Which stimulant is used in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder?
For most children, stimulant medications are a safe and effective way to relieve ADHD symptoms. As glasses help people focus their eyes to see, these medications help children with ADHD focus their thoughts better and ignore distractions. This makes them more able to pay attention and control their behavior. Show
Stimulants may be used alone or combined with behavior therapy to treat children with ADHD.Studies show that about 80% of children with ADHD who are treated with stimulants improve a great deal once the right medication and dose are determined. Two forms of stimulants are available:
Non-stimulant ADHD medication can be tried when stimulant medications don't work or cause bothersome side effects.
Products are mentioned for informational purposes only and do not imply an endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Your doctor or pharmacist can proside you with important safety information for the products listed. Which ADHD medication is best for my child?It may take some time to find the best medication, dosage, and schedule for your child. Be patient with the process. Your child may need to try
different types of stimulants or other medication. Some children respond to one type of stimulant but not another.
Is there a shortage of Adderall?The U.S. Food & Drug Administration recently announced a shortage of immediate release formulation of amphetamine mixed salts. These are often referred to by the brand name Adderall or Adderall IR. Amphetamine mixed salts, including Adderall, are FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. Talk with your pediatrician about alternative therapies available, such as the extended-release version of amphetamine mixed salts. They can advise which may work best for your child until the shortage eases. What side effects can stimulants cause?Side effects occur sometimes. These tend to happen early in treatment and are usually mild and short-lived, but in rare cases they can be prolonged or more severe. The most common side effects include:
Some less common side effects include:
The same sleep problems do not exist for atomoxetine, but initially it may make your child sleepy or upset her stomach. There have been very rare cases of atomoxetine needing to be stopped because it was causing liver damage. Rarely atomoxetine increased thoughts of suicide. Guanfacine and clonidine can cause drowsiness, fatigue, or a decrease in blood pressure. Most side effects can be relieved by:
Monitoring the effects of your child's medicationClose
contact with your pediatrician is needed until you find the best medication and dose for your child. After that, periodic monitoring by your doctor is important to maintain the best effects. To monitor the effects of the medication, your pediatrician will probably have you and your child's teachers fill out behavior rating scales, observe changes in your child's target goals, notice any side effects, and monitor your child's height, weight, pulse and blood pressure. Stimulants, atomoxetine, and guanfacine may not be an option for children who are taking certain other medications or who have some medical conditions, such as congenital heart disease. More than half of children who have tic disorders, such as Tourette syndrome, also have ADHD.Tourette syndrome is an inherited condition associated with
frequent tics and unusual vocal sounds. The effect of stimulants on tics is not predictable, although most studies indicate that stimulants are safe for children with ADHD and tic disorders in most cases. It is also possible to use atomoxetine or guanfacine for children with ADHD and Tourette syndrome. Are children getting high on stimulant medications?When taken as directed by a doctor, there is no evidence that children are getting high on stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate and amphetamine. At therapeutic doses, these drugs also do not sedate or tranquilize children and do not increase the risk of addiction. Stimulants are classified as Schedule II drugs by the US Drug Enforcement Administration because there is abuse potential of this class of medication. If your child is on this medication, it is always best to supervise the use of the medication closely. Atomoxetine and guanfacine are not Schedule II drugs because they don't have abuse potential, even in adults. Are stimulant medications gateway drugs leading to illegal drug or alcohol abuse?People with ADHD are naturally impulsive and tend to take risks. But patients with ADHD who are taking stimulants are not at a greater risk and actually may be at a lower risk of using other drugs. Children and teenagers who have ADHD and also have coexisting conditions may be at higher risk for drug and alcohol abuse, regardless of the medication used. See ADHD and Substance Abuse: The Link Parents Need to Know for more information. Unproven ADHD Treaments:There is no scientific evidence that the following methods work and they are not recommended.
Always tell your pediatrician about any
alternative therapies, supplements or medications that your child is using. These may interact with prescribed medications and harm your child. More information
The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances. Which kind of drug is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity?Methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for ADHD. It belongs to a group of medicines called stimulants, which work by increasing activity in the brain, particularly in areas that play a part in controlling attention and behaviour.
What is the most effective stimulant for ADHD?ADHD specialists recommend methylphenidates as the first-choice medication for treating children and adolescents, and amphetamines as the first-choice medication for adults.
What is stimulant treatment for ADHD?Stimulants. Stimulants are the most common type of prescription medication healthcare providers use to treat ADHD. Despite their name, stimulants don't work by increasing your stimulation. Rather, they work by increasing levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in your brain called dopamine and norepinephrine.
What is the most common treatment for ADD and ADHD?Stimulants are the best-known and most widely used ADHD medications. Between 70-80% of children with ADHD have fewer ADHD symptoms when taking these fast-acting medications. Nonstimulants were approved for the treatment of ADHD in 2003.
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