremely dangerous and life-threatening. Certain street drugs, like MDMA (ecstasy) and methamphetamine, are based on amphetamines.

Amphetamines can cause addiction and have side effects that can be difficult to manage, especially in older people. They may include extreme exhaustion, irritability, cravings, and a desire to take more. Consult your physician if you or your child is experiencing any of these side effects.

If you or your child are taking long-acting stimulants, you need to be aware of the risk of a sudden drop in blood pressure once the drug is removed. If this happens, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance as soon as you can. This can be very dangerous and could lead to an attack on the heart, stroke or even death. You can get support and advice from your doctor by discussing with them the consequences of stopping the medication or reducing the dosage.

Long-acting stimulants

Many people suffering from ADHD discover that stimulants can help them stay focused, finish tasks and enhance their relationships. However, not everyone is able to respond to this type of medication. And the side effects- like heart palpitations, anxiety, and a negative impact on appetite and sleep--are often uncomfortable. These issues can prevent people from taking the medication they need.

There are methods to reduce the effects of these adverse effects. Your doctor may reduce the dose of your medication or move you to another one. Self-help strategies can make a huge difference.

Most people who are taking an ADHD medication will need to be monitored closely by an expert in medical care. This is because it takes a few weeks to a full month for the medication to have its full effect. Also, it is essential to find the appropriate dosage for you. Medical professionals may inquire about your child's or your own routine and habits in order to determine what is effective for you, and will look at any other health issues that could cause problems.


The most well-known types of long-acting stimulants are Concerta, Focalin and Ritalin SR, and Vyvanse. They are part of a class of drugs known as methylphenidates and all of them have been in circulation for a long period of time. Some are available as liquids and chewable tablets, while others come on skin patches for kids who do not want to swallow pills.

The other type of long-acting ADHD medication is the amphetamine group that includes Adderall and Dexedrine. They have a stronger and last longer than methylphenidates, and are available in various ways, such as as a powder for some youngsters who aren't able take pills. These medications can be mixed with milk or juice to enhance their taste for certain children.

Strattera (atomoxetine), and Qelbree, (viloxazine), are long-acting stimulants that are not part of the methylphenidate group nor the amphetamine group. They are part of a class of drugs known as selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors and work by increasing levels of norepinephrine, a brain chemical. They can also decrease the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Other medicines

Non-stimulant medicines may be prescribed if stimulants are not effective or cause undesirable side effects. These drugs take longer to start working however they can enhance your ability to focus and control your impulses. They also can help reduce anxiety and depression, which can occur in conjunction with ADHD. Doctors might also suggest therapy to help you develop the skills to manage your symptoms and improve your behavior, or they might recommend that you avoid certain beverages, foods or activities that are known to cause issues for people who suffer from ADHD.

Stimulants alter the levels of two chemical brain messengers called dopamine and norepinephrine. Norepinephrine improves concentration, while dopamine helps to improve 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 medication approved for adults with ADHD as a non-stimulant. It is a selective inhibitor of norepinephrine synthesis, which means that it increases the level of norepinephrine within the brain. Other drugs in this class include guanfacine hydrochloride (Tenex and Intuniv) and clonidine hydrochloride (Catapres).

Doctors may also prescribe antidepressants, which increase the level of dopamine, a chemical messenger, in the brain. Bupropion is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant for adults with ADHD. It is often prescribed "off-label" to treat ADHD when it is associated with depression or substance abuse disorders, including cannabis and nicotine addiction.

Some experts think that there is a link between mood and ADHD, so antidepressants can be helpful in treating ADHD symptoms and improving your mood. The NHS recommends you speak with your GP prior to taking these drugs.

If your GP decides that medication is right for you, they will prescribe a dose and start you on small doses which they will gradually increase over a couple of weeks. Your GP will be monitoring your health regularly to ensure the treatment is effective and also to check for any side effects that might occur.  adhd and medication  might recommend you to an expert, such as a counselor or psychologist, for further assistance.