Question 1

Is ADHD medication meth?

Accepted Answer

Short Answer, No

Methamphetamine is part of the amphetamine family. A class of psychostimulant drugs, which means they speed up the messages travelling between the brain and the body.
Amphetamines are used to treat a range of neurological conditions from ADHD, Narcolepsy even Parkinson's disease.

Part of the amphetamine family used within medicine also includes Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride which is used in some cold and flu medication. In fact, the first over-the-counter use of stimulant medication was an inhaler that used the amphetamine Benzedrine for nasal congestion. This was also the same amphetamine used to start the treatment of ADHD back when ADHD was referred to as a hyperkinetic reaction of childhood.

What is NOT an amphetamine base drug, however, are medications with the base chemical methylphenidate such as Ritalin and Concerta. Despite being widely caught up in discussion as, 'meth for children.'

The warnings about prolonged use of amphetamine use do not take into consideration the medicinal use of controlled substances and dosages under the watch of trained medical professionals. Amphetamines have been used to treat ADHD since 1937, and despite popular belief that long-term studies have no been performed. This is simply not true, and we possess countless studies on this subject.

REFERENCES

https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/amphetamines/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3666194/#:~:text=It%20was%20Bradley%20(1937)%20who,American%20Psychiatric%20Association%2C%201994).
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/history#:~:text=ADHD%20was%20originally%20called%20hyperkinetic,disorder%20with%20or%20without%20hyperactivity.%E2%80%9D
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4564067/

Question 2

My child is worse in the evenings now since starting medication.

Accepted Answer

Your child is likely suffering medication rebound.
Medication rebound is separate to withdrawal or comedown. It is defined as, 'The re-emerging and worsening of symptoms the medication was used to treat.'
This occurs as the medication wears off and the body returns to baseline.

A relatable example of rebound would be coffee. As the coffee wears off, the user will now feel more tired than when they first had taken the coffee to treat their drowsy symptoms.

Please keep in mind, don't look at medication as the Golden Ticket of treatment.
You can see medication for ADHD as an exchange.
You are trading less than desirable symptoms for hopefully some more manageable ones.
eg. Medication rebound, lack of appetite, difficulty with sleep.

REFERENCES:-

https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/manage-medication-rebound
https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-medication-rebound-what-you-need-to-know
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7425303/#:~:text=Rebound%3A%20Recurrence%20of%20symptoms%20of,as%20a%20newly%20emerging%20disorder.

Question 3

Am I scared to start my child on medication for ADHD.

Accepted Answer

Unlike some other medications, such as Anti-depressants.
Stimulant medication, (Ritalin, Concerta, Vyvanse, Adderall) does not need a taper-down period, meaning it can be stopped at any time.

Stimulant Medication has been used since 1937, and despite popular belief that long-term studies have not been performed. This is simply not true, and we possess countless studies on this subject. There have been no major negative health effects from taking stimulant medication for a prolonged period of time.

Long-term use of stimulant medication used as intended has found positive and lasting effects on the brain. Studies have shown that children with ADHD who don't get treatment have smaller, underdeveloped brain regions in adulthood. However adults with ADHD who took stimulant medication as children have brain regions that develop to reach normal adult size.
Does this prove that stimulant medication can cure ADHD?
Nice thought, but no, it merely suggests that stimulants can reduce some of the brain differences that may cause ADHD symptoms.

REFERENCES

https://chadd.org/attention-article/discontinuing-adhd-meds-when-the-only-way-to-move-forward-is-to-stop/#:~:text=Stimulant%20medication%20does%20not%20have,up%20ratings%20with%20the%20prescriber.
https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/features/what-happens-when-you-stop-meds
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3666194/#:~:text=It%20was%20Bradley%20(1937)%20who,American%20Psychiatric%20Association%2C%201994).
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/history#:~:text=ADHD%20was%20originally%20called%20hyperkinetic,disorder%20with%20or%20without%20hyperactivity.%E2%80%9D
https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/long-term-risks-adhd-medications
https://www.additudemag.com/long-term-effects-of-adhd-medication-brain/

Question 4

How much is too much in dosage for ADHD medication?

Accepted Answer

It is common, and very understandable for parents and patients themselves to question the sized dosage of their stimulant medication for ADHD.
The approach should always be “Start Low, Titrate Slow.”

Stimulant medication dosage is not as simple as age and weight.
Some people may not be affected by low to moderate dosages simply because that is the way their bodies are.
And others may respond incredibly well to minute quantities of the prescribed medication.
This doesn't mean one has ADHD worse than another. It cannot be measured on a scale of impact based on their response to stimulant medication.

Another thing to note with stimulant medication is that too low of a dosage can be just as off-putting to mood and cognitive function as too high a dosage.
Keep a list of what you experience and prepare it for your Doctor to assess whether this medication is best for you or where to go next in your journey to finding the right fit.

REFERENCES

https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-medication-mistakes-adderall-dosage/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5505611/
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-does-titration-of-medication-mean-20899

Question 5

My child's pupils are really big and looks stoned

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine, also known as noradrenaline are thought to be linked to pupil dilation.
Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that is closely tied to the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Both stimulants, and some non stimulant medications used in the symptom management of ADHD work by increasing norepinephrine in order the benefit cognitive function of the individual taking the medication.

It is also why pupil dilation is understood to be an indication of cognitive behavioural changes and decision making, as referenced in the below study.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3183372/

REFERENCES

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5854659/#:~:text=Changes%20in%20pupil%20diameter%20are,and%20corresponding%20changes%20in%20behavior.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK540977/#:~:text=During%20states%20of%20stress%20or,the%20kidneys%2C%20and%20inhibiting%20peristalsis.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3183372/

Question 6

ADHD Medication Guide Table

Accepted Answer

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bf8de5_d0391e2be46247d08456c1b48f0fbdfc~mv2.png

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